Victor Hernandez is a Skanska project assistant with more than a decade of experience in civil construction. He began his career during his basic competency training program after obtaining a Civil Engineering degree from the University of California-Irvine, working from the field engineer to his current role in the beloved 9.5 million dollars in Westside Purple Line Line [rail] Extension (now called Line D) in Los Angeles, as part of the joint company of the contractor with Shea and Treylor Brothers. Hernandez has managed construction operations at various underground stations, such as Fairfax, La Brea and Cienega, part of one of the most geologically complex traffic projects in the city. His technical experience includes deep excavations and traffic systems, heavy concrete construction, MEPs, systems, architectural finishes and civil catering. This interview With Aileen Cho, Deputy Editor of Enr for Infrastructure, It was edited by clarity.
ENR: What is your origin story?
Hernandez: I didn’t know the industry too much until I met Skanska’s executives at a work fair, where it showed their project to build the Metlife Stadium. I like football!
Victor Hernandez
They promoted very well. I would probably have united to a design company otherwise. Only [Skanska] He talked about the construction industry and doing these projects.
I joined the main skills training program of Skanska, a two -year program for new graduates. Every four months would turn to a different part of the company: cost controls, field engineering, security. You get to see all the departments. I worked at the Metro Regional Connector and then in Purple Line at his Estimation Office. There, Skanska had his own design group focused on false works for specific excavation and support. Four months are long enough to show what [that department] It is ready, while you let you wish more.
What were your favorite rotations?
The field field made me a call. Field Engineering and Deputy Superintendent: They were my favorites. I like to be in the field, see everyday operations. I am a practical person. I need to see it, to feel. I started as a field engineer for the purple line. Over time, I became a project engineer that manages the construction of three stations.
What were some challenges?
We were right next to the [La Brea] Fosses de Tarà. Fairfax station is where I started working as a field engineer. He had the most impacted soils with tar. It was quite crazy, the things we took out of there. Grue mats, all kinds of things [were used] To make the floor stable enough. The smell was crazy. Every time I returned to the office, people could smell me before they could see me.
What was it like to work in a joint company with other contractors?
To be honest, it was difficult to say who Treylor Brothers, Shea or Skanska was. Some of my best friends are from [Traylor and Shea]. One was my roommate for a couple of years later.
Now that the Purple Line project is over, what do you work now?
I transferred to the [Los Angeles International Airport] PEOPLE MOVER PROJECT. I just learned. The Mover People was in pre -construction for about two years and is expected to be a five -year job.
You don’t think ten years have passed. All the time, it has been an exciting learning experience. Every two years, the work changed: excavation, heavy concrete, then construction of rooms, electrical cables and shooters. I was learning something new [time].
What tips do you have for people entering the industry?
Be curious. As a young engineer, if you enter the industry, you may be intimidated. There are many members of the older generations: the HARD. You learn a lot. See how things do. Take this information and use it as we move on in our races. It is a rewarding job. Demanding safely, but definitely worth it.
