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  6.  | Eli Ward Joins R&M’s Construction Services Department

Eli Ward Joins R&M’s Construction Services Department

Jun 17, 2020 | Engineering, Right Moves

Eli Ward recently joined R&M Consultants as Staff Engineer in the firm’s Construction Services department. In this role, Ward will support ongoing construction administration projects throughout Alaska. He will oversee day-to-day construction operations, including serving as the Owner’s On-Site Representative, corresponding with construction contractors, issuing change orders and directives, processing pay estimates, performing field engineering, and managing R&M field staff.

“Eli is a great fit for R&M,” said Paul Hetzel, R&M’s vice president of Construction Services. “He jumped right in and started making a difference day one. He brings an energy and understanding of the engineering and construction industry beyond typical of an EIT of his standing.”

Ward has four years of experience in geotechnical engineering, materials inspection, and construction services. He began his career working for the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, supporting horizontal construction projects and geotechnical investigations for highway and airport projects. He also spent about a year-and-a-half with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources in the Alaska Dam Safety Program. Ward moved into the private sector last year, where he has completed geotechnical investigations and analysis in support of a variety of projects.

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Since joining R&M, Ward has been involved with Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway Improvements and Glenn Highway Capacity Improvements, Phase II. He is currently working on the Crooked Creek Airport Improvements project, which has entailed field lab preparation, materials testing, and inspections.

“R&M is a small Alaska company that provides great work for our clients,” said Ward. “What I’ve come to enjoy the most is that the company has close connections between all levels that seem to get lost on the large company scale. All of my coworkers are awesome people to work with.”

Ward has a bachelor’s in geological sciences from UAF and is Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction certified in aggregate, concrete, embankment, and density. Outside of work, one can usually find Ward working inside his house on remodels, landscaping outside, or helping friends with any projects they have. He also enjoys hiking and biking with his significant other and their dog, as well as adventuring inside and outside of Alaska.

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Construction
May 2026
Our May 2026 construction content covers multiple exiting projects around the state, from the new planetarium in Fairbanks to the cruise terminal in Seward to a pedestrian lightings project on Kodiak to an education and science center at Portage. The construction special section also explores the significant impact the industry has on Alaska, looking at efforts to rebuild in Western Alaska and workforce development. May also features the 2026 entrants into the Alaska Innovators Hall of Fame, insight on the 529 Program, and coordinating emergency preparedness. Enjoy!
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