Behind the Scenes with a County Engineer: A Conversation with Elliott Taylor

Local government often gets a bad rap, with many people associating it with bureaucracy and political partisanship. However, the reality is far different. Local government employees are dedicated professionals working tirelessly to improve their communities. To shed light on their important work, I sat down with Elliott Taylor, the County Engineer for Washington County, to discuss his role, the unique challenges he faces, and his personal journey.?

The Role of a County Engineer?

As the sole County Engineer, Elliott Taylor wears many hats. His responsibilities range from ensuring up-to-date specifications for road construction to performing direct inspections of county infrastructure. Elliott’s day-to-day work involves a combination of field inspections and office work, often overlapping with the roles of other county officials.?

“I enjoy the variety in my job,” Elliott says. “Sometimes I’m out in the field inspecting roads and culverts, and other times I’m working with our asset management software to keep track of our infrastructure.”?

Managing Diverse Environments?

Washington County presents unique challenges due to its diverse environments. The county spans mountainous regions, rural areas with gravel roads, and urban settings with bridges and rivers. This diversity requires Elliott to adapt his approach to infrastructure maintenance.?

“Washington County is like having ten different biomes in one area,” Elliott notes. “From snow-covered mountains to rivers and cities, each part of the county has its own set of challenges. It keeps my job interesting and ensures that no two days are the same.”?

The Importance of Water Management?

Water management is a significant aspect of Elliott’s role. The county frequently deals with flash floods and heavy rainfall, which can wreak havoc on infrastructure. Ensuring that roads and bridges can withstand these conditions is a top priority.??

“Flooding and drainage issues are our biggest challenges,” Elliott says. “We have to make sure our infrastructure is robust enough to handle sudden, heavy rains. This means regular inspections and maintenance in addition to cost effectively upgrading existing assets to prevent any major issues in the event of a flood.”?

A Personal Journey?

Elliott’s career path to becoming a County Engineer is as diverse as the environment he manages. He began his journey in a field of engineering that I didn’t know existed, geological engineering. Just like it sounds, this combines principles of geology and engineering to address issues related to building on or under the earth's surface.?While earning his degree in geological?engineering, he worked?as a soil lab technician at AGEC, gaining an in-depth knowledge of soil mechanics with real world applications. Eventually, his path drove him to public service with Washington County.?

A Unique Perspective?

One of Elliott’s favorite ways to connect with his work is by driving his project car on the county roads he is responsible for maintaining. This unique perspective allows him to see firsthand the conditions of the roads and understand better how to serve the residents who use them.??

“Driving my project car on these roads gives me a real sense of their condition and the experience of the residents who use them,” Elliott explains. “It’s a great way to stay connected with my work and enjoy the epic scenery of Washington County.”?

Conclusion?

Elliott Taylor’s work as a County Engineer highlights the dedication and expertise of local government employees. His objective approach to infrastructure management, coupled with his personal commitment to the community he grew up in, demonstrate the critical role these professionals play in our communities. By understanding and appreciating their work and personal journeys, we can help dispel the misconceptions surrounding local government.?