Feb. 16-22, 2025, is Engineers Week. Join us as we spotlight some of the people behind the design, construction, and record-keeping of our city's streets, bridges, and water and sewer systems.
Meet Nathan Main! Nathan, a graduate of Athens High School, currently serves as a civil engineering tech for the City of Battle Creek, where he assists with the inspection of construction, maintenance, and repair projects for infrastructure improvements.
Nathan has pursued higher education through the University of Wisconsin Interdisciplinary Professional Programs and holds several certifications, including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Construction Storm Water Operator Certification, as well as Asphalt Paving Inspection and Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating through Michigan’s Local Technical Assistance Program.
What are your primary job responsibilities?
I assist with the design and development of infrastructure projects, including drafting with Civil3D and using software like MERL and Bluebeam to build contracts.
What’s the best part of your job?
I would say the best part of my job, personally, is the people I work with. The engineering team at the City of Battle Creek is unmatched compared to other teams I have worked with. We all get along very well and know how to work with each other. I actually look forward to coming to work and working with my team.
What’s a recent project that gave you a great sense of accomplishment? What made it special?
A special project that gave me a great sense of accomplishment would be the Cedar Avenue sewer construction. This project was special to me because it was the first infrastructure design that I completed. I was able to build and see the project from the very beginning, until its completion.
What emerging technologies are you most excited about, and how do you see them impacting your work?
An emerging technology that I am excited about would have to be the use of drone videography/photography. Being able to see a project from a new perspective can really help in the design and development of infrastructure. You are able to visualize different contours, trees, streams, rocks, etc. that may get in the way of your project, and that can result in better overall quality and efficiency of construction.
What role do you think engineers will play in addressing future challenges in Battle Creek?
I think that engineers will play the biggest role in Battle Creek's future challenges because they possess the necessary materials and knowledge to build infrastructure. Infrastructure is very delicate and must be treated with nothing short of accuracy and quality.
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not working?
My personal free time consists of spending time with my wife, Sarah, and my son, Waylon. We like to watch football (Steelers football), we like to travel, and we like to experience new adventures!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be and why?
The ability to be at more than one place at a time. It is often that we get into the height of construction season and must drive between two or three job sites to make sure everything is being done properly. The height of construction season can be very busy. Things can move quickly or slowly, depending on a number of factors.
How do you see the theme "Design Your Future" reflected in your daily work and the projects you undertake? Can you share a specific example?
"Design Your Future" to me is reflected in every part of my job. Not only am I a City of Battle Creek employee, but I am also a City of Battle Creek resident. This city is the future of my family and my neighbors, and I will put all my effort into ensuring that the future is one of quality. A small but primary example would be when I am inspecting a chip seal job. The contractor is to put inlet protection over all drains within the scope of the job, as this protection helps to keep rocks from getting into our storm drain infrastructure. Trap rock can be very damaging to drains, causing clogging which can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. If I don't make sure all bases are covered it could lead to these issues and cause future problems for the City of Battle Creek.
What skills and qualities do you think are essential for someone in your position?
Some important skills and qualities that are essential for someone in my position include the ability to talk to people, as you must be able to assess a situation professionally and properly. Another important skill is remembering lots of information. Engineering is full of formulas, standards, and specifications that you need to know in order to complete a job. The most important skill and quality you can have in my position is to be reliable. Engineering is a team effort and if you have someone you can't rely on to help the team, whether it be in the office or in the field, then everyone else must work harder to get results that are necessary. An unreliable person can create animosity and break up a team.
What advice would you give to young aspiring engineers who want to make a difference in the Battle Creek community?
I would say never stop pursuing. Battle Creek is a beautiful community and is continuing to improve every year. You, as an aspiring engineer, can make a difference in Battle Creek just by listening to the neighbors of our community. Most people in this city have families that have been here for generations and know what is best for Battle Creek. Get ideas, get insight. Bring to the community what the community wants you to bring to it.
