Jack Simmons
Geoscientist | Austin, TX
Jack Simmons started at GDS in the Austin office in July 2018. He is a Geoscientist who works with the environmental group. Prior to working with GDS, Jack worked with an environmental consulting and engineering firm for almost 5 years after graduating from the University of Arizona in May 2013. He has extensive experience in environmental site assessment, contamination delineation and remediation, and environmental permitting (various media). Additionally, Jack has experience in groundwater modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and AutoCAD. As of November 2018, he is a registered Professional Geoscientist in Texas.
Jack has worked with federal, state, local, and private clients on a variety of sites including military installations, dry cleaning sites, chemical plants, oil refineries, and locations/sites of emergency response. Recently at GDS, the environmental team has been working closely with a client to ensure that a site is properly remediated so that the community can enjoy the site for years to come!
What has working at GDS taught you?
Working at GDS this past year has taught me how to better satisfy clients’ needs and how to better adapt to unexpected situations that may arise during a project. Additionally, working alongside GDS employees that are former environmental regulators has taught me how to better work with regulators to improve project efficiency for our clients.
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
On my days off, I enjoy getting outside whenever possible to kayak, play volleyball, ride bikes, fish, shoot skeet, or hike with family and friends! When not outside, exploring Austin’s food scene is a great way to spend the day – as well as staying up to date with the stock market and economy.
What is the best vacation you’ve been on?
San Juan Island, Washington would have to be the best vacation I have been on. My family and I visited the island for a month while I was on summer break in middle school. There, we explored the island, entertained friends, harvested clams (lots of clams), caught Dungeness crabs, and enjoyed eating lots of seafood. Since then, I’ve been back to the San Juan Islands a few times with friends and family and the experiences have only gotten better!
Any career lessons you have learned thus far?
Over the past 5+ years, I’ve worked with very talented and intelligent folks that have taught me how to adequately address clients’ needs while ensuring that the staff is happy and motivated.
Do you have a favorite film or television show?
I recently watched the TV mini-series, Chernobyl, and really enjoyed learning about this historic event.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself?
I really like fried chicken!
Do you play any sports or participate in any extra-curricular activities?
I met my fiancée at the Austin Beer Run Club, 3 years ago, and we continue to run together and with groups today. When not running, I enjoy mountain biking with friends, fishing, and hunting. Once or twice a year, a group of us will go to the Barton Creek Greenbelt (one of Austin’s public nature areas) and pick up litter through the Keep Austin Beautiful program.
Tell us a little bit about your family and friends:
I’m the only Texan in my immediate family; they all reside in Arizona and California. Living in different states has its drawbacks but when we can get together, we never run out of things to do and talk about.
Chernobyl. Sky Atlantic & HBO. 2019. Television.