Welcome to RPA, Nick Kanauer

Nick Kanauer has joined the RPA Helena office as a Survey Assistant in the Survey/SUE Group. Nick has four years experience in land surveying and served as a Crew Chief on a variety of large civil projects. He is skilled with total project construction layout, Right-of-Way establishment, establishing and maintaining site control networks, and final as-built report production. Nick is also a licensed drone pilot specializing in LiDAR Imagery for topographic applications. In addition to a diverse survey background, Nick has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from SUNY Oswego College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Land Surveying Technology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Ranger School. 

Paul Herbst, PE, has joined the RPA Bozeman office as a Project Engineer in the Water and Wastewater Group. In addition to 10 years of experience with a focus on water distribution and wastewater systems, Paul has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University. His specialties include wastewater collection and treatment design, water distribution system modeling, and construction observation. As a Project Engineer at RPA, Paul will apply engineering design standards to design and prepare construction and related plans, specifications, reports, and contract documents, as well as conduct construction observation and contract administration duties.

Colton Grange, EI, has joined the RPA Helena office as an Engineering Designer in the Water/Wastewater Group. Colton is a graduate of Montana Technological University where in addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he also played safety for the Orediggers Football Team. To complement his education, Colton held internships with the Montana Department of Transportation and CrownQuest Operating in Midland, Texas. Following graduation, he worked as a drilling engineer for CrownQuest Operating where he acquired valuable experience with project management and coordination, optimization of oil and gas drilling/production, and pipeline design and operations. In his role as an Engineering Designer at RPA, Colton assists with various reports, data collection and analysis, project design, and construction observation.

Easton Whiteside has joined the RPA Helena office as our IT Network Administrator. Easton has a diverse background in IT and brings with him nearly a decade of experience in network support, cybersecurity, and broad systems support. In this new role, he is primarily responsible for the installation, maintenance, security, and administration of the firm’s networked computer system. Additionally, he assists with the acquisition, installation, and support of the firm’s hardware and software applications. Easton holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Technology from North Idaho College. Easton’s broad exposure to computer systems and his knowledge of the existing technology utilized at RPA, make him a valuable addition to the team.

Aaron Peters, EI, has joined the Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) Helena office as an Engineering Designer in the Site Development Group. Aaron has over five years of civil engineering experience with a primary focus in municipal and transportation engineering. At RPA, he will utilize his experience and education to complete various aspects of site design, including data collection, alternatives analysis, and preparation of construction documents. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Montana State University – Northern. His attention to detail, strong work ethic, and dedication to his profession make him an excellent addition to the RPA team.

Chris Brazda has joined the Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) Kalispell office as an Engineering Designer/Construction Technician in the Site Development Group. Chris is a recent graduate of Montana State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. To complement his education, Chris’s internship gave him valuable experience in septic system and drainfield design, as well as construction inspection. In his role as an Engineering Designer, Chris assists with various reports, preparing specifications and cost estimates, data collection and analysis and construction observation.

Colin Sassano has joined the Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) Helena office as an Engineering Designer/Construction Technician in the Water and Wastewater Group. Colin is a recent graduate of Carroll College where in addition to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he also played linebacker and served as team captain of the Fighting Saints Football Team. He interned with RPA for two summers, gaining valuable hands-on engineering experience working on a variety of water and wastewater projects. In his role as an Engineering Designer, Colin assists with various reports, data collection and analysis such as sludge sampling and flow measurements, project design, and construction observation.