Tyler Jirges, PE, is Promoted to Structural Project Engineer

Tyler Jirges, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In recognition of this accomplishment and his contributions to RPA, he has been promoted to Project Engineer in the Structures Group. Tyler holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University (MSU) as well as a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with Highest Honors from MSU. He joined RPA full-time in 2018, following two years as an engineering intern, and has proven himself an invaluable team member of the Structures Group. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time on the Yellowstone River and exploring the mountains around Livingston with his wife and four children.

Jessica Eaton, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In recognition of this accomplishment and her contributions to RPA, she has been promoted to Project Engineer in the Water/Wastewater Group. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Carroll College. She joined RPA in 2020 and has proven herself an invaluable team member of the Water/Wastewater Group. Outside the office, she volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Helena and serves as the Western Branch President of ASCE.

Kaela Murphy, PE, has passed the Principles and Practices of Engineering Examination and is now a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Montana. In addition to this significant milestone in her career, Kaela’s recent contributions and increasing responsibilities has earned her a promotion to Project Engineer in the Water/Wastewater Group. Kaela holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Bio Resource Option, with honors from Montana State University. She also holds an Associate of Science degree in Engineering from Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming. Kaela joined RPA in 2018 and has proven herself an invaluable team member of the Water/Wastewater Group. In her new role, Kaela will plan and conduct engineering studies, prepare construction drawings and specifications and oversee construction observation and contract administration.

RPA is pleased to announce Scott Randall, PE, PTOE, as our newly elected Vice President of Human Resources. As Vice President of Human Resources, Scott is responsible for developing and executing human resource and marketing strategies in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of RPA. This includes developing and implementing companywide policies and procedures, contributing to firm-wide marketing, staffing, training and development, and performance management.

In addition to his new duties as Vice President of Human Resources, Scott is RPA’s Transportation Planning and Operations Group Manager. Scott began his career with RPA in 2007 and has 19 years of experience in the transportation industry. He successfully oversees the operations of the group and provides traffic engineering, transportation planning, and project management expertise on projects throughout the northwest. Additionally, Scott served on RPA’s ESOP Board of Trustees from 2015 – 2021, holding the Chairman position for the last four years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Transportation from Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman.

Chris Hayes, PE, has been promoted to Assistant Group Manager of the Water/Wastewater Group.  Chris holds a Master of Science degree in Project Engineering and Management from Montana Tech in Butte, coursework in Civil Engineering Pre-Master’s Degree Program from Montana State Bozeman, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from Montana State University – Northern in Havre. Chris joined RPA in 2006 and has 20 years of management and design experience on numerous water and wastewater treatment, storage, collection, and distribution system projects. In addition to his valuable contributions to the Water/Wastewater Group, Chris has served on RPA’s Board of Trustees since 2018.  In his new role, Chris will continue developing and managing projects and assist with the group’s marketing, administration, and quality control.  

Brandon Theis, PE, has been promoted to Site Development Group Manager. He began his career at RPA’s Kalispell Branch Office in 2005 and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University. For nearly two decades, Brandon has served as one of RPA’s leading municipal engineers providing project management, civil engineering design, and construction administration services for numerous urban street and site development projects. In his new role, Brandon will oversee the entire Site Development Group and will primarily be responsible for the group’s marketing, administration, and quality control.

Lance Bowser, PE, has been promoted to Airports Group Manager. He joined RPA in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in the airport industry. Lance has completed master planning, airport layout plans, environmental assessments, land acquisition, airport design, construction inspection, and overall project management and administration for nearly 100 airport improvement projects with over 20 airports across Montana. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Montana State University – Northern in Havre and is a licensed professional engineer in Montana and Colorado.

Stephen Markwardt, PE, has been promoted to Design Team Leader in RPA’s Streets and Highways Group. He works in the Helena office and holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University.  In this role, Stephen will oversee project development to ensure work is completed on schedule, meets the client’s expectations, and adheres to the appropriate industry standards. This promotion is a fitting recognition of the hard work and dedication Stephen has continually shown in the Streets and Highways Group.