Congratulations to Matt Marxsen, manager of the Conservation Survey Division's drilling program, and recipient of the Fall 2011 SNR Staff Recognition Award.
In the words of one of his nominators:
”Most if not all of the successful drilling and field geology, soil, and water operations carried out over the last few years are the direct result of the efforts of Matt Marxsen. Matt does an excellent job at managing a program that serves many SNR faculty and staff as well as faculty and staff from the departments of Biological Systems Engineering and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Matt also works with staff from Natural Resources Districts across Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Environmental quality, and the US Geological Survey.“
”With all of the problems that could occur in doing field work, Matt gets the job done on time. He will work as long as he has to meet deadlines. Matt knows a great amount about his work and uses that knowledge to assist all of us in collecting samples over a wide array of situations and weather conditions. He takes the time to keep up to date with the current field techniques by attending workshops. He finds new and better ways to do things. I have never heard of a time when a project has been presented to him when he has said that it can’t be done. He figures out a way to do everything that is needed to complete a project. He is a problem solver. Since our projects involve many of our cooperators and clientele, Matt works directly with them to make drill test holes and collect samples. Time after time our cooperators state that Matt’s work is of high quality and exactly what is needed. He is a very good ambassador of SNR.“
&rdquoAs another said: "The nature of Matt's work involves long hours spent in diverse/adverse weather conditions dealing with varied complex mechanical and electronic equipment while working with crews made up of scientists, technicians, and students (many untrained) from many different departments and agencies. He's responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment, ensuring the safety of the crew, writing estimates, scheduling multiple projects, preparing invoices, procuring materials, archiving samples, and did I mention - getting the scientists what they need for their research projects. I've worked with Matt for about six years. His mechanical, communication, organizational, problem solving, training, and technical skills can be relied on consistently. His optimistic nature, sense of humor, drive to complete each task well, and thirst for knowledge not only make him an exceptional co-worker but an all-around good person.“
Marxsen also assists with the Nebraska Well Drillers Association Conference, is on the steering committee of the Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic, and recently organized a continuing education short course involving a manufacturer and the Nebraska Well Drillers Association. He joined CSD in November 2005 with 10 years' experience as a well-driller.
The SNR Staff Advisory and Professional Development Committee (SAPDC) coordinates the SNR Staff Recognition Award each fall and spring semester.
