Montana Department of Transportation

Meet Bill Fogarty, Butte Construction Manager/Reviewer, family man, and all around outdoorsman. When Bill isn’t working, you’ll find him with wife, Colleene and their three "fantastic" children: Joe, Erin and Maggie. He also enjoys time for reading, bow hunting, fishing, hiking, motorcycling and camping.

Bill was raised on a family ranch near Glen, MT. After graduating from Beaverhead County High School in Dillon, he earned an associates degree in Diesel Mechanics from the College of Technology in Helena. He worked as a foreman at a farm implement dealership in Sheridan before accepting a position as survey aid at MDT. That was 1988. Today, Bill enjoys the varied responsibilities and technical challenges of the vital role he plays in the highway construction process.

According to Bill, a construction reviewer's time is split between field and office work. He explains, "At the office, I follow up on workgroup and committee assignments, assist project managers with contract administration issues, and write and review contract specifications and business processes."

In the field, Bill ensures MDT projects are constructed as specified in the contract. The work is essential both to project success and public safety. "I gather information on site, then document my findings to provide managers at MDT and FHWA with progress and issue reports."

We asked Bill what skills are needed to excel in this career. He explained, "MDT reviewers are technical experts with considerable background and experience in MDT processes and procedures as well as sound engineering judgment." Over time, Bill acquired the knowledge and expertise he needed. In fact, the opportunity to gain experience is one of the things Bill likes best about MDT. "My supervisors afforded me every opportunity to gain experience. I can't remember a day when I didn’t learn something new!"

In closing, Bill emphasized the fact that MDT offers its employees not just a job but a real career. On his way up the career ladder, Bill had the opportunity to serve in every position in the Engineering Technician series. So what advice does Bill have for prospective and new employees? "MDT is filled with opportunity. Be patient, work hard, listen and learn from others, and good things will happen!"

More success stories :: :: Employment Home