Courtesy Photo | Taking a moment with her dog, Aalbers and her family regulary enjoy the great outdoors... read more read more
Regulatory Project Manager Emma Aalbers found her professional calling with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Grand Rapids, Minnesota, native, who now considers Ankeny, Iowa, her home, began her career with USACE as a student park ranger at Lake Ashtabula and Baldhill Dam for the St. Paul District. Pairing this work experience with dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and fisheries and wildlife science from Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota, Aalbers got a strong start on her USACE journey.
Following graduation, she accepted a permanent position at The Dalles Lock and Dam along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, where she served as a seasonal permanent ranger. Less than a year later, she continued her climb by stepping into a full-time, permanent role as a natural resources specialist and park ranger.
She was then selected for a temporary promotion before accepting a position at Rend Lake in Benton, Illinois, in September 2014. While there, she wore many hats, including overseeing numerous contracts and performing daily quality assurance checks.
By 2015, Aalbers was ready for a new challenge and a ranger position at Saylorville Lake in Johnston, Iowa, provided that opportunity. In July 2022, she transitioned to the Regulatory Division, which allowed her more family time and professional growth.
For Aalbers, each day brings something new.
“As a regulatory project manager, we permit discharges of fill and/or dredged material into waters of the United States,” she said. “As Rock Island District’s mitigation bank managers, Dan Lange and I assist sponsors in the development and approval of their mitigation banking agreements. Our regulatory archaeologist, as well as our branch and division chiefs, also play a role in the approval process.”
Aalbers, like many USACE employees, values the way her work has helped her grow while also making a difference.
“I like my job because I get to feel like I’m doing good for the environment, and I often see those changes. Seeing the restoration and mitigation that is being done is rewarding,” she said. “I learned a lot in my past positions about public speaking, ‘verbal judo,’ and being thorough in your work. This job ties all of that together. I love talking to people and doing my best to help them—yet staying in my lane with regulations and the process.”
Aalbers along with her husband, two daughters, and their black lab, enjoy spending time together going for walks, hunting, fishing, playing softball, and watching movies.
For those considering a career with USACE, Aalbers offers encouraging advice.
“USACE has the job you want. Accountant, park ranger, diver, lawyer, welder—there are opportunities with USACE,” she said. “The work USACE does is truly a team effort. Each district I’ve worked for is very different, but the teamwork mentality remains the same. I am grateful for everyone along my career path. I never would have imagined doing the things I’ve done and being where I am now without them.”
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2025 07:01 |
| Story ID: | 542939 |
| Location: | ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Employee Spotlight: Emma Aalbers- Regulatory Project Manager, by Jordan Raiff, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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