Archives for October 2024

Certis Solutions is Now IRA Compliant!

At Certis Solutions, we are thrilled to announce our compliance with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a significant milestone that reaffirms our commitment to supporting clients and consultants in the renewable energy sector. This achievement empowers us to provide exceptional workforce solutions while adhering to industry standards, playing a vital role in the expansion of clean energy initiatives nationwide.

What is the Inflation Reduction Act?

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law on August 16, 2022, is one of the most comprehensive climate bills in U.S. history. It provides over $300 billion in tax incentives to accelerate clean energy and energy efficiency investments across the nation, including $270 billion in tax credits for renewable energy projects like solar, wind, hydrogen, and electric vehicle infrastructure.

The response has been significant, with private companies investing over $86 billion into more than 200 clean energy and electric vehicle initiatives. As demand for renewable energy surges, with 2025 projected to be a record year for new projects, IRA compliance is now crucial for companies looking to thrive in this rapidly expanding market. Certis Solutions is proud to support the renewable sector by meeting these evolving needs.

Why This Matters

Achieving IRA compliance means Certis Solutions is fully equipped to handle your staffing needs while adhering to the rigorous standards set forth by the Inflation Reduction Act. This compliance positions us to help drive the growth of renewable energy initiatives and ensure we are delivering solutions that align with both industry requirements and sustainability goals.

Comprehensive Support for Your Projects

At Certis, we don’t just provide staffing; we offer comprehensive workforce solutions tailored to the unique demands of the renewable energy sector. Our IRA compliance allows us to offer a seamless experience by providing:

  • Adherence to Prevailing Wage Requirements: We ensure all workers are paid fairly in accordance with federal guidelines, promoting ethical standards in the workforce.
  • Registered Apprenticeship Program: Our apprenticeship program is designed to help you achieve the required labor hours while fostering the next generation of skilled tradespeople. We work with our clients to ensure a minimum of 15% labor hours on IRA-supported projects.
  • Tailored Solutions for Your Workforce Needs: From management to specialized labor for solar installations or large-scale renewable energy projects, we provide the expertise and resources to deliver the right team for the job.
  • Technical Expertise: Our in-house technical staff are involved in qualifying job requirements and evaluating candidates, ensuring that each placement is the perfect fit for your project.
  • Data-Driven Insights: We use data-driven insights to refine our recruiting processes, extending the tenure of successful placements and improving overall workforce performance.
  • Streamlined Onboarding: We offer a streamlined interview and onboarding process, allowing us to quickly and efficiently place the right professionals for your needs, reducing downtime and accelerating project timelines.

Our Commitment to People

At Certis Solutions, our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize taking care of our consultants by offering comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. We also provide dedicated HR support to address the needs and concerns of both clients and consultants. This reflects our deep commitment to creating a work environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Join Us on This Journey!

We invite you to partner with Certis Solutions as we embrace this exciting chapter of growth and compliance. Whether you’re a company seeking skilled workforce solutions or a professional looking for your next opportunity in the renewable energy sector, we are here to support your success.

Contact Us Today

Ready to learn more about how our IRA compliance can benefit your projects? Get in touch with us today to discover how we can work together to drive success in the renewable energy industry!

Vertical vs. Horizontal Construction: Understanding the Difference

Vertical and horizontal construction represent two distinct streams within the construction industry, each offering  AEC professionals a diverse array of job opportunities. In this blog, we’ll delve into the core differences between these two types of construction.

Vertical Vs. Horizontal Construction: Core Differences

Both vertical and horizontal construction require careful attention to safety, budgeting, and timelines to meet client expectations. They also utilize advanced construction methods and efficient workflows. However, it’s essential to understand that these two approaches are fundamentally different in several ways. Below, we’ll break down these distinctions to give you a clearer picture of each type.

Vertical Construction

At its core, vertical construction refers to projects where height exceeds width. This category encompasses most commercial architecture found in urban centers, including skyscrapers, office buildings, apartment complexes, parkades, and other structured facilities.

Typically, funding for these projects is secured through private organizations, with architects often taking the lead role in the planning and execution phases.

Vertical construction presents a unique set of challenges. While it optimizes limited land space in urban environments, the construction process can become more complex due to the necessity of transporting materials vertically up the building.

Horizontal Construction 

In contrast, horizontal construction involves projects where width surpasses height. This category includes essential infrastructure such as roads, railways, bridges, electric lines, fiber optic cables, pipelines, and sewer systems.

Unlike vertical projects, horizontal construction initiatives are more frequently funded by government sources. The primary objective here is not to expand living or retail space but to enhance the transport and energy needs of existing communities.

In horizontal construction, structural engineers play a pivotal role. Although transporting materials is generally more straightforward in horizontal projects, challenges can arise, particularly in urban settings, especially if the project necessitates access to subterranean regions.

Which Kind of Construction is Right For Me?

Vertical construction often involves complex coordination among architects, engineers, and construction teams, leading to increased risks in terms of safety and financial investments. The vertical nature of these projects introduces hazards such as falling objects and worker safety concerns. Delays are also more common; if one section of a vertical project is not completed, work on higher levels cannot proceed until issues are resolved.

On the other hand, horizontal construction generally carries lower risks and places more control in the hands of engineers. Even if issues arise in one section of a pipeline, teams can continue working on other areas, allowing for a more fluid workflow. Additionally, horizontal projects often rely heavily on government contracts, resulting in quicker project completion times.

While opportunities in horizontal construction can be lucrative, vertical construction tends to offer a wider range of job openings and potentially higher salaries. The collaborative nature of vertical projects necessitates a diverse range of expertise, leading to increased demand for skilled professionals.

Construction Job Openings in California 

In California, horizontal construction engineer positions can be financially rewarding but often come with the caveat of part-time work. Once a project concludes, employment typically ends. Efficient hiring practices are crucial for both contractors and architects, which is where Certis Solutions steps in.

Our dedicated technical recruiters and account managers are here to assist AEC professionals in not only securing the jobs they need but also the positions that align with their career aspirations.

Get in touch with us today to explore the projects that will best serve your professional and personal goals.

Three Californian Wastewater Engineering Firms to Have On Your Radar

Wastewater management is crucial to California’s environmental sustainability, and the companies at the forefront of this industry are paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future. For civil engineers passionate about making a tangible impact, the opportunities in wastewater engineering are endless—and California is home to some of the best firms in the nation.

In this article, we’re spotlighting three of the top wastewater engineering companies in California. These firms are not only leading groundbreaking projects but also offering incredible career prospects for engineers looking to contribute to transformative infrastructure solutions. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these companies represent the best of what the wastewater engineering industry has to offer.

Let’s dive into the top three wastewater engineering firms shaping California’s future.

Top Three Wastewater Engineering Companies in California

1. Coleman Engineering

Based out of Roseville, California, Coleman Engineering is a wastewater utility firm with a tight-knit team of dedicated civil engineers. Their expertise spans across California, Nevada, Idaho, and Utah, providing a range of services including planning for water and recycled water systems, wastewater utility systems design, bidding support, construction observation, and compliance monitoring. Coleman Engineering may be smaller in size, with a workforce of 11–50 employees, but its impact on the wastewater industry is anything but small. Their reach and expertise allow them to handle significant projects while maintaining a close, collaborative team environment.

Some of the firm’s most notable projects include the Brentwood WWTP Effluent Diversion Structure and the River Islands Recycled Water System. Coleman Engineering has worked with a variety of high-profile clients, including the City of Fairfield, Tuolumne City Sanitary District, and Shadow Lakes Golf Course.

2. Mead & Hunt

Founded in 1900, Mead & Hunt has grown into a multidisciplinary powerhouse with offices nationwide, including three locations in California—Ontario, Sacramento, and Windsor. This well-established firm is known for embracing innovation and growth while maintaining a strong presence in the wastewater engineering industry. While Mead & Hunt is a larger company, with over 40 active offices, it prides itself on empowering employees to take charge of their career growth. The firm provides extensive support and training, ensuring that engineers are well-equipped to succeed and contribute to meaningful projects.

As part of their environmental and sustainability divisions, Mead & Hunt have worked on many wastewater engineering and water quality projects, including the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion and the Jeff Davis Water Treatment Plant. Their clients range from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, to the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA). 

Awards & Recognitions

Mead & Hunt’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Best of State award from ACEC-Wisconsin for the Little Falls Dam Reconstruction project at Willow River State Park and the ACEC-WA Engineering Excellence award for the Fish Passage and Culvert Design project in Rosyln, Washington

3. Peterson Brustad, Inc

Peterson Brustad, Inc (PBI) is a specialized water supply and wastewater engineering firm located in Folsom, California. Founded in 2005, PBI is a midsized firm with a team of 11–50 employees, committed to delivering sustainable water solutions across the state. Recently, PBI was acquired by Verdantas, a private-equity-backed firm specializing in environmental consulting, sustainable engineering, modeling, and digital technology. This acquisition strengthens PBI’s ability to provide cutting-edge solutions while remaining dedicated to its mission of identifying and maintaining adequate water supplies for California’s communities.

PBI has played a critical role in numerous water supply and wastewater management projects across California, including the Arden Water System, the Jenny Lind Water Treatment Plant Expansion, and the Larkfield Water Treatment Plant Expansion. The company has built strong relationships with clients like California American Water, the City of Folsom, and the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA).

Find Your Next Role in Wastewater Engineering with Certis Solutions

Wastewater engineering in California offers the chance to work on projects that are both challenging and rewarding. If you’re looking for your next opportunity in this field, Certis Solutions can help you find a role that perfectly suits your skills and career goals. Contact our team today to explore current opportunities and start making a difference in wastewater management.