Bret Salazar, LG
Licensed Geologist & Field Manager

Bret is a licensed geologist and field supervisor with over 15 years of experience in field geology and inspections, and an additional four years in offshore exploration. Since joining HWA, Bret has been instrumental in numerous geotechnical, transportation, and roadway improvement projects. His expertise spans levees, bridges, engineered walls, fish passages, stormwater systems, piledriving, rockery inspections, and specialty concrete applications including lightweight, pervious, shotcrete, and cellular concrete.

Bret's extensive field experience includes performing slope stability field reconnaissance, landslide mitigation projects, and site stormwater inspections. He has conducted subsurface exploration, geologic mapping, and terrain assessments, contributing to the design and construction guidance for various developments throughout the Puget Sound region. As HWA’s Field Manager for Construction Inspection and Materials Testing since 2017, Bret oversees special inspections, coordinates laboratory testing, and performs concrete and rebar observation and testing.

Bret's passion for geology was sparked during his college years, transitioning from an environmental studies major to a geology enthusiast within a month of beginning his program. Bret never envisioned himself working indoors and his role allows him to get outside and crawl around in some mostly wonderful places across the world!

Bret values the teamwork at HWA, where he enjoys problem-solving and collaborating closely with his field group and other departments. Bret believes in sharing knowledge and skills to foster a well-rounded and effective team.

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