BRETT DRAKE, PE
Cheyenne,WY
Summary
Construction and infrastructure project manager with 13+ years of experience leading complex, high-risk field operations across multi-state environments. Proven record managing $5M+ annual portfolios, directing multi-disciplinary teams, and delivering large-scale earthwork, excavation, hazard mitigation, and environmental remediation projects. Strong background in geotechnical risk assessment, contractor management, schedule and budget control, and safety leadership for challenging sites.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Western AML Manager
RESPEC
01.2021 - Current
- Lead the Western Reclamation division, overseeing civil construction and environmental infrastructure projects across WY, CO, MT, and NM.
- Manage a $5M+ portfolio involving large-scale earthwork, highwall mitigation, subsurface hazard closures, and site rehabilitation.
- Directly supervise 10 staff and coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering, construction, and field teams.
- Implement risk-based planning and geotechnical evaluations for unstable ground, subsidence zones, mine openings, and deep underground voids.
- Grew division revenue, operating income, and backlog by 2–3x year-over-year through operational improvements and strategic project delivery.
Project Manager
RESPEC
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed concurrent infrastructure and field-intensive projects involving excavation hazards, mine investigations, grading, and construction oversight.
- Oversaw statewide GIS datasets supporting subsidence forecasting, risk screening, and asset management.
- Coordinated contractors, regulators, and landowners to keep complex sites on schedule and within scope.
Senior Project Engineer / Project Engineer
RESPEC
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Designed and managed earthwork, structural stabilization, grading, and hazard closure projects at 200+ sites.
- Led field investigations, geotechnical evaluations, and UAS/GIS-supported assessments for mine openings, portals, deep voids, and highwall instability.
- Managed construction contracts including QC, safety planning, change orders, and specifications.
Materials Technician
Terracon
01.2011 - 01.2011
- Performed field testing and QC for civil construction and earthwork projects.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Architectural Engineering
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY12-2011
Skills
- Infrastructure & Civil Construction Management
- Earthwork, Excavation & High-Risk Field Operations
- Risk Assessment & Geotechnical Hazard Mitigation
- Contractor Oversight & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Schedule, Budget & Resource Planning
- UAS Mapping, GIS Analysis, Site Characterization
- Environmental Compliance & Safety Management
Websites
Affiliations
Wyoming Engineering Society
American Society of Civil Engineers
Certification
- Professional Engineer (PE): WY, CO, NM, UT, MT
- FAA Part 107 Certified UAS Pilot
Timeline
Western AML Manager
RESPEC
01.2021 - Current
Project Manager
RESPEC
01.2020 - 01.2021
Senior Project Engineer / Project Engineer
RESPEC
01.2012 - 01.2020
Materials Technician
Terracon
01.2011 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Architectural Engineering
University of Wyoming