Gizachew Teferra Tesso
Arlington
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Local Government Project Coordinator/PM III
Texas Department of Transportation
Fort Worth
07.2022 - Current
- I manage Local-let projects under different categories, facilitating risk assessment reviews and project management activities
- I review plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) documents and coordinate with subject matter experts to review and approve the project design solutions
- In addition, I communicate with project stakeholders, including city government representatives, metropolitan planning organizations, and project stakeholders
- Assisted with coordinating local government-managed projects with federal or state funds by laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
- Oversaw and coordinated local-let projects and program activities
- Managed projects and project milestone activities
- Oversaw local let projects through all applicable phases of project development and PS&E levels (planning, environmental, utility, right of way, design, letting, construction, and project close-out)
- Performed high-level professional and consultative work related to local government project management
- I reported to the Director of Transportation Planning & Development or another staff-level manager
- I communicated and contacted high-level government officials, agencies, and the public
- Facilitated the project initiation process and meetings and made presentations
- Setup project kick-off meeting
- Help local government staff in preparing CSJ requests
- Local Government guidance on the procurement process to ensure they follow federal and state provisions
- Conducted Design Concept Conference
- Coordinated with TxDOT district Environmental, Local Government staff, and consultants
- Provided the Office of Civil Rights assigned DBE goal for Engineering & Construction to the Local Government
- Ensured that the Local government project manager submits PS&E packages promptly, distributes PS&E packages (30%, 60%, 90%, and 100%) to TxDOT SMEs and staff, and provides comments to the designer
- Reviewed and provided comments and comment responses on the PS&E documents
- Monitored the Local Government bid process and attended the bid opening
- I Confirmed compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and served as SPOC (Safety Point of Contact) for the Advance Transportation Planning section
- Currently, I am managing the following projects: CSJ 0353-03-111: Land scape and Scenic Enhancement; landscape, hardscape, and irrigation improvements along SH114 at west dove road
- City of Southlake Estimated Cost $400,000.00
- CSJ 0363-01-152: Landscape and Scenic Enhancement; landscape, hardscape, and irrigation improvements along SH26 from North of John McCain to South of Longwood Dr
- Project for Green Ribbon Landscape
- The City of Colleyville
- Estimated Cost $4,160,001.00
- CSJ 0902-90-292: Smithfield Middle School SRTS; Construction of new sidewalks, pedestrian signalization, and intersection improvements
- City of North Richland Hills Estimated cost $806,339.84
- CSJ 0902-90-308: Arlington 2020 SRTS Projects-Webb; construction of pedestrian walkways and curb ramps; addition and upgrade of pedestrian facilities in the AISD Crow Elementary Attendance Zone
- Estimated cost $2,377,061.77
- CSJ 0902-90-307: Arlington 2020 SRTS Projects-Thornton; construct pedestrian infrastructure and add and upgrade pedestrian facilities in the AISD Thornton Elementary Attendance Zone
- Estimated Cost $2,377,061.77
- CSJ 0902-90-198: Arlington 2020 SRTS Projects-Crow; Construct pedestrian infrastructure; adding and upgrading pedestrian facilities in the AISD Crow Elementary Attendance Zone
- Estimated Cost $2,377,061.77
- CSJ 0902-90-206: Worth Creek Pkwy at Chisholm Trail Pkwy; Provide direct access from Chisholm Trail Parkway to the new Tarleton State University- Fort Worth Campus
- NTTA Cost estimated at $22,400,000.00
- CSJ 0902-90-148: CS; Horne St from Vickery to Camp Bowie; Widen from 2 to 3 lanes with bicycle lanes, pedestrian/sidewalk improvements, and traffic signal improvements
- City of Fort Worth Estimated Cost $13,495,778.00
- CSJ 0902-90-264: North Street @ Walnut Creek Bridge; Bridge replacement, Re-alignment, and Added Trail North Street at Walnut Creek, at grade cross with UPRR with track replacement and drain improvements and utility improvements
- The City of Mansfield (Project later canceled) Estimated Cost $2,864,053.00
- CSJ 0902-90-163: Va; Velo-web Trail Mike Lewis Park; Construction of a 12-foot-wide concrete hike and bike trail
- The City of Grand Prairie
- Estimated Cost $15,051,849.20
- CSJ 0902-90-294: AV Cato Elementary SRTS; AV Cato Elementary Safe Routes to School
- Construct new sidewalks and pedestrian crossing safety improvements—City of Fort Worth
- Estimated Cost $2,119,515.77
- CSJ 0902-90-325: Randol Mill; Cooper to Collins St
- (FM157); Mill and Overlay Randol Mill Rd
- From Cooper Street to FM 157 (Collins St); Reconstruct and widen 4 to 6 lanes including sidewalks, streetlights, and landscaping; City of Arlington Estimated Cost $24,845,000.00
- CSJ 0014-01-026: Heritage Park; Bus 287 to Weatherford St.; Traffic calming and curb extensions (crosswalk bulb-outs) to reduce traffic lanes; adjusting turning radius of Main Street and eliminate bail out lane
- Estimated cost $10,757,524.11
- CSJ 0902-90-163: Va; Velo-web Trail Mike Lewis Park
- Construct a shared-use path of 12 ft
- Wide concrete hike and bike trail, Bicycle, and Pedestrian improvements—City of Fort Worth and Grand Prairie
- Estimated Cost $11,032,326.00
- CSJ 0902-90-319: (non-let), VA; Region Wide ETR (Employer Trip Reduction) Program FY23
- TNR - Transportation Non-Roadway; Track and implement ETR strategies through commuter/employer outreach; management/oversight of tryparkingit.com; perform monitoring/reporting; administration of vanpool program; includes NCTCOG staff time and consultant assistance—City of Keller
- Estimated Cost $733,000.00
- CSJ 0902-90-318: (non-let), VA; Various locations district-wide-FY23
- TNR - Transportation Non-Roadway; Track and implement ETR strategies through commuter/employer outreach; management/oversight of tryparkingit.com; perform monitoring/reporting; administration of vanpool program; includes NCTCOG staff time and consultant assistance—the City of Colleyville
- Estimated Cost $733,000.00
- Current total project cost is $116,529,572.23
Adjunct Instructor
Tarrant County College
Fort Worth
01.2020 - 01.2023
- I taught architecture courses such as History of Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Materials and Methods, Residential Design, Commercial Design, and AutoCAD
Project Manager
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
02.2018 - 08.2022
- Designed, estimated, and managed multiple projects, such as pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, bus stop amenities, and inspection of the construction of crew rooms for 15 train stations within the 13 principal (member) cities within the DFW metropolitan area
- I oversaw the design and construction of bus stops, traffic signs and signals, sidewalks, and bus shelter pads
- I prepared all bus shelter construction design documents and assessed bus services and amenities issues
- I also participated in the last-mile pedestrian accessibility project around light rail stations
- Designed traffic signs, pedestrian crossings, pavement signs, bus lane markings, and small roadside assemblies
Designer V
Texas Department of Transportation
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Under the supervision of a registered engineer, I designed an overlay (asphalt concrete overlay) project for the US 96, Jasper County, Texas, where the project length is 10.299 miles with a project cost estimated at $12,500,000.00
- Prepared plans, specifications, and estimates for the production and use of technical plans for the development and delivery overlay project of US 96
- Under the supervision of a registered engineer, I designed an overlay project for Washington Blvd
- Overlay design on Washington Blvd., Beaumont, Texas
- I performed design calculations and preparation of plans, specifications, construction estimates, and pertinent environmental requirements
- I prepared a construction document for the project that proposed an overlay of 2” asphalt concrete pavement to the main travel lane
- The project cost was estimated at $3,019,479.10, and the project length was 4.10 miles
- The plan also included road widening and rehabilitation of the failed base of existing asphalt pavement and pavement markers
- Additionally, I proposed a 10” base repair on existing asphalt pavement and cleaning and sealing pavement joints on existing concrete pavement
- Plan examination and design review were concluded
Engineering Technician (Construction Inspector)
Texas Department of Transportation
01.2013 - 09.2013
- I participated in highway inspections, including bridge construction, drilled shafts, bents, pavements, environmental regulation compliances, high masts, maintenance holes, inlets, and retaining walls
- I tested different construction materials and provided evaluations
- Inspected construction methods, artistry, and maintenance procedures to ensure highways, bridges, and retaining walls and installed, maintained, and related equipment according to plans, specifications, and contract requirements
- Conducted construction inspection activities and assists in coordinating inspections
- Analyzed procedures to identify deficiencies and recommended improvements to management
- Attended pre-construction meetings and answered questions from contractors and other attendees
- Calculated payments due to contractors for work completed
- Checked with Project Engineers, resident project representatives, and contractors' superintendents on work progress and construction problems; reviewed equipment utilization data and time/cost estimates
- Confirmed contractors build roadways, bridges, related highway structures, and pedestrian amenities improvements adhered to plans and specifications
- Monitored project phasing and traffic control plans and roadway closure plans and ensured compliance with approved safety standards; inspected barricades and moved traffic control devices and barricades as required
- Resolved differences in the interpretation of plans and specifications
- Followed applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations specific to the area of responsibility
- Prepared applicable plans, specifications, and estimates, review, processing, and compliance requirements
- Applied engineering principles, practices, inspection methods, procedures, and construction techniques
Civil Technician
Jaster Quintanilla Dallas
Dallas
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Compilation and set up of multiple construction projects, including preparation of base drawings
- Preparation of construction documents for demolition, grading, and site paving
- Created dimension control and utility plans and assisted a professional engineer in drainage and erosion control plans
- Key Achievements: I Prepared civil construction documents and completed demolition, grading, and paving plans
- I Created dimension control, civil site, utility, drainage, and erosion control plans
CAD Operator
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Fort Worth
01.2002 - 12.2002
- Performance of field measurements, drawings, site plans, and architectural construction documents, with most items being as built
- Creation of 'as-built' floor and ceiling plans
- Digitization of existing hospital and laboratory building plans
- Key Achievements: Prepared 'as-built' construction documents for the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Construction Superintendent
ODA Share Company
Addis Ababa
01.1993 - 12.1997
- Company Overview: (Currently Unity College Building)
- Designed the ODA office building and supervised its construction including supervising/leading the site project managers
- Conducted a management of change order process, contract management, and construction scheduling
- (Currently Unity College Building)
- Key Achievements: Designed, built, and served in an administrative capacity (construction superintendent) of a six-story building for the ODA Share Company, including constructing a basement and retaining wall with a complex drainage system
Architect-Planner
City of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
01.1991 - 12.1997
- Directed various planning and other managerial positions
- Led the design process and implementation of unit retail centers
- Guided the preparation of cadaster maps for the city of Addis Ababa
- Fulfilled other duties in the building permit section, such as plan examining, development plan review, and giving planning consent
- Key Achievements: Served as a permanent bid committee member for the construction and development of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city
- Proposed a project, designed, and supervised the implementation of a Shola Market Center, a 370-unit retail center, and Saris Market Center, a 980-unit retail center, as a planner in Ethiopia, including plan examination and project management
- Managed the cadastral map preparation project
- I led the hiring and training of 3000 or more temporary workers to collect data and take field measurements of the built environment
Construction Site Supervisor
Private Contracts
Addis Ababa
01.1994 - 12.1996
- Design, management, and construction of mixed-use buildings
- Supervision of construction, construction schedules, cost estimation, and preparation of other construction documents for permits
- Key Achievements: Designed and managed (including construction supervision) the construction of the Ashenafi Building, a combination of office and retail establishments
- Prepared an entire construction document for Dagim Berhan Hospital
- Designed and built an envelope manufacturing plant for Mr
- Moges Beyene, Ethiopia
- Prepared construction documents for retail stores, office, and apartment buildings (mixed use) for Mr
- Hailu Digilu
- Designed a mixed-use building for Mr
- Benti Tasissa
- Designed a mixed-use building for Mr
- Sileshi Zerihun
Education
Ph.D. - Urban Planning and Public Policy
The University of Texas at Arlington
MCRP - Master of Science in City and Regional Planning
University of Texas at Arlington
M.Arch - Architecture
Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Diploma (associate degree) - Drafting Technology
Addis Ababa University
Skills
- Project management
- Risk assessment
- Regulatory compliance
- Stakeholder communication
- Project development
- Budget management
- Contract administration
- Team collaboration
- Community Outreach
- Program management
- Scope management
Diversity Equity Inclusion Statement
My understanding and appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion have been deeply shaped by my personal experiences, academic knowledge, and professional services. I was born and raised in Ethiopia, a vibrant multicultural nation where over 80 diverse ethnic groups coexist harmoniously. Before migrating to the USA, I worked as an architect and planner for the City Administration of Addis Ababa, working with workers from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. Also, I publicly criticized the master plan (comprehensive plan) of the city of Addis Ababa that has aimed to destroy farmlands, forests, natural habitats, and cultural heritage of the Indigenous population through forced eviction and resettlement while expanding urbanization; instead, I proposed a sustainable planning method that is a less distractive and mixed-use development that supports a diverse income population, sustainable, environmentally resilient development. For about 28 years, I lived in the USA, interacting with multi-national, multi-religious, and multi-linguistic societal norms in a more democratic nation that has opened its borders to welcome immigrants from many nations. I have developed and maintained a good sense of diversity's challenges, opportunities, and values during my service in the US Navy, Tarrant County Community College, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Texas Department of Transportation, and other private higher education institutions. I developed a deep understanding of the need of diversity, equity, and inclusion that communities face regularly. This understanding drives my commitment to stewarding policies, missions, visions that not only embrace workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, but also actively promote and protect these values.
Certifications And Proficiencies
- Professional Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Construction Safety and Health Certificate (OSHA)
- Light Rail Worker Protection Program
- Experienced and certified in CAD, Auto Lisp, MicroStation, and advanced CAD applications
- Proficient in Revit Architecture
- Fluent in English, Amharic, Russian, and Oromo
- Certified in GIS applications
Timeline
Local Government Project Coordinator/PM III
Texas Department of Transportation
07.2022 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
Tarrant County College
01.2020 - 01.2023
Project Manager
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
02.2018 - 08.2022
Designer V
Texas Department of Transportation
01.2017 - 02.2018
Engineering Technician (Construction Inspector)
Texas Department of Transportation
01.2013 - 09.2013
Civil Technician
Jaster Quintanilla Dallas
01.2006 - 01.2007
CAD Operator
University of North Texas Health Science Center
01.2002 - 12.2002
Construction Site Supervisor
Private Contracts
01.1994 - 12.1996
Construction Superintendent
ODA Share Company
01.1993 - 12.1997
Architect-Planner
City of Addis Ababa
01.1991 - 12.1997
Ph.D. - Urban Planning and Public Policy
The University of Texas at Arlington
MCRP - Master of Science in City and Regional Planning
University of Texas at Arlington
M.Arch - Architecture
Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Diploma (associate degree) - Drafting Technology
Addis Ababa University
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