In her own words: Dulcy Engelmeier of JBR Elko

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position.

Dulcy Engelmeier: JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc. is a regional environmental science and natural resource consulting firm providing technical services to industry and government since 1985. We have a staff of over 120. I began with JBR in July 1999. My duties are varied receptionist, technical editor of documents, letters, proposals, marketing and attend mining conventions and conferences, and leadership with newer staff.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Engelmeier: By chance. I needed a job, so I began as a clerk for another environmental consulting firm. After a short time I was promoted to the administrative assistant position, and I was with them for four-and-a-half years before leaving for JBR.

NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?

Engelmeier: Patience. Things change very rapidly in consulting. With a phone call your entire day or week can change. You have to have patience to stay in control of your feelings.

NNBW: How has the mining boom changed the way your company does business?

Engelmeier: The mining boom hasn't changed the way we do business. Yes, we are busier, but we are here no matter what. We still provide the same quality service whether the volume of work varies.

NNBW: What was your first job?

Engelmeier: At a dental office in Sparks. I cleaned the rooms and instruments and assisted with the front office when needed.

NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?

Engelmeier: I'm not sure if I truly have a dream job. I've always considered being a secretary at a school. I think it would be nice to have the same time off with my children! I am not working for a school because it was always difficult to get into, and now that I have been with JBR for so long and enjoy what I do, I don't really think about it anymore.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Engelmeier: Enjoy it! If you don't like what you do, don't do it. Have pride and respect for yourself and your position if you don't how can anyone else respect you and your work?

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Engelmeier: RELAX! Things are beyond our control sometimes. If you don't relax you will keel over from stress, angry people or deadlines.

NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?

Engelmeier: When I travel for the mining conventions. It's perfect for me I get to meet and interact with new people and clients, brag about our great company and laugh a lot. Simply put, I like to talk and love to laugh.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?

Engelmeier: Right now my time spent away from work is mostly with family. Three kids of all different ages keep me going and busy from sports to hanging out at the lake. When my oldest daughter, Jordan, wants to spend time with me I jump at it it's not often a teenager wants to hang out with her mom!

NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

Engelmeier: If I changed something, I wouldn't have what I have now. Granted, I am not a big fan of living in Elko (I do prefer a larger town), but if I never moved here, I wouldn't have met my husband and have the family and career I have now.

NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Engelmeier: When I was very young I wanted to be an astronaut. The idea of seeing the stars and planets up close was fascinating to me.

NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?

Engelmeier: I think I would go crazy not having a job. However, if I did retire, maybe I would just donate my time so if I suddenly wanted to take a trip to the Caribbean for a month I could!

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in Elko? What do you like most about working/living there?

Engelmeier: When I moved to Elko in 1993, I had only planned on being here a year or two. I've chosen to stay for my family and the great jobs my husband and I have. I think about moving sometimes, but I'm never sure of where or when or how.

The basics:

Name: Dulcy Engelmeier, administrative assistant, JBR Environmental Consultants

Number of years in this job? 13

Number of years in this profession? 18

Last book read? "Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly

Favorite flick? I don't really have a favorite, but one that comes to mind that I can watch over and over again is "Cars"

What's on your iPod? I own an iPod, but I never use it. Between work and kids and very little alone time, I don't have time to chill to music except in the car

Spouse, kids or pets? Kevin is my husband of 11 years. I have three children my beautiful daughter, Jordan (18), my sweet son, Keaton (9), and my little guy, Colby (4). We have one cat, Mike.