In any business, it's the people that make it work. Without a team, organizations fail. On top of everything else valued, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District values every one of its employees very much.
To show how much we value them, we highlight one district employee every month by asking about their position, what it’s like to work for the Corps, and how they got to where they are today.
This month, we are highlighting Regulatory Division Supervisor Benjamin Pitcock.
Pitcock is originally from Batesville, Mississippi. He attended Mississippi State University for Wildlife Biology and the University of Mississippi for Parks and Recreation Management.
"Before my career with USACE, I held numerous summer jobs consisting of agricultural work and construction work," Pitcock explained. "(I) started with USACE as a Co-Op student park ranger at Enid Lake in 2004 and began my Regulatory career with the Memphis District in 2015."
Pitcock’s duties consist of leading a high-performing and technically advanced team of USACE professionals.
The professionals he’s alluding to manage a regulatory program committed to protecting the Nation's aquatic resources, all while allowing reasonable development through fair, flexible, and balanced permit decisions.
The Corps evaluates permit applications for essentially all construction activities in the Nation's waters, including wetlands.
And while he has to deal with difficult situations sometimes, Pitcock said, "I enjoy being able to assist the public with their projects and guiding them through the permitting process.”
Outside of his duties as a regulatory supervisor, Pitcock is also on the Memphis District Flood Fight Roster, where he volunteers during seasonal floodfights.
But, with his credentials, he would work at a number of organizations. So we asked, why USACE?
Pitcock said he initially joined USACE because it allowed him to work while attending his final school years. But the reason he stayed is a tad bit different.
"USACE has provided many opportunities throughout my career to advance and better myself professionally," he said. "A great place to work! I plan to spend my future working for the Memphis District and don't foresee any planned changes."
In addition to the reasons people stay with an organization, having a mentor also seems to top the list.
"Every one of the Regulatory staff members and many outside of my office have performed mentoring duties, and without them, I would have not made it through these past years in Regulatory," Pitcock said.
While he has quite of few supporters at work, Pitcock ultimately credits his wife, saying, "My wife is my secret weapon in life."
Pitcock is an outstanding employee and the Memphis District is grateful to have him on the team. Thank you for letting us highlight you, and thank you for all you do! Also, many thanks to your wife, for being your secret weapon and all!