ELLEN K. O'BRIEN, C.G. P.E.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Certifications
Certified Geologist - State of Maine #245
Professional Engineer - State of Maine #7945
Professional Hydrologist - American Institute of Hydrology #888
Certified Geologist - State of Maine #245
Professional Engineer - State of Maine #7945
Professional Hydrologist - American Institute of Hydrology #888
Education
Northeastern University: M.S.C.E., Environmental Engineering/Water Resources, 1984
University of New Hampshire: B.S.., Hydrology, summa cum laude,1976
Employment History
1994- Present. President, CEO, Northstar Hydro, Inc., Winthrop, Maine. Private Consultant specializing in engineering applications for surface-and ground-water hydrology and hydraulics of inland and coastal waters: anlysis and modelling - rivers, bridges, dams, stormwater, flooding. Responsible for all business operations, including marketing, book keeping, financial records, office management, client contact, registrations, etc. as well as professional services.
1987-1994. Project Manager/ Senior Hydrologist. Acheron Engineering Services, Winthrop, Maine. Responsible for surface- and ground-water hydrologic and hydraulic investigations for various projects, including project oversight. Management of eleven coastal flood insurance studies in northern Maine involving hydrology and hydraulics of tidal systems. Other projects include dam investigations and hydrogeologic and contaminant investigations.
1982 -1986. Private Consultant, Hydrology, Mechanic Falls, Maine. As private consultant, conducted Flood Insurance Studies for inland and coastal systems, tidal flooding analyses for several proposed coastal developments, design review of stormwater management systems for several proposed coastal developments and numerous subdivisions and developments, dam investigations, water system evaluations, and hydrogeologic studies.
1979-1983. Project Manager/Project Engineer, PRC Engineering/Frederic R. Harris, Boston, MA. Management of various water resources projects involving hydrology an hydraulics of freshwater and tidal systems, and their response to transient conditions, including the application of computer modeling techniques.
1976-1979. Hydrologist, PRC Engineering/Frederic R. Harris, Boston, MA. Responsible for all hydrologic/hydraulic analyses for the water resources department.
Teaching Experience
1987-1992. Bates College, Lewiston, Maine, Lecturer, Geology Department -
Courses included Surface Water Hydrology and Ground Water Hydrology.
Computer Modeling Experience
TR55, TR20, Hydrocad, HECRAS, HEC-1, BOSS SMS, 2-d coastal models on Stormsurge and Northeaster/Hurricanes, Quick Dambreak, RUNUP, WHAFIS
Affiliations
American Institute of Hydrology, Treasurer Yankee Section
Geological Society of Maine
American Society of Civil Engineers, and Maine ASCE
Infrastructure Report Card Committee
Public Service
• Board of Education, 1996-2006, Chair 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, Vice Chair, 2003, 2004 Winthrop, Maine
• Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, Thanksgiving Break, 2007, Coordinated group of 26 volunteers from central Maine to work on recovery efforts
• Habitat for Humanity, October 2006, St. Bernard Parish, New Orleans, LA, gutting houses
• American Lung Association, Trek Across Maine, 180 mile, 3-day bike ride, 13 year vet
• Theater at Monmouth, Board of Directors, 2006 to present
