Pioneer Testimonials

Reflecting on my decade at Pioneer, I am immensely grateful for the journey. Teamwork has been a highlight of my experience; working alongside talented colleagues who share a passion for our mission makes every project rewarding. We are able to collaborate seamlessly to overcome obstacles, drawing on each other's strengths and insights to find effective solutions.
Effective leadership has also been a cornerstone of my time here. Our leaders foster open communication, empowering us to share ideas and take on new responsibilities. One of the most impactful aspects of my tenure has been the opportunity to return to school and pursue a master’s degree. With Pioneer’s support, the M.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability not only enhanced my skills but also opened new doors for professional growth.
I am proud to be part of a company that champions collaboration and invests in its people. Here’s to many more years of growth and success at Pioneer!

I became part of the Pioneer team in 1998. I initially worked as a Project Manager in the Phase I department, and within a few years, I was given the opportunity to become a Project Manager in the Phase II department. Guided by supportive colleagues, I continued along the career path toward becoming a Senior Project Manager. Pioneer is a company that encourages professional growth, and is a place where your hard work and dedication will be acknowledged and appreciated!

My experience at Pioneer has been incredibly fulfilling. What I appreciate most is the company’s commitment to professional development. I joined the team in 2011 as a Phase I Project Manager, worked towards a Phase II Project Manager position, obtained my professional engineering license in 2015 under the encouragement of Pioneer’s leadership, and I am now a Senior Engineer.

One of the highlights of my job has been working alongside dedicated professionals in a collaborative environment. The open dialogue among colleagues fosters an atmosphere where I feel that my voice matters. I also love the flexibility in my work schedule, which allows me to balance my personal and professional life effectively. Plus, Pioneer is a pet-friendly space, and my dog Gina often joins me to the office.

My role has provided me with well-rounded expertise, encompassing hands-on field experience, involvement in diverse and complex remediation projects, and the development of innovative solutions to challenging problems. It’s rewarding to witness the transformation of vacant lots and dilapidated buildings into vibrant properties that enhance our communities. Driving around the city and recognizing the sites I’ve worked on fills me with pride, knowing that I’ve played a small part in reshaping these spaces.

I have worked at Pioneer for a total of 9 years. In that time, I have taken on multiple roles advancing my career at Pioneer including: Lead Driller, CMT Field Technician, Senior CMT Field Technician, Field Manager, and currently Construction Materials Testing Manager. The leadership team encourages professional growth and going beyond your comfort zone to challenge yourself and progress in your professional development and knowledge.

Since working at Pioneer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a multitude of exciting and interesting projects with some of the most experienced and knowledgable people in their respective fields. There is always an opportunity to learn and diversify your knowledge with Pioneer.

The leadership is just unparalleled in my opinion. Clear communication and expectations are always present with valuable feedback and an open door policy and open listening that makes you feel like a valuable member of a team.

Family doesn’t describe the feeling you get working at Pioneer. The ease with which you can collaborate and depend on your coworkers is a fantastic feeling and especially valuable in a field in which needs are fluid and ever changing. You truly feel as though the entire company is one team.

Pioneer embodies their values. They aren’t just words on a wall or a sheet of paper. These values are a fundamental part of this company. From employees to clients to the communities we serve, Every Pioneer employee lives and embraces these values in everything they do. Pioneer truly is what it claims to be. A company with a high level of professional knowledge, integrity and a drive to always be better than the day before.

During my 24-years as a Geologist at Pioneer, I have had the privilege of collaborating with numerous exceptional individuals and engaging in thrilling projects. In my early years I appreciated the opportunity to work alongside some very knowledgable and experienced people. During the past several years I have enjoyed the opportunity to mentor others. Throughout my career, I have consistently strived to execute tasks with utmost excellence, a commitment that has always brought me immense pride. Pioneer's appreciation for my unwavering commitment and the dedication of my colleagues has served as a constant source of motivation.

I’ve worked at Pioneer for over 10 years, initially starting as a Project Manager in the Phase II department in June 2013. I quickly started to work on larger regulatory closure projects through the IEPA’s LUST and SRP, and eventually began to assist Pioneer ownership with a complicated brownfields redevelopment project in July 2018. In November 2021, I was promoted to a Senior Project Manager position and continue to expand my knowledge and expertise in environmental due diligence, brownfields redevelopment, and regulatory closure.

Pioneer has been and continues to be an excellent company to work on a large variety of projects, and engage with some of the best professionals in the industry. I have had a plethora of opportunities at this firm that have helped me gain experience in the environmental and real estate industries, and broadened my network of resources. Additionally, Pioneer is supportive of employees attending professional development and networking events that has expanded my expertise and helped me connect with other professionals and potential clients in the area.

The leadership team at Pioneer genuinely cares about their employees, provides valuable feedback to develop skills and knowledge on a wide range of topics, and spends the time to foster excellent working relationships amongst all staff. The best part is that the company invests in their employees, and provides the right tools to get the job done!

Pioneer’s employees at every level join together to help each other out, and provide support when needed. Every project is unique and has its own set of challenges, but the collaborative atmosphere and can-do attitudes of my colleagues have strengthened my confidence and ability to provide the best solutions for my clients.

Pioneer embraces a work hard, play hard mentality that adds to the overall positive working environment at the company. I love that we are a dog friendly office, especially that I now have the cutest mini goldendoodle puppy, Lily, who brings joy to everyone she encounters. Who doesn’t love snuggling a puppy in between meetings?! Pioneer also hosts many fun events for employees which builds comradery and strengthens personal and working relationships alike. The company also practices what they preach – they bought a contaminated property, cleaned it up, and turned it into our office. What a great selling point for potential clients!