Erik Nielsen

Experience

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  Facility Programming and Consulting

  Dec 2018 - Oct 2022

  Facility Programmer

  Collaborated with project managers and senior programmers to research, compose, and consolidate building programming documents. Produced space lists, datasheets, graphics, maps, and charts, including site maps, pedestrian and traffic maps, stacking and adjacency diagrams, and test fits for programming materials. Contributed to various projects involving architectural programming, master planning support, strategic planning, and space utilization/market analysis for Higher Education, Municipal, Federal Government, and Corporate clients.Notable projects include the Texas Division of Emergency Management's New Headquarters building, the University of Texas National Security Collaboration Center and School of Data Science, Texas A&M University School of Law, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast, Texas State University Christmas Mountains Field Research Station, and more. These projects encompassed over 3.5 million square feet and exceeded a budget of 700 million dollars, resulting in more efficient, effective, and responsible facilities for the clients.Additionally, I designed and created the company's website. Show less

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  Ecompex, Inc.

  Oct 2022 - Nov 2023

  Military Land Use Planner

  Provided contract support to both branches within the Comprehensive Planning Division at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center. My primary responsibilities involved facilitating key programs, notably the Installation Climate Resilience Planning (ICRP) Program. I played an integral role in the production of enterprise-wide ICRP reports, with 35 active reports in progress at that time. This entailed conducting site visits, engaging in interviews with installation stakeholders, conducting document reviews, and implementing process improvements. This concerted effort aligned with AFCEC's mission to meet its congressionally mandated objective of completing all ICRP reports by FY26. I was actively engaged in shaping the ICRP scoring model, which was designed to effectively gauge the risk to the mission posed by climate factors, thereby enhancing the foundation for future planning endeavors. My involvement extended to the development of the Climate Resilience page on the Comprehensive Planning Platform (CPP), a resource that empowered installation-level planners to update and enhance their ICRP, thus contributing to the continuous improvement of base planning processes.Within the CPP, my responsibilities encompassed technical assistance and guidance, user access request management, and contributions to system development and enhancement.Furthermore, I actively participated in Geospatial Planning, providing ArcGIS support and collaborating with Installation Planning Teams (IPT). A significant project I contributed to involved the FY23 Schriever Space Force Base IPT, where I helped develop components of the District Plan. This included tasks such as identifying developable areas, creating regulatory plan maps and tables, conducting stakeholder interviews, analyzing constraints, and conducting a thorough site examination. These efforts resulted in an updated and comprehensive Regulating Plan component, ensuring alignment with the base's Installation Development Plan. Show less

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  United States Air Force

  Nov 2023 - now

  As the Primary Planner for Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Fort Sam Houston, I oversee future development, conduct siting analyses, and manage comprehensive planning documentation. I also serve as the Secondary Planner for JBSA-Camp Bullis, supporting siting and development initiatives to ensure alignment with the installation's long-term goals.I manage District Planning and project management for key initiatives, including the 2024 Fort Sam Houston Service District Plan, the 2024 Kelly Field District Plan, and the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) Development Plan. I played a key role in developing the Fort Sam Houston and Kelly Field District Plans, delivering a 20-year strategic roadmap for facility investments, land use optimization, and sustainable development.In support of the METC campus, I revised the Net-Zero Plan to resolve land use conflicts, preserving critical real estate. I also led the Installation Climate Resilience Planning initiative to integrate climate considerations into future development.Additionally, I’ve conducted 17 Encroachment Analyses to safeguard installation resources, contributed to the 2024 Camp Bullis Noise Study, and manage the JBSA Comprehensive Planning Platform. I also provide Geospatial Planning GIS support for installation-wide projects and offer planning expertise to the Community Mission Integration team. Show less As a Cultural Resource Program Manager for Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), I’ve led over 20 Texas Historical Commission Historic Resource Surveys, 15+ Facility Conditions Assessments, and 25+ Archaeological Condition Site Visits at Camp Bullis, along with producing 15+ project-specific and installation-wide maps. During a TDY at Goodfellow Air Force Base, I conducted Historical Resource Surveys for 17 buildings, determining historical status through detailed research and documentation.I regularly support the Cultural Resource Manager in Design Reviews and 813 requests, providing analysis and quality assurance. I participate in Lackland AFB Dig Permit meetings, reviewing project proposals, assessing impacts, and applying exemptions. I also contributed to expanding the JBSA Programmatic Agreement exemptions from 22 to 60, and played a key role in compiling the 2023 JBSA Cultural Resources Annual Report.I’ve generated over 45 Historic Status Code Letters for Real Property to assist an AFCEC audit and identified non-compliance issues, such as a temporary ADA ramp at Randolph AFB. Additionally, I provided expert guidance on AT&T cell tower proposals at JBSA Fort Sam Houston and JBSA Lackland.I helped establish section 106 and 110 processes by developing standard operating procedures and training materials. I also updated the JBSA Cultural Resource Architecture Database and created a Program Continuity Package to ensure long-term program stability and knowledge transfer for future personnel. Show less

  • Community Planner

    Jun 2024 - now

  • Cultural Resources Program Manager

    Nov 2023 - Jun 2024