Meet Justin Hansen, Project Environmental Scientist

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in suburbs north of the city. I currently live about 10 miles south of Seattle in Renton, Washington.

What do you do at MFA?

I am an environmental scientist in our Seattle office, though I work primarily on the Portland Harbor Superfund allocation in Oregon. Portland Harbor is one of the most technically complex and will be one of the most expensive Superfund sediment remediation projects ever completed. Beyond allocation, I write and review Phase I environmental site assessments, scope and develop work plans, and help oversee field activities.

What’s rewarding about your job?

I consider myself fortunate to work at MFA because our projects are often at the intersection of technical challenge and community benefit. Our work can benefit our society, and we get out what we put in. The most rewarding part of my job is being surrounded by brilliant individuals who understand and are driven by this principle.

Why is what you do important?

To me, the answer starts with a question, What are the consequences of unaddressed contamination? Converting an impacted property into affordable housing or public facilities requires an understanding of the extent of contamination and the risks to humans, wildlife, and the environment. At MFA we begin with the end in mind. In my role that means addressing contamination risks to create safe spaces to live, work, and play.

What’s your favorite restaurant/place to go in your area?

Tough one. I’ll say Trenchers (with Wednesday night trivia) or Dubtown.

What skills do you bring to your work?

Building consensus with project teams to achieve client objectives, promoting collaboration between diverse stakeholder groups, and problem solving. Every project is unique and nothing we do has a one-size-fits-all solution. I try to start each new project by envisioning what success looks like for our teams, our clients, and our communities.

What do you like to do off the clock?

Justin attending a Sounders FC match in Seattle.

I love golfing, sporting events, gaming with friends, cooking, and backyard BBQs. I’ve also taken up volleyball recently.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a work colleague?

Aim to serve in every facet of your work. Adopting a service mindset builds trust within teams, which drives projects towards successful outcomes.

If you were not a project environmental scientist, what would you be?

I would combine several interests and become a sports statistician.

What’s on your bucket list?

Multiple adventures through Europe, starting with Spain and Portugal.

What was your favorite childhood movie/TV show?

Too many to pick just one. Three, in chronological order: Barney, then Power Rangers, then Pokémon