Aleksandr Ivlev

Meet Aleksandr Ivlev, Assistant Superintendent and this month’s Hard Hat Hang Up.

How did you get into the construction industry?

I have been interested in construction since childhood, whether it was helping with home projects or just my curiosity to understand how everything worked. My first real exposure to construction was in high school. Going to a magnet high school, I had the opportunity to learn a trade; I chose to study mechanical construction/plumbing. In my senior year of high school, I started working as an apprentice plumber. It was when I was working in the field that I decided to continue building a career in construction. Soon afterwards I started studying construction management and upon graduating, started working for a general contractor. 

What do you like most about being an Assistant Superintendent?

What I enjoy about my job is seeing a building come together. Watching a project progress out of the ground and go from a set of plans to something tangible is extremely rewarding. Every project has its own unique challenges and overcoming them is part of the process. Knowing that I am involved in building something that will be used for years to come brings me great pride in what I do. Being an assistant superintendent is such a multifaceted role that no two days are the same. It surely keeps each workday exciting.

You recently were awarded Safe Superintendent, what’s your approach to creating a safety-first culture on your job site?

Always be observant and proactive. Construction is inherently a risky field, but with proper planning many of the risks can be minimized. It takes everyone to maintain the safety on a job site, which is why I always encourage workers to report any issues they may come across. Building trust with the crews helps a lot, as they are more likely to speak up if they see something unsafe. Having everyone on the same page, when it comes to safety, creates a proactive safety culture. 

What is your favorite thing about working at Chesapeake?

Simple, it’s the people and the culture. Many of my colleagues are just a call away, whether it’s for advice or simply just to chat. There is a strong sense of a team dynamic here. I feel well equipped to flourish here and also appreciate that my hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with friends, family and my dog Teddy. Being a homeowner, I am never short on home projects. But when I’m not working on the house, I also enjoy tinkering with my classic car as well as travelling and exploring new places, whether it’s in this state, or a even a different country.