Our People
Meet Dustin Atchison
Bellevue, WA, U.S.
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Dustin Atchison is Jacobs’ newly appointed Global Solutions Director for Water Resources. With more than 27 years of experience in water resources and stormwater management, Dustin leads a global team committed to protecting communities and the environment while managing the world’s precious water resources.
From ecosystem restoration to coastal protection and irrigation services, our water resources team supports clients around the world with integrated OneWater solutions. These approaches help manage changes in the water environment and build long-term resilience to natural hazards.
Prior to his appointment as Global Solutions Director, Dustin served as Jacobs’ global principal for stormwater and watershed management. He is a recognized industry leader in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. His expertise spans the master planning, design and implementation of stormwater systems that deliver multiple community benefits. He has also led projects focused on stream and wetland restoration, as well as culvert fish passage improvements.
A project manager and certified engineer, Dustin completed his master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.
What is your favorite part of your role?
In this role I can fully embrace the concept of ”fearless ideation” to explore out of the box solutions for our clients. This requires collaboration across our broad solution areas with an incredible group of experienced and emerging leaders and technologists.
A key function of Market Solutions is to empower and support our technologists to pursue ideas that drive our industry forward and connect solutions across markets to maximize the value to our clients and communities. When we really lean into open and trusting partnerships, we’re not constrained by the fear of failure and that allows true innovations to grow.
What advice would you have for young professionals?
Build your “T-shaped” leadership portfolio. Early in your career, explore a breadth of skills and practices to gain a holistic view of the industry. This means say “yes” often, and as you gain more skills and experience, begin to build your deep-domain expertise in an area that you are passionate about.
Then, stay connected across solution areas and markets – that connectivity will allow you to develop holistic solutions that leverage the full breath of Jacobs’ offering. I would even expand this “T-shaped” growth to a “J-shaped” model. The bottom hook of the “J” represents building your professional brand—presenting at conferences, sharing knowledge and ideas, and bringing others along on the journey. It takes a full team to deliver the solutions our clients need.
What do you enjoy most about being part of #OurJacobs?
I’ve been with Jacobs for nearly 20 years. At the technical level, Jacobs works on the largest, most complex water resources challenges that our clients face. That means we’re constantly pushing ourselves to grow and innovate.
With this long tenure, I also truly feel that Jacobs is a family. Whether engaging with my local team or a global community of practice, our work and interactions begin and end with people.
If you aren’t working, what are we most likely to find you doing?
You’ll likely find me near water—skiing in the winter, paddleboarding or boating in the summer, or hiking by water in between. I also have four kids who will all be in high school next year, so I spend as much time with them as I can. When I need to reset, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with both new and familiar recipes.