Not A Desk Job: Hands On. All In. Built to Lead.

Not a Desk Job Series | Cortney Olson

Discover how leading from the field with hands-on problem-solving, clear communication, and a people-first approach keeps projects on track and teams connected.

For Cortney Olson, construction sites feel more like home base than sitting in an office. Whether she’s on a bridge deck or coordinating with contractors to keep a project on schedule, she’s in her element, calm under pressure, confident in her decisions, and tuned in to those around her. As a graduate civil engineer focused on construction administration, Cortney brings more than technical expertise to ISG’s transportation team. She brings trusted leadership, sets an example by showing up early, listens intently, and earns respect as someone people enjoy working with.

Finding Her Path

Cortney didn’t always know she would end up in civil engineering. She began her studies at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville exploring environmental engineering but was drawn to infrastructure for the opportunity to work outdoors, be hands-on, and collaborate with a dynamic team. During college, she completed an internship with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), gaining exposure to design and construction oversight and connecting with professionals across the industry. After earning her civil engineering degree in 2022, Cortney joined ISG.

What Makes ISG Different

Cortney quickly found that ISG’s strong team culture and balance between design work and field time made it a great fit. The firm provides many opportunities to collaborate directly with contractors and take part in hands-on projects—experiences that energize her and strengthen her connection to the work.

Now with nearly four years at ISG, Cortney is a trusted construction project leader spending about 70% of her time in the field. Her typical day starts by coordinating with contractors to plan upcoming work, then moves to monitoring construction activities like pipe installation, paving, bridge pours, and steel tying. This dynamic work style brings new challenges and learning opportunities every day.

Smart Solutions, Better Performance

This spring, Cortney’s team hit the asphalt running to replace 11 miles of roadway. Early in construction, a heavy rainstorm revealed an unexpected drainage issue, causing water to pool across part of the driving lane—a problem the original project plan hadn’t accounted for. Not ideal. Instead of waiting for it to happen again to gather data, the team surveyed the site, pulled the data into CAD, and built a 3D model to pinpoint the problem and solution. With that information, they redesigned the roadway to drain properly.

Since ISG provides Cortney with all the tools she needs, she smartly leveraged that technology and worked seamlessly with contractors to adjust grades, install new curb, and lay fresh pavement, keeping the project on schedule. No need to wait for a survey crew or design firm to provide a solution later. The project delivered a roadway that performs as smoothly as it looks, giving travelers a more reliable and enjoyable drive.

The Power Of A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Cortney’s work extends well beyond roads and bridges, highlighting ISG’s dynamic expertise. She has been a part of a range of projects, from designing a realigned grain bin facility entrance to coordinating complex lighting plans with other in-house practice groups. She’s also collaborated closely with structural engineers and stormwater experts, gaining valuable insight into how ISG’s multi-disciplinary team comes together on projects.

No two days here are alike. There are always new things to learn and challenges to tackle.

What sets ISG apart to Cortney is the focus on real growth and support. Mentorship plays a big role, with transportation and construction leaders providing clear guidance and practical advice. Combined with a variety of projects that keep work interesting, ISG’s culture helps Cortney pave a career path that’s challenging and rewarding—not just another job.