Nate Stansberry, 32, is the Fort Scott City Engineer
as of June 29, 2020.
Stansberry received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Civil Emphasis, from Marshall University, Huntington, WV.
He worked two years in the Springfield, MO Public Works Stormwater Division as an engineer in training; five years in the Rutland, VT Department of Public Works as an associate and assistant city engineer; two and one-half years with the Asian Development Bank in the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a Technical Advisor—Water and Sewer Operations Engineer for the Majuro Water and Sewer Company.
The following is from an interview with Stansberry.
Why did you pursue a degree in civil engineering?
“I’ve always enjoyed construction and water-related activities and felt civil engineering was a natural fit,” Stansberry said. “I credit my time working under Errin Kemper at the City of Springfield for helping me see the vision of being a municipal engineer and Dr. John Bailey in an interview with the City of Pittsburg, KS on a position I didn’t get, for showing me how fulfilling being a city engineer in a smaller, full-service city could be. I also credit Alan Shelvey and Pete Kelley in Rutland, Vermont, for their mentorship and example and tutelage of what it means to be a public servant and how we can make an impact each day on the well being of those around us. Each day I get to go work and try to make where I live a little bit better with co-workers striving to do the same. Professionally—I haven’t found anything more fulfilling, yet.”
What are your duties for the City of Fort Scott?
“Fort Scott has not had a city engineer in thirty-plus years so I’m not walking into an established role. On a day to day basis, I’m looking to support our public works divisions in their day-to-day activities and short and long-term capital replacement planning. I’m also looking to provide support and design services to other city groups as time allows. I also see record keeping as an important part of my job and will look to prepare a repository of city works for future reference and hopefully the engineer that comes after me. Most of all, I’m here to serve the public and maintain an open-door policy and can be found at the Code’s Department in Memorial Hall from 8 am-5 pm.”
Stansberry and his wife, Victoria, who is a native of Rolla, KS, have been married 10 years.
“She last taught Spanish as a school teacher but has stayed home with our daughter since her birth,” Stansberry said. “Our daughter, aptly named Kansas, will be three this upcoming August.”
