Eric Gjersvik sees firsthand the focus that communities across Iowa have put into creating desirable places to work, live and play. As a civil engineer, he’s had a role in planning and designing a number of projects in central Iowa since moving to the area in 1991.
Gjersvik grew up in Alexandria, Minn., and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University in Fargo. After working for a year in North Dakota, his brother invited him to interview at the firm he was working for in Des Moines. The owner was near retirement and wanted to sell the company. The brothers bought the firm and owned it for around 12 years before selling it to a larger firm where they both continued to work for a number of years.
He joined ISG as a senior civil engineer in 2019 with a focus on commercial and residential development. His varied experiences, expertise, and firm have provided him opportunities to be a part of unique and exciting projects across multiple states.
1. How have Des Moines and central Iowa evolved over the time you have lived here?
This area has certainly grown in population since I moved here in 1991. I think Des Moines and the surrounding communities have invested time and resources into planning and building spaces for all ages to work, live, and play. A lot of effort has also gone into improving the transportation system.
2. What are some of the elements that make recreational trails and other outdoor resources a positive addition to communities?
I believe people of all ages have a desire to experience and be close to nature and experience the health benefits of being active. I see this everyday looking out the window of our family home that backs up to a multi-use recreational trail. People of all ages are constantly using the trail for walking, jogging, bicycling, and once in awhile for rollerblading. In winter, we’ve even seen some cross-country skiers.
Iowa also has a great system of water trails that allows people to experience the environment in and around our creeks and rivers. ISG understands that trails and water play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and quality of life across our communities.
Some of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on have been the design of a number of recreational trails on the east side of Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, and Altoona. I also worked on the civil portion of design on the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City, which protects 6,000 acres of Iowa’s native ecosystems and provides a variety of recreation and educational opportunities. There have been five water trail projects in Iowa that I have been involved in that will provide wonderful opportunities to enjoy our system of creeks and rivers.
3. What recommendations do you have for getting involved in Iowa communities?
Each community has a variety of public boards and commissions that have volunteer positions. Diving into those positions can be a good way to learn more about the community and to have an impact on the community. I served on a Planning and Zoning Commission for about six years, which I found to be a rewarding experience.
4. What advice do you have for someone considering a move or return to Iowa?
I believe Iowa has something for everyone, no matter where you are in your life. It’s a safe place for families with very good school systems.
The opportunity to work alongside my brother and ultimately own and operate our own firm brought me to the Des Moines area, then after marrying and having two boys, I realized this area has a lot to offer for young families. The schools and colleges in Iowa are wonderful. The people of Iowa are very nice, which goes a long way toward making it feel like a safe place to live.
5. Please share three recommendations of things to do or places to go in Iowa.
Iowa has an excellent system of recreational trails that I would highly recommend. There are many beautiful state and county parks that have tons of things to offer virtually year-round. I might be a little biased, but the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem.
Published July 2025