James Pappas

Background

About James Pappas

Port Engineer (PE) at Cruz Construction | Heavy Civil, Oilfield Support & Remote Infrastructure Specialist | Alaska | VeteranPalmer, AlaskaProud to serve as Port Engineer at Cruz Construction, Inc, a leading heavy civil and oilfield support company based right here in Palmer, Alaska. At Cruz, we specialize in remote projects across the state—everything from mobile facilities and ice roads to marine tug and barge services, heavy hauling, land clearing, and critical infrastructure that keeps Alaska’s oilfields, communities, and operations moving in the harshest conditions.In my role, I oversee marine equipment maintenance, vessel operations support, project coordination for remote transport and facility builds, and ensure safe, reliable execution on the water and shore side. From planning overhauls and coordinating with crews to troubleshooting in extreme weather, it’s all about delivering results with zero excuses—exactly the mindset I bring from years in the field.After transitioning out of the military, I was fortunate to land at Utility Technologies, where the team took a real chance on me. They gave me the opportunity to dive into outside plant construction, build telecom networks across Alaska’s challenging terrain, and grow into a reliable crew member who thrives in tough, hands-on environments. That foundation—resilience, precision, safety-first culture, and getting it done right—directly prepared me for the demands of heavy civil and marine support work at Cruz.I’m passionate about Alaska’s unique infrastructure challenges: connecting remote sites, supporting energy operations, and building projects that stand up to -40° winters, permafrost, and endless daylight (or darkness). Grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to contribute to Cruz’s reputation for impeccable workmanship on projects that matter.Open to connecting with fellow Alaskans, veterans, heavy civil pros, marine engineers, oil & gas folks, or anyone building in the Last Frontier. Let’s talk projects, challenges, or just how we’re staying warm this winter!