Employee Spotlight: Seth Dray

Meet Seth Dray

This week in honor of Earth Day, we’re celebrating the people at Schnabel who protect our environment every day – including Seth Dray, a Senior Geologist who leads the Environmental team based out of our Wilmington, NC, office.

Seth and his team help safeguard our planet through environmental monitoring, site assessments, and the remediation of soil and groundwater at contaminated sites. His work helps clients navigate complex environmental challenges with practical, science-driven solutions – ensuring cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and safer communities.

“Managing environmental sites gives you perspective on how contamination can affect nearby communities,” says Seth, who joined Schnabel almost two years ago to be closer to family and manage a newly developing team and environmental projects in Wilmington. “These communities rely on us to provide accurate data and sound technical recommendations that protect human health and the environment. Knowing that our work helps safeguard water resources and restore trust in impacted areas is incredibly rewarding.”

A Life-Long Passion for Geology

A self-proclaimed rock nerd, Seth discovered his passion for geology at a young age – a spark that grew even stronger after a pivotal trip to the Grand Canyon as a teenager.

“‘Geologist’ was always my answer to the classic, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ question,” Seth recalls. “The summer before college, my parents took us to the Grand Canyon, and that experience sealed the deal. Standing there, seeing Earth’s history exposed layer by layer, I knew geology was exactly what I wanted to study.”

Seth’s role has evolved since beginning his geology career 12 years ago, but he still enjoys getting out behind the drill rig and logging core, which he says keeps him connected to the fundamentals of geology.

“I enjoy collecting and interpreting data to create those ‘aha’ moments when the conceptual site model finally comes together,” Seth explains.

Working Together to Deliver the Best Results

At Schnabel, Seth appreciates being a part of a close-knit family of engineers and scientists where collaboration and shared purpose drive everything they do.

“People readily share knowledge, support one another, stay focused on delivering high‑quality work that reflects our collective expertise and pride, and work together to deliver the best results for our clients,” Seth says.

With a field-heavy background, Seth values mentoring younger staff and using his experience to guide others and support their career growth. He says technical problem-solving can take years of diverse experience to acquire.

“Some advice I would give is to understand that every project or task can be a chance to further your experience, even the projects that don’t go as planned,” Seth shares.

While Seth helps cultivate junior staff, Schnabel has supported Seth’s professional growth by providing opportunities to engage in business development at professional conferences and symposiums, which has expanded his network and industry knowledge. He has also strengthened his leadership and technical skills through other professional development programs.

Love of Rocks – and So Much More

It’s no surprise that Seth enjoys spending time outdoors when he’s not busy creating solutions for our clients’ environmental challenges. He and his family enjoy hiking, camping, boating, surfing, and occasionally hitting the trails on their dirt bikes.

“Exploring nature together is one of our favorite ways to recharge,” Seth adds.

We’re grateful for employees like Seth whose passion for protecting our planet safeguards our natural resources and strengthens the health of our communities.