Tamara Kruic
Tamara Kruic is a dedicated environmental science professional and Environmental Geologist at Parsons Corporation, where she contributes to projects that support environmental protection, compliance, and sustainability initiatives. Based in the Greater Chicago area, she is known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to deliver high-quality results in both field and office settings. Kruic combines her academic background with hands-on experience to support complex environmental assessments, regulatory adherence, and client-focused solutions.
Prior to her current role, Kruic served as an Environmental Scientist and Project Manager at Gabriel Environmental Services, where she managed diverse environmental projects in accordance with IEPA regulations. Her work included soil and groundwater sampling, subsurface drilling oversight, data analysis, and the preparation of technical reports such as Phase II investigations. She also played a key leadership role in training field staff, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining clear communication with clients and stakeholders. Earlier in her career, she gained valuable field experience in ecological restoration, working on prairie and wetland projects involving invasive species management, native planting, and prescribed burns.
Kruic holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Water Sciences from Northern Illinois University, where she graduated cum laude and received the Outstanding Women and Gender Advocacy Award. She is also completing her master’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a focus on Law and Policy. Passionate about environmental stewardship, Kruic is committed to advancing sustainability efforts, protecting natural resources, and inspiring others to take an active role in environmental conservation through both her professional work and community involvement.
• Certificate of Completion - Coal Ash
• Pesticide Operator, Commercial
• Northern Illinois University
• College of DuPage
• Recipient of Outstanding Women and Gender Advocacy Award 2022 from Northern Illinois University
• Certification of Academic Distinction: The Statewide Honors Council of the Illinois Region's Student Symposium
• College of DuPage Natural Areas: Ecological Restoration Volunteer/Environmental Advocacy.
• Hanson Center Riding Arena
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say - take time to really reflect on yourself. Think about what brings you joy, what sparks your passion, and what gives you the motivation to keep showing up every day. Because no matter what job you have - even if it's your dream job - there will still be days when you don't feel like doing it. That's why it's so important to find something that naturally motivates you. Ask yourself: What do I enjoy doing? What kind of work makes me feel fulfilled? For me, that includes helping people - even if it's in an indirect way. Also, don't be afraid to try things. Just try them. You won't always know if something is right for you until you experience it. I once thought I wanted to be a chef because I loved cooking for my family and friends - but when I actually worked in a restaurant, I realized it wasn't for me. And that's okay. Be flexible in your learning process. Growth comes from exploring and adjusting along the way. And most importantly, don't let outside pressure guide your decisions. If something genuinely brings you joy, don't let others talk you out of it. Trust yourself and follow what feels right for you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I've experienced is getting your foot in the door, because it's still a relatively niche - though growing - industry. It's also very competitive. Environmental work sits at the intersection of science, policy, and business, and that creates a unique set of pressures. A lot of people, especially in the younger generation, enter this field because they genuinely care about environmental protection, conservation, and preserving nature. But once you're in the industry, you're often met with the reality that many decisions are driven by business needs and corporate priorities. Because of that, a major challenge is finding the balance between staying true to your personal values and being an effective, contributing member of a company. You have to be on top of your game, constantly learning as regulations and policies evolve, while also navigating company dynamics. For me, it's about finding that sweet spot - being a strong professional, continuing to grow, and making meaningful contributions without compromising what drew me to the field in the first place.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I really value integrity in everything I do - I don't like to give my word and then not follow through. Honesty is also extremely important to me. I think about what the main goal is that we're trying to achieve, and in my job, I really appreciate that it's about cleaning up after environmental damage, like oil spills underground. My values guide my career choices - they wouldn't allow me to work directly with companies like BP to advance further drilling. That's actually why part of my master's degree focuses on Law and Policy around sustainable energy, because I want to eventually work in sustainable energy sources. I believe people deserve and will continue to need energy and clean water, so we need to find ways to supply that outside of the dwindling fossil fuel industry.