Our Staff
Scott A. Gray-President
With a BS in Civil engineering and over 20 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, Mr. Gray serves as President for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. Mr. Gray previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc., and served as the Manager of Geotechnical Services for the Inland Empire/San Diego areas. His project experience includes mass grading for residential developments, pavement design and evaluation, subsurface investigations, water tank/reservoir projects, slope stability analyses, liquefaction studies, and onsite construction for residential and commercial developments.
Thomas J. McCarthy-Vice President
With a BA in Geologic Science and more than 35 years’ experience in engineering geology, Mr. McCarthy serves as the Vice President of Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. Mr. McCarthy previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc., and served as the Project Manager for the Inland Empire and Orange County areas. His project experience includes field observation of large earthwork projects, fault investigations, plan checking, report review, rippability and down hole geologic surveys, and geologic mapping for grading projects.
Dennis Delacruz-Director of Field Operations
With more than 40 years of experience in geotechnical observations and testing, Mr. Delacruz serves as a Director of Field Operations for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. Mr. Delacruz previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc. as a senior technician, primarily in the Inland Empire and Orange County areas. His project experience includes mass grading and onsite construction for residential and commercial developments, pavement construction, and water tank/reservoir projects.
Fernando Ruiz-Staff Engineer
With a BS in Civil engineering and over 5 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, Mr. Ruiz serves as a Staff Engineer for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. His project experience includes mass grading for residential developments, pavement design and evaluation, subsurface investigations, water tank/reservoir projects, slope stability analyses, liquefaction studies, and onsite construction for residential and commercial developments.
James Coyne-Staff Geologist
With a BA in Geologic Science and more than 5 years’ experience in engineering geology, Mr. Coyne serves as a Staff Geologist. His project experience includes field observation of large earthwork projects, fault investigations, plan checking, report review, rippability and down hole geologic surveys, and geologic mapping for grading projects.
Brian Buechler-Senior Soil Technician
With more than 40 years of experience in geotechnical observation and testing, Mr. Buechler serves as a Senior Technician for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. Mr. Buechler previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc. as a senior technician/civil engineering associate primarily in the San Diego and Inland Empire areas. His project experience includes mass grading and onsite construction for residential and commercial developments, pavement construction, and water tank/reservoir projects.
Mark McCormick-Senior Soil Technician/Special Inspector
With more than 15 years of experience in geotechnical observations and testing, Mr. McCormick serves as a soil technician/special inspector for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. Mr. McCormick previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc. as a field technician all over the Southern California area. As an employee for Alta California Geotechnical, Mr. McCormick also provides and oversees "Special Deputy Inspection" services for many of our clients. Mr. McCormick possesses "ICC Special Inspector" certifications in Concrete, Reinforced Concrete, Structural Masonry and Pre-stressed Concrete. His project experience includes mass grading, onsite construction and special inspection for residential, commercial and retail developments, pavement construction and water tank/reservoir projects.
Alex Garcia-Laboratory Manager
With more than 20 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, Mr. Garcia serves as the Laboratory Manager for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. Mr. Garcia previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc. as a field and laboratory technician. His experience encompasses a large variety geotechnical laboratory testing.
David A. Murphy-Consulting Geologist
With a MS in Geologic Science and more than 30 years’ experience in engineering geology, Mr. Murphy previously served as a principle and President of Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. until December of 2019 when his career shifted to his current position of Consulting Geologist. Mr. Murphy previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc., and served as the Manager of Geologic Services for the southern Inland Empire and San Diego areas. His project experience includes field observation of large earthwork projects, plan checking, report review, rippability and down hole geologic surveys, geologic mapping for grading projects and business development.
Douglas C. McCormick-Engineering Consultant
With more than 48 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, Mr. McCormick previously served as a principle and Vice President - Director of Field Operations for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. until December of 2020 when his career shifted to his current position of Engineering Consultant. Mr. McCormick previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc., directing the field operations in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. His project experience includes mass grading and onsite construction for residential and commercial developments, pavement construction, and water tank/reservoir projects.
James B. Castles-Engineering Consultant
With a BS in Civil engineering and 50 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, Mr. Castles serves as an engineering Consultant for Alta California Geotechnical, Inc. Mr. Castles previously worked for Pacific Soils Engineering, Inc., and served a principle and Chief Operations Officer. His project experience includes mass grading for residential developments, pavement design and evaluation, subsurface investigations, water tank/reservoir projects, slope stability analyses, liquefaction studies, and onsite construction for residential and commercial developments.