Meet our Team
Our team at Ewaters is dedicated to building thriving communities and resilient infrastructure
Jess
WallaceCEO/Principal Engineer
With 25 years of expertise in water and environmental engineering, Jess has a track record of project leadership and innovative design. He began his career at Hanson Engineers, working hands-on in Chicago’s busiest rail yards in surveying and field construction management. Moving to Colorado, he spent nearly a decade designing urban infrastructure—from water and wastewater systems to stormwater, rivers, and irrigation—while developing his UrbanThrive design principles for resilient urban landscapes.
In 2008, Jess joined URS, where he spearheaded the transformation of the rivers and stormwater services division. He became a partner at Ewaters New Zealand in 2015 and took on a leadership role in 2020, directing the company’s vision toward transparent, data-driven environmental analysis. Under his guidance, Ewaters delivers tools and insights that empower clients to foster resilient communities through informed decision-making and environmental restoration.
Weijun
ZhangForecasting Systems Manager
Weijun has over 30 years of experience in water resources and environmental engineering. He holds advanced degrees from Hohai University and previously served as China General Manager at Wallingford Software and Modeling Team Leader at URS. He led urban flood resilience strategies for the Asian Development Bank. Weijun's expertise fosters innovative solutions in sustainable water management and disaster risk reduction.
Felix Pertziger
Principal GIS Analyst & Hydrologist
Felix is a Principal GIS Analyst and Hydrologist at Ewaters New Zealand, where he has worked since 2017. With an extensive background in hydrology and GIS, he has contributed to numerous water-related projects across New Zealand. Felix holds a PhD in geography, specializing in hydrology and water resources, and has published multiple papers, including three monographs on glaciology and land hydrology. His work has been published in both Russian and English.
His career began in 1976 at the Glaciology Department of the Central Asian Hydrometeorological Institute in Uzbekistan, followed by 13 years with URS New Zealand. Outside of his scientific career, Felix was active in the USSR alpine search and rescue squad, earning his qualification in 1979. He was later awarded the prestigious USSR Master of Sport title in alpinism in 1985.
Priyanka Uppal
Operations and Projects Manager
With extensive experience in project controls, Priyanka is committed to driving efficiency and fostering resilient communities. Skilled in process mapping, timeline management, and financial forecasting, she utilizes specialist tools for seamless data integration and effective project reporting. Priyanka excels as a liaison, coordinating with contractors, sub-consultants, and client representatives to ensure expectations are consistently met. Her expertise in contract and project management spans all phases, from design to construction, with a focus on schedule coordination and financial claims.
Passionate about continuous improvement, Priyanka leads initiatives that optimize processes and enhance client relationships. With a strong public sector focus, she brings expertise in environmental and infrastructure projects, including HSE reporting, water treatment, and stream upgrades, all aimed at building sustainable, resilient communities through effective project management.
Jorge Astudillo
Principal Hydraulics
& Hydrologic Engineer
Jorge brings 15+ years of expertise in hydraulics and environmental engineering to Ewaters New Zealand. He’s led projects like Auckland’s Urban Framework Modelling, ensuring precision in model setup and analysis. His engineering degrees from the University of Chile and research background enhance his innovative solutions in water management.