Staff

About Our Staff

Helms and Associates is built on its integrity and by the desire to continue to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life for its clients. We firmly believe that communication is key to the successful completion of any project, regardless of size or complexity, and this belief is stressed with every one of our employees. We are devoted to working with a “team approach” to ensure the smoothest possible project from start to finish for all involved.

The construction season with its long-hours and fast-pace require all hands on deck and the level of support developed among the employees allows us to complete projects on time and within budget. Engineers, draftsmen, and technicians collaborate throughout the project phases from its inception, throughout design, developing the final set of plans and specifications, to construction, and final completion of the project.

Bob J. Babcock
Bob J. Babcock, P.E.
Principal

Experience
With Helms and Associates since 1989
3.5 Years with Nebraska Department of Roads

Education
B.S., Civil Engineering - South Dakota State University

Registration
Professional Engineer - South Dakota and North Dakota

Professional Organizations
National Society of Professional Engineers South Dakota Engineering Society


Bob Babcock, a native South Dakota, moved back from Nebraska and joined Helms and Associates in 1989. Since joining the firm Mr. Babcock has received his professional engineering license (P.E.) and gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of the civil and municipal engineering disciplines. In 2002, Bob became a Principal of Helms and Associates.

Over the last 20 years, Bob has developed a passion and enthusiasm for airport projects. He has been the Project Manager for airport projects in Britton, Brookings, Gregory, Milbank, Parkston, Vermillion, Wagner, Watertown, and Winner. In addition, Bob has been involved with a number of major runway, taxiway, and apron rehabilitation projects at the above listed airports.

Bob has a great deal of experience working in areas that exhibit weak subgrades and/or highly expansive soils and his experience with underdrains and the use of fabrics and geo-grids have proven beneficial to the expansion/rehabilitation portions of the project.

Bob’s strengths are his project communication and coordination skills, his personal integrity, and his desire to provide the best client service in the market. Mr. Babcock takes great pride in his ability to make the project enjoyable for all involved; the owner, the contractor, and the engineer.

Michael A. Schmit
Michael A. Schmit, P.E.
Associate

Experience
With Helms and Associates since 2008

Education
B.S., Civil Engineering (2008) – South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Registration
Professional Engineer – South Dakota and North Dakota

Certifications
SD DOT SWPPP Design
SD DOT Asphalt Concrete Introduction
SD DOT Asphalt Concrete Aggregate Testing
SD DOT Asphalt Concrete Hot Mix Testing
SD DOT Asphalt Concrete Mix Design & Production Control

Professional Organizations
National Society of Professional Engineers
South Dakota Engineering Society

Brandon D. Smid
Brandon D. Smid, P.E.
Associate

Experience
With Helms and Associates since 2009

Education
B.S., Civil Engineering (2009) - University of Nebraska– Lincoln

Registration
Professional Engineer – South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota

Certifications
Radiation Safety Officer
SD DOT Erosion & Settlement Control
SD DOT Construction Measurement & Payment
SD DOT Material Sampling & Testing
SD DOT Asphalt Concrete Introduction
Airport Pavement Condition Index Surveys

Professional Organizations
American Society of Civil Engineers & ACEC