Vaai Papalii

Vaai Papalii has a diverse work experience in various industries. In 2006, they started as a CAD Drafter/Intern at Architectural Network Inc, where they were responsible for maintaining office documents and producing AutoCAD drawings. From 2006 to 2009, they worked as an Associate AIA/CAD and BIM Designer at Interactive Resources. In 2012, they became a Business Class Field Service Technician at Comcast Cable, performing installations and troubleshooting activities. From 2014 to 2016, they worked as a Broadband Technician II at Wave Broadband, responsible for installations and troubleshooting of residential and commercial products. In 2016, they became a Senior Field Engineer-Team Leader at Sun Mountain LLC, providing program management, oil and gas pipeline, and civil engineering services. In the same year, they also worked as a CONT Senior Field Engineer-Team Leader via Paxon EI at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, where they led a team in providing engineering support for distribution gas construction and assuring regulatory compliance. In 2019, they joined Paxon Energy & Infrastructure Inc. as a Field Engineer. Prior to their civilian career, they served in the US Army as a Horizontal Construction Engineer from 2011 onwards.

Vaai Papalii attended Balboa High School in San Francisco from 1995 to 1999, where they obtained their diploma in General Education. Following this, from 1999 to 2005, they pursued their Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Vaai then furthered their education at Cuesta College from 2001 to 2004, earning an Associate degree in General Education. In 2011, they attended United States Army AIT and completed the program as a 12N Horizontal Construction Engineer, specializing as an Operating Engineer.

In addition to their formal education, Vaai has obtained several certifications. In 2011, they received Basic Life Support (CPR & AED) and Combat Life Support certifications from the US Army. In 2016, they earned the Jones/NCTI Installer Technician certification from Jones/NCTI and the Hazardous Materials Certified Technician certification from the US Army. Furthermore, Vaai completed the Advanced Individual Training for Construction Heavy Equipment from the US Army in 2011.