As someone who isn’t afraid of heights, a career operating cranes seems like a natural fit. That’s exactly where Landon started his journey, beginning as a crane rigger in North Dakota straight out of high school and later earning his crane operator certification.
Originally from Palmer, Alaska, Landon eventually brought his skills back home. He joined Alaska Crane about 5 years ago and then transferred to STG Inc. as Superintendent. While he still occasionally returns to crane work — including a stint last summer — these days you’ll find him tackling a very different kind of challenge: leading an environmental protection project in the remote jungles of Maui.
Trading Cranes for Conservation
In March 2024, STG Pacific partnered with STG, Inc. to begin fieldwork on the National Park Service’s HALE/HAVO Perimeter Fence project in Hawaii. STG, Inc. is self-performing the fence installation for STG Pacific, installing fences to protect native wildlife from invasive species like pigs, goats, and axis deer.
Landon’s background running his own farm in Talkeetna made him an ideal candidate for the rugged and demanding conditions of this project. “The fence part is easy,” said Landon. “The real challenge is figuring out how to live and work effectively in the jungle.”
A Day on the Line
Landon’s day starts well before sunrise at 4:30 AM, when he fires up the coffee maker and prepares breakfast for his six-person crew. By 6 AM, they’re already on the fence line, where they’ll spend the next 11-12 hours navigating steep terrain and challenging conditions.
The work is intensely physical. The team carries heavy equipment — including 70-pound drills and 50-pound post pounders — while staying tied off to trees for safety on the steep slopes. In the evening, a teammate cooks dinner for the group while Landon writes his daily report and works on flight plans.
Adapting to Jungle Life
The project presents unique logistical challenges. With no road access, all materials are delivered by helicopter. Landon scouts ahead with a light tent and supplies, mapping the fence line and coordinating material drops that — thankfully — mostly flow downhill.
Living conditions require careful planning. The team camps six days a week in remote areas that require helicopter transport. Thanks to his years of camping experience, Landon has mastered the art of food storage in the jungle, using a two-cooler system and frozen water bottles to keep supplies fresh throughout the week.
The crew deals with conditions that can change in an instant–from heavy rains that cause flash floods to temperature swings between 50° at night to 90° during the day.
Natural Rewards
Despite the challenges, the project offers unique rewards. “The views are incredible during the day when the sun’s out,” Landon said. “And at night, without light pollution, the stars are amazing.”
The local wildlife adds another interesting dimension to the work. While there are no snakes to worry about, the team regularly encounters foot-long centipedes and impressive spiders. Landon’s advice? “If it’s creepy crawly, don’t mess with it. If it’s on you, just brush it off.”
Looking Ahead
Currently less than 30% complete, the project operates around Alaska’s construction season, with work continuing through late fall and spring. It’s a testament to our STG Inc.’s ability to tackle complex projects in challenging conditions — and to our team members’ willingness to push boundaries and adapt to unique situations.
For Landon, who has come a long way from his early days as a crane rigger, it’s just another day at the office — albeit one with better views than most.
