[3] In this capacity, he was involved in building airfields, water supply facilities, and other construction projects at installations in Hawaii, Saipan, Okinawa, and Korea.

[4] After ten years in that job, he left for the California Department of Water Resources, becoming staff engineer and special assistant to the director.

[4] From 1973 to 1976, he served on the National Commission on Water Quality appointed by President of the United States Richard Nixon and chaired by Nelson Rockefeller.

[3] In 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Gianelli as Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), and, after Senate Confirmation, he held this office from April 1981 until May 1984.

He made a major financial donation that helped the Foundation create an educational program for young professionals, which is named the William R. "Bill" Gianelli Water Leaders Class.