What I Do I manage contractors and consultants for new construction, heritage restoration, and refurbishment construction projects in National Parks across Canada.
Why Engineering? I have always loved math and science and engineering just seemed like the perfect fit. I used to want to design bridges, but when I began my engineering career doing site review, then into engineering design, it felt too much like time pressured homework, so I opted for project management. I always dreamt of working for Parks Canada, now I get to visit construction sites in beautiful locations across the country - a dream come true.
School Days I went to Carleton University for a Bachelor Civil (Structural) Engineering in Ottawa, ON. Canada.
My Day At Work Hiring consultants to design the project, hiring contractors to build the project, oversee the consultants and contractors through the life of the project, oversee junior project managers. Ensure projects are kept on schedule, on time and within budget. I attend quite a few meetings in a week, I am always answering emails, and sometimes on the phone. Sometimes I am in a National Park for work, on a boat ride, on a trail, or driving to get to my construction site.
Best Part I get to visit beautiful places while protecting and preserving the natural environment and creating wonderful tourist amenities. I even got to live in Jasper National Park for a year!
Challenges Being a female on construction sites can be daunting at times, but after a while, hopefully, the male presence on site learns that females are knowledgeable and capable in a man's world and eventually you can be their friends.
My Family I have a beautiful and fun daughter who is nearly 2 (maternity leave was the best time ever!), a loving spouse and 2 fuzzy white dogs.
Dreams and Goals I am currently content with my position. My goals from here would be to successfully complete my current large project with confidence, precision and attention to detail.
Want to be an Engineer? Go for it! Strive for that dream job, and work hard to get there. it's worth it!
Hobbies I love gardening (growing dahlias and vegetables), I love being outside hiking and kayaking, and spending quality time playing with my daughter and my spouse. He works long days, so when we get some time to spend together with our daughter, it is wonderful.