What's your job about?
Water Corporation is the state’s provider of water, wastewater and drainage services. My current role within the organisation is in their Resource Investigations team which provides technical advice based on both underground and surface hydrology investigations. I am lucky enough to use a number of software programs to guide asset investment planning. Another significant aspect of my role involves liaising with our regulators to ensure compliance for abstraction and discharge licences.
What's your background?
I grew up on a wheat and sheep farm in the Mid-West of WA. I went to boarding school in Perth before being offered a job driving trucks on the mines. As much as I love the red dirt my true calling was in the water industry - a place where I can contribute to the issue of water scarcity in this state. I began studying a civil engineering degree part-time online whilst working and towards the end, raising my young family. I was fortunate enough to join the Water Corporation in a Vacation role in 2020 and I’ve never looked back.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely, anything is possible! I have been lucky enough to be given this opportunity despite having limited training in underground hydrology, numerical modelling or GIS. However, I have a keen interest, a desire for further study and proactive nature. Admittedly, engineering never came naturally to me, but I have applied myself and focused on my interests in water and geology to guide my career. Anyone who is articulate, can think laterally and apply themselves in a team would succeed in this role.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about my job is that you can use your knowledge, the findings of your investigations, to influence decisions that will make the state a better place to live. The flow-on effects from those decisions are countless so you feel the gravity of the work you are doing. There is a very real opportunity to forge the direction for the state shoulder to shoulder with other like-minded professionals.
What are the limitations of your job?
Despite our best efforts, there are occasions when the political environment, social focus or funding availability may not align with the technical advice we provide, and it can take considerable time to see the results!
3 pieces of advice for your university self?