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Victoria, Senior Engineering Officer (Reticulation Projects)

VICTORIA, SENIOR ENGINEERING OFFICER

Loving the challenge!

Making a difference in the community is a big part of Victoria's project manager role.

Watch Victoria's video about life in New Plymouth and work at the Council on YouTube.

Describe your job.

I am a project manager for the Water and Wastes Team. I manage civil engineering projects in water supply, sewerage transportation or stormwater management. This involves regular contact with consultants and contractors to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and in line with Council standards.

I am also in regular contact with the community, letting them know what is happening in their area. It’s a two-way street, I often hear from members of the public about different projects. Not just when they think something has gone wrong, but also to let us know when we’ve done a good job!

What’s your background?

I’m a hydrogeologist by training. This is the study of groundwater.

In the UK I worked for the Environment Agency (which is the government regulator) in the identification and management of groundwater as a resource for public water supply.

Before that I worked for several consultants and contractors in the field of de-watering for civil engineering projects. This is when you want to excavate something like a quarry, and you need it dry. I would work out how to make the ground dry in theory, and then I’d get out there and put in wells and pumps to actually make it dry.

I started studying maths at university but found it a bit dull so changed courses to geology. I didn’t really know anything about geology at the time but the prospectus fell open at that page and I thought it sounded interesting. I’ve never looked back, I love it!

New Plymouth is very community focused which I love and being a small community you’re very close to the decision making and it is easy to get involved.  Return to top

What qualifications do you have?

I’ve got a Bachelor of Science from the University of Portsmouth and Masters in Hydrogeology from the University of East Anglia (Norwich). At school I took all the science and maths subjects.

While I’m not an engineer, I’m a formally trained project manager with a lot of experience in managing civil engineering projects.

What do you like most about your job?

My job is varied which I love. Not only is every project different but  I also deal with very different people everyday, from the contractors digging holes in the ground, engineers and their plans through to Joe Public whose property we need to access.

What's good about working in local government?

I like being part of the decision making. I never really took much notice of what my local council did until I started working for NPDC. I now understand the massive role the Council has in making residents' lives easier and how hard the staff here work for the community.

What do you like about working for NPDC?

The Council is a forward thinking organisation. It’s vibrant and so is the city. I also really enjoy my team, they’re fun and supportive and together we make it a great working environment.

What makes NPDC a good employer?

They like to challenge you. In my team the managers aren’t scared of delegating responsibility if you’re willing to take it. I love that! They also provide a flexible working environment, which enables you to make the most of your own life.
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