How long have you been working in the pipeline industry for?
I have been working in the pipeline industry for three years and involved in the water industry for five years.
What industry were you working in prior to pipelines, and what led you into the pipelines industry?
I started my engineering journey by undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and a Bachelor of Business Management (Accounting) at Swinburne University in Melbourne. This led me to land my first position working in the automotive industry where I was the Design Responsible Engineer for Holden Pty Ltd, from 2003-09.
The decline of the automotive industry and the exponential growth in the pipeline industry made the decision to make a career change very easy for me. In perfect timing, the opportunity arose at Comdain to work on the Future Flow Irrigation Modernisation Project in Shepparton, Victoria.
What is your favourite aspect of working in the pipeline industry?
I thoroughly enjoy interacting and working alongside designers, supervisors, asset owners, stakeholders and the community. Utilising a diverse range of skills and knowledge gives me the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of aspects of pipeline installation, from planning through to commissioning.
I enjoy taking the design and developing it in the most cost-effective and efficient way. I thrive on the daily challenge of solving the complex problems around environment and cultural heritage; overcoming constant challenges of noise, access and working through roads, towns and communities; and taking into account the management requirements and legal constraints with regards to constructing large diameter pipelines in large, developed areas. This provides great job satisfaction and I enjoy making a contribution to improving the community.
Outline a typical day in the field.
I start my day off onsite for a 7:00 am site tool box meeting with the construction crew to review the previous day’s progress on the project, assess resources and materials, make decisions on the targets for the day, review any safety risks, make adjustments and arrangements for the following day, and conduct a site safety walk with the foreman. By 9:00 am I am back in the office to plan any necessary amendments for the next day’s program, review any operational problems, administer the cost and budget control, arrange materials and resources, and liaise with the client and the designer. By 4:00 pm I am back onsite with the construction crew to oversee any issues that have occurred throughout day and make appropriate decisions on addressing those issues.
I enjoy working in the pipeline industry because I have the variety of office work and being out in the field where I can see the projects that I am working on come to life.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
Our General Manager, Simon Maher, has been someone who I’ve looked up to since I have started at Comdain. I admire him for his unwavering dedication to his work, his integrity and generosity with his time, sharing his rich and valuable knowledge in the pipeline field.
What has been your favourite project to work on and why?
Working on the Craigieburn Project, which involved the installation of new water mains, would have to be my favourite project to date; I was constantly being challenged with problems of hitting rock and having to meet tight deadlines. This project was a significant achievement for Comdain, which was delivered on time and on budget.
Do you have any advice for other young pipeliners?
The pipeline industry is a very challenging but extremely rewarding career choice. A job in the pipeline industry requires you to be team oriented, have great interpersonal skills and thrive on challenges.
