Location: career-profiles

Job title and employer:

Development Services Project Supervisor (City of Surrey)

What does your job title mean?

I assist intermediate team members and senior staff in the Land Development Division by providing moderately complex technical and administrative support related to the completion of various city land development projects.

Background information:

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada.

I grew up in 100 Mile House, British Columbia, Canada, and completed most of my post-secondary schooling in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.

Where do you live now?

I live in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

Where did you complete your training or education?

I completed my post-secondary education at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. The programs I completed include a diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Technology Management. I am currently enrolled in the GDBA Program (Graduate Diploma of Business Administration) at Simon Fraser University, with a future goal of completing my MBA (Master of Business Administration).

What you do at work?

I perform detailed reviews for proposed construction project sites. This includes the design drawings, specifications and project cost estimates.  I coordinate with people in various departments at my workplace. As a result, strong organizational and teamwork skills are important.

I work as part of team and I often engage with my colleagues on various design issues. When a problem situation is familiar, our team collaborates to look at how it was resolved previously, and how to best resolve it moving forward. We discuss project success stories and share what has worked well. We also discuss what we did well and how we can improve future projects. My background in STEM improves my confidence engaging in technical team conversations. It also forms a solid base and deeper understanding of the topics I encounter daily in my career.

Some specific STEM skills I use are:

• completing analysis of areas or quantities of volume to determine accurate cost estimates;
• completing calculations to determine accurate grade of slopes for design coordination;
• using computer software to complete detailed design reviews;
• using data management software to assist in project tracking and milestone achievements to keep projects on task and on time; and
• solving problems to resolve design conflicts and unexpected design constraints as they are revealed throughout the design and construction process.

How does what you do affect people’s lives?

My career is very fulfilling! It is not only rewarding for myself when a project is completed successfully, but also for all of those in the community who are positively affected by the project. They will benefit from the result for years to come. The infrastructure and buildings being constructed effect the quality of life for the community. This is very important as the population grows and the need for resources expand. Some of the most fulfilling projects I have worked on are those that provide much needed affordable housing for our growing and diverse community.

What motivates you in your career?

I get excited about the variety of projects I have the opportunity to work on! Each project has its own challenges.  I enjoy taking on new projects and finding better ways to solve problems. I also really enjoy the team of people I work with.  I think it is so important to get along with your colleagues and feel you can really thrive in your work environment with like-minded individuals.

This career is right for me because I truly enjoy going to work every day and performing well at my job.  I feel a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, but I am also challenged and rewarded often. The personal reward really comes down to the customer service aspect and helping people. At the end of the day, we are helping to build infrastructure that is needed by residents in the community. It feels good to be able to provide for people’s needs.

I have received many compliments on various projects I have managed over the years. Each project gives me new opportunities to learn and grow. Every completed project is another accomplishment for me. It is great to be able to continue to apply my skills and improve my technique.

In my STEM career, I have received specific software training to help lead our team through the transition towards a digital workflow. I have also received my BC CESCL credential (British Columbia Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Lead) as well as most recently my professional designation with ASTTBC as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT).

How did you get to where you are today?

I knew that I wanted a career in a technical field since my late high school years. It was my grade 11 year that I really started exploring courses in drafting and design, and really enjoyed it! I ended up taking every drafting course that my high school had to offer. I really thrived and excelled in this area. I decided to pursue my education following that path. I received a diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Technology Management.

There has been one unusual turn in my career. This was when I made the unexpected career change from the private to the public sector. There are definitely benefits of each sector. However, I prefer what I am doing now (public sector). The real twist is that I am now managing the types of projects that I used to design in my previous role. I find it very useful that I had exposure to both sides of design (the creative design side, as well as the more structured management side), since they both play an important role in the quality of the finished product. Check my LinkedIn profile for more information.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of my career, I enjoy keeping active with activities like yoga/meditation, hiking, and biking. I also like to play some organized sports in my community like softball and indoor soccer.

I am enthusiastic about volunteering and have been involved in many volunteer roles with various organizations such as cultural associations, activity groups, and other organized events. I am particularly passionate about volunteering with groups that encourage women to pursue careers in skilled trades and technologies. It was one of these group events that helped me really boost my confidence and gave me the courage to make the decisions I made about my career. Giving back in this way by sharing my experience is important to me.

What advice would you give to a young person interested in a similar career?

I would absolutely encourage a career in STEM to a young person, as it has so many wonderful benefits. I feel that the industry is very stable and reliable. In addition, the types of careers can provide a lot of opportunities and options that could suit many different skill sets. As with any career, it may feel intimidating or overwhelming at times especially as a woman in a typically male dominated industry. Nevertheless, I have seen things changing for the better – there is no better time to be a part of this positive change!

As a female professional, how can you influence the advancement of women in engineering and technology?

I would promote the importance of seizing opportunities and honing STEM skills for young women and girls early on in their schooling. I feel that gaining confidence in these areas as early as possible is key to feeling confident throughout future education and careers. Also, it does not stop with formal education, there is extensive learning that happens with experience on the job, and mentorship opportunities throughout your career. I am a huge advocate for life-long learning; if you never stop learning, you will always keep growing!

When I was in high school, I enjoyed…

Computer Science

Home Economics / Family Studies

Literature and English language arts

Math

Science

Technology

When I was in high school, I was someone who…

Enjoyed doing things on my own

Liked helping people

Enjoyed working with my hands

Was motivated by success

Liked being given specific instructions

Engaged in volunteer activities

Liked reading

Was really creative

Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades

Liked to design or build things

ASTTBC thanks Let’s Talk Science for their partnership in developing this career profile.  Let’s Talk Science – a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.

#CareerDiscovery #LetsTalkScience

Job title and employer:

Corporate Senior Metallurgist, Teck Resources Limited

What does your job title mean?

I work for a mining company at the head office in Vancouver, BC. My role is to design, optimize and otherwise add value to the chemical and physical processes that we can use to sustainably extract valuable minerals from ore on new mine projects, at mines that we already operate or potential mines that we may want to become involved in. I also get the opportunity to review new technologies that may be game changers in how we mine. Essentially I get to help design, build and operate mines.

Background information:

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Kitimat, BC and lived there until I finished high school.

Where do you live now?

I now live in Cloverdale, BC and work in the Vancouver Head Office of the company.

Where did you complete your training or education?

I completed my Chemical and Metallurgical, Extractive Metallurgy Technology Diploma at BCIT in Burnaby and completed my Masters in Mining Engineering with Camborne School of Mines at the University of Exeter in England. My masters degree was a distance education program with some on-campus and field work.

What you do at work?

At Teck Resources Limited, I am part of a project team working on the processing part of a mine. Other members of the team are geologists, mining engineers, project managers and financial analysts.

As a Senior Metallurgist my job involves both developing specific projects and supporting other people working on projects.  I spend a great deal of time creating laboratory-scale test programs. After we collect data from the test program, we analyze it and prepare a variety of documents including technical reports and PowerPoint presentations. Test programs require math, chemistry and time management skills.  Analyzing data involves using a lot of Excel (math), graphing and interpretation. This is problem solving on how the best way to design and build a mine.

As I am often working on multiple projects, I need to be able to categorize and prioritize my tasks and keep them separate.

In my position, I need strong communication skills. I have to be able to present technical information in an understandable way to diverse groups. The groups may include Vice Presidents of my company, engineering firms, laboratories, or elementary school children.

My company has operations in South America so I am now taking a Spanish course.  This is so that I have a basic understanding and will be able to work more effectively with the South American based operations.

Safety is a core value of our company. As a result, I spend a lot of time looking at how operations can be completed in a safe and environmentally aware manner.

I use a lot of math, chemistry, physics as well as technical writing to do my job.

How does what you do affect people’s lives?

The world needs metals to advance our technology. We use metals every day in our cell phones, computers and homes. We also need to be responsible in how we get that metal. I feel that how I accomplish my job is important in helping this happen in a safe, sustainable and environmentally aware manner. I am proud of the fact that what I do can make a difference to how this is accomplished.

What motivates you in your career?

I get excited at work when I can help solve a problem. I really like collaborating on ideas where we challenge technology to work in a different way. It’s the ‘What if’ game.  When you are in a group of people and bounce ideas off each other sometimes magic occurs.

My superpowers are my math skills and my ability to uncover mistakes in large spreadsheets. I call it a superpower, as I really do not know exactly how I do it. I guess it all boils down to my logical brain.

As a woman in a male dominated industry, I can bring a different perspective to how things are accomplished. My leadership style is to work alongside someone and lead by example rather than dictate how things should be done. I am proud of what I have achieved in my career and that I have become a leader in my field.

How did you get to where you are today?

In high school, I knew I wanted to do something in math or science. My father had always said I could be whatever I wanted and I knew I did not want to be a secretary.

When I was in Grade 12, I had an opportunity to work in an industrial laboratory. The senior chemist recommended a course at BCIT in Chemical and Metallurgical. For me it was a perfect opportunity, as I did not feel I could afford to go to university.  I loved that it was a practical education. After the first year, I focused on Extractive Metallurgy (mineral processing).

As I have always worked in the mining industry, my career has had many ups and downs. It has been challenging at times to be a female in a male dominated industry.  However, through each change and challenge I have enhanced and expanded my skillset to what it is today. My career has been unique and diverse. It has included site work as an employee and contractor, as well as technical resource work for an industry manufacturer. My career has also included mineral processing design work at an engineering house, consultant type work with a reagent distributor, and finally ending as a senior metallurgist.  I have travelled all over the world and visited mines and places that many people will never have an opportunity to visit. I have been accepted in cultures where it is very unusual for a woman to work in my position. I have found this to be very rewarding.

I returned to school and got my Masters in Mining Engineering. I am very proud of that accomplishment and it rounded out my skillset.  As well as Spanish, I am also working to improve my knowledge of mineralogy and geology. Geometallurgy and ore body knowledge are my technical specialty. Women in mining are very important to the future development of our resource sector. It is so important to never stop learning and to accept challenges.

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy hiking and weight training to stay active. I also incorporate travel into my hiking when I can. I am pretty introverted so I like to read and knit to relax, it helps my brain slow down.

I volunteer with MineralsEd. This is an educational organization in BC which supports Earth science, mineral resources and mining in schools. I am also involved with Mining for Miracles, a program that fundraises for BC Children’s Hospital as well as other mining organizing committees.

What advice would you give to a young person interested in a similar career?

Never stop learning! Take chances, do not say no, accept the challenge, then ask for help and guidance. Work to your strengths; you do not need to be pushy to get ahead.

As a female professional, how can you influence the advancement of women in engineering and technology?

By mentoring and promoting female colleagues and ensuring that their work is acknowledged is imperative. It is not always easy in a male dominated workplace to be recognized.  This is changing but there are still challenges. Be professional and true to yourself.

When I was in high school, I enjoyed…

Foreign languages

Geography

History

Literature and English language arts

Math

Science

When I was in high school, I was someone who…

Enjoyed doing things on my own

Liked helping people

Enjoyed working with my hands

Was motivated by success

Liked being given specific instructions

Engaged in volunteer activities

Liked reading

Felt at home in the outside, natural environment

Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades

Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do

Engaged in activities such as fishing, berry picking and hunting

ASTTBC thanks Let’s Talk Science for their partnership in developing this career profile.  Let’s Talk Science – a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.

#CareerDiscovery #LetsTalkScience

Job title and employer:

CIO (Chief Information Officer) for the City of Maple Ridge

What does your job title mean?

A Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the company executive responsible for the management, implementation, and usability of information and computer technologies in support of the organization’s enterprise goals and mission. The CIO manages the information technology team and works with them to analyze how various technologies will benefit the organization or improve existing business processes. The CIO looks at the strategic direction of the organization and creates an Information Technology Strategic Plan to support the direction and create sustainability. The CIO will lead and mentor the team and other staff to implement a system(s) to realize the required benefits or improvements well into the future.

In the 1980s, the CIO position was more technical as companies maintained their internal computers, databases, and communications networks. The role has changed over the years because of the many advances in technology, such as cloud computing, wireless communications, big-data analytics, and mobile enablement. CIOs have become strategic advisors and thought leaders that strategically plan for the future, develop strategies and computer systems to keep their organization competitive and secure in a fast-changing global marketplace.

Background information:

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

 Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Where do you live now?

 Langley, British Columbia, Canada

Where did you complete your training or education?

British Columbia Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Technology, Geomatics

What you do at work?

I manage the Information Technology (IT) team for the City of Maple Ridge. In this position, I am responsible for directing all Information Technology functions in the organization. I do this within the framework set by the corporate and Council strategic plans. I provide leadership, insight and strategic direction to the IT team. I support the City’s strategic direction and processes through technology.

I am a thought leader and innovator. This means that I bring in new ideas and ways of doing things. I use technology to improve communication, operations and decision-making. My goal is to improve the services provided by the City of Maple Ridge. This is done through the efficient use of information and geographic technologies, data and connected workflows. All this has to be carried out using the available budget. To do this I also provide advice and direction to staff throughout the city. I do this by making sure the Information Technology team and other business areas are in regular contact.

In my work, I use skills related to information technology and geographic information systems (GIS). I also use skills related to the management of people, resources and services. I use a variety of tools to review current processes and recommend technology upgrades. I also provide advice on planned initiatives to make sure the City gets the best from its technology assets.

I make decisions every day. My main tasks include recommending, developing and implementing approved information systems. I also lead the development of policies and strategies to support the City’s current and future business information and data needs. I am also responsible for directing the analysis and development of information systems requirements. To do this I have to keep up to date with technical innovations, and develop short, mid and long-term information services plans. When necessary, I also recommend hardware and software changes and upgrades. I work with the IT team and all of the City’s departments to review technology applications and business practices. The goal is to help city staff, the public and businesses improve what they do by making better use of the technology tools we have available.

A background in STEM helps me solve problems. These skills provide me with the knowledge, skills and ability to see the big picture. My STEM skills help me think logically about a problem and at the same time be creative in my solutions. I always start by asking “why”. I focus on the business process and required outcomes first. Then I investigate technology solutions that will provide the needed changes. Mostly, I have fun!

How does what you do affect people’s lives?

A career in Technology/GIS/Geomatics gives you the tools to help solve issues in your own community. These issues can relate to such things a health, zoning, services, greenways, crime, trash, traffic, and more. It allows you to bring data, technology, people and processes together to improve a community need. To be effective solving community needs there has to be collaboration across government agencies, citizen communities and businesses. GIS is a technology that improves this entire process. With the use of GIS, goals become actionable, real-world initiatives that create safe, well-run, livable, healthy, prosperous and sustainable communities. I believe there is nothing we can’t solve using technology as long as we can manage the people, data and processes required to implement the solution.

What motivates you in your career?

I love solving problems and innovating! I find it fascinating to look at the trends in Information Technology and how new innovations can be used to solve problems. I enjoy solving problems, creating efficiency using technology and helping people make data-driven decisions. This career is right for me because I am a creative thinker – a technical artist and problem solver. My career enables all of this. Technology can help us solve problems and create better ways of doing things. It can also help connect people and workflows. To do this, people, processes and business outcomes have to be considered holistically (i.e., as a group of interconnected parts).

Working in local government and making an impact in the community is personally rewarding to me. In 2019 I won the ASAP Award for Innovation at the City of Abbotsford. In 2012 I received a Service Award from URISA for my dedication and faithful service to URISA. In 2011 I received an award of appreciation for sitting on the board of directors for URISA. In 2005 our URISA BC Chapter won an outstanding chapter award. In 2004 I received an excellence in leadership award from URISA BC. I have also presented at various conferences, trade shows and meetings to advance the use of GIS and technology, including at Women in Public Works and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities events.

How did you get to where you are today?

I did not expect to get into this field when I was in high school. When I was in high school, I wanted to become a marine biologist. Instead, I started out in the Arts (Graphics and Communication) and then moved into Geomatics. I was fascinated by the analytical capabilities of the technology. I graduated from BCIT with a Bachelor of Technology Geomatics Degree.

Instead of an apprenticeship or internship I completed a practicum. My career started out in utilities with BC Gas. Then I moved into local government and then to the private sector. I came back to local government as the Senior Manager of Geomatics for the City of Abbotsford. Now, I am the CIO (Chief Information Officer) for the City of Maple Ridge, which I am absolutely thrilled about!

My career has had a few twists and turns. I did not think about the fact that the industry I chose was male dominated when I started out. It proved to have some challenges. However, I have always been determined to succeed. I did not let the fact that I was one of very few women in this industry hold me back. As CIO for the City of Maple Ridge, I hope to inspire many young people to thrive on innovation, solve issues using technology, while keeping people, processes, data and the big picture in mind. Keep it holistic!

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I love to travel and see how people work, live and play in other countries. It is great to meet and experience how the local people live. I like to take jewelry that I made (handmade in Canada) and give it to a local to say ‘thanks’ for the kindness they show. Over the course of my career, I have volunteered for numerous trade associations (e.g., URISA, URISA BC, MISA BC, GITA, PWABC) as well as Toastmasters. I also belonged to a semi-professional acting troupe that raised money for different charities. We raised over $200K during a span of 14 years of volunteering. I love hiking, walking, cycling and weather permitting – snorkeling. I have also been known to do some welding and silversmithing from time to time.

What advice would you give to a young person interested in a similar career?

I would say go for it! There is so much opportunity in this field. If you love problem-solving, technology, making the world a better place and creating sustainability then a career in Geomatics/GIS/Information Technology could be for you. To be successful you should make sure to get an advanced diploma or degree in Geomatics/GIS. Having your Applied Science Technologist (AScT) designation is helpful for career placement. I also have a Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) designation, which I believe is valuable to have in this field. Belonging to various trade associations and getting involved is helpful to grow your network. People love to help people and you never know when you may need a mentor. Always start with why? Do not take anything personal. Learn from your mistakes. Be compassionate. Have integrity. Be trustworthy and support your team. Always focus on continuous improvement.

As a female professional, how can you influence the advancement of women in engineering and technology?

As a female professional, you can influence the advancement of women in engineering and technology by being professional, supportive, staying on top of trends. By making sure you become a thought leader other people will trust your opinions and the solutions you provide, which will in turn help influence advancement of other women in engineering and technology. You can also become a mentor to other women and if you are in a position to do so work with Coop, Practicums, Interns and apprentices to ensure they have the best start they can to gain experience and advance their careers. I have never said no to speaking and presenting across the country. I have also written blogs and white papers to help spread my knowledge. I believe that the more women sharing knowledge the more will aspire to do the same.

When I was in high school, I enjoyed…

Art

Computer Science

Foods and Nutrition

Foreign languages

Geography

Math

Home Economics/Family Studies

Industrial Arts / Shop Programs

Literature and English language arts

Music

Physical Education/Health

Science

Technology

When I was in high school, I was someone who…

Brought people together

Liked helping people

Organized activities for my friends

Enjoyed working with my hands

Was motivated by success

Engaged in volunteer activities

Liked reading

Felt at home in the outside, natural environment

Was really creative

Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades

Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do

Liked to design or build things

Engaged in activities such as fishing, berry picking and hunting

ASTTBC thanks Let’s Talk Science for their partnership in developing this career profile. Let’s Talk Science – a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.

#CareerDiscovery #LetsTalkScience