Project Coordinator at Maple Reinders

In May 2024, fresh off completing my civil engineering degree at the University of British Columbia, I returned to Maple Reinders as a Project Coordinator to tackle my first major undertaking: the Gravity Thickeners (GT) Expansion. This critical build was part of the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2, Stage 5 Expansion plan.

About a year later, as the GT project moved into its final stages of deficiency works and change orders, a new door opened at the exact same facility. I transitioned onto the Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Demonstration Pilot – an incredibly exciting build that bridges the gap between innovative wastewater technology and real-world application. Currently in active development, we are driving toward a target completion in the summer of 2027.

Together, these two projects have formed the backbone of my early career. My journey started in the technical trenches—mastering complex drawings, dissecting project specifications, and implementing rigorous QA/QC tracking. From there, it rapidly evolved into managing the high-stakes complexities of lump-sum contracts, where I immersed myself in the practical mechanics of CCDC 2 and CCDC 5B frameworks.

Groundwork and Operations on the GT Expansion

During the GT expansion, my focus was heavily geared toward field coordination, technical compliance, and keeping a complex web of stakeholders moving in the same direction. It was a rigorous proving ground where I learned to translate complex engineering plans into daily field operations.

• Systems QA/QC: I developed and maintained high-quality tracking, directing the multi-phase testing, QA/QC, and commissioning process for five critical systems. By collaborating closely with consultants, we refined our testing procedures and significantly reduced deployment delays.
• Subcontractor & Document Management: I facilitated resource allocation and procurement for more than 10 subcontractors while processing over 500 critical documents—including shop drawings, RFIs, and transmittals.

During this time, I noticed a bottleneck in how we tracked our operations. Drawing on my background in web development, I built and launched a custom online project management platform. It was adopted by a team of eight to track weekly task logs, moving us away from clunky spreadsheets and streamlining our daily operations.

Stepping Up on the HTL Project

About a year later, as the GT Expansion project began winding down to deficiency works and remaining change orders, a new chapter opened at the exact same facility.

I transitioned onto the Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) Demonstration Pilot project. Currently tracking toward a Summer 2027 completion, the HTL project is an incredibly exciting endeavor that is bringing innovative wastewater treatment ideas to real life. With this transition, my responsibilities shifted from the micro to the macro.

• Mastering Construction Law: This project marked my entry into complex lump-sum structures, where I am actively grasping and applying the nuances of CCDC 2 and CCDC 5B contracts throughout the entire work experience.
• Financial Stewardship: Tasked with a $13 million project budget, I currently manage the monthly cash flow analyses and financial projections with Project Manager, transforming raw data into actionable reports for executive management.
• Schedule Mastery: Navigating a strict 20-month timeline, I take ownership of the project schedule and actively track progress payments. By generating comprehensive monthly status reports, I ensure all stakeholders remain completely aligned as the pilot advances.

Both of these projects have played an indispensable role in my career development. Moving from the foundational skills of interpreting drawings on the GT expansion to managing the financial and contractual complexities of the HTL project has taught me that a budget is just as engineered as a physical foundation.

A huge thank you to my project manager, who has been an incredible mentor and a truly wonderful person to work with. I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to my team and colleagues. Your kindness, patience, and ongoing support have shaped my career, and I am so grateful for everything you’ve taught me.