Brian (Principal Geotechnical Engineer)

Before joining Damwatch I did a range of interesting engineering work that began in the USA, including exploration of the arctic seafloor to found bottom-supported drilling structures and subsea pipelines subject to extreme conditions. As a partner in an engineering consultancy I established overseas operations in Siberia and Eurasia and provided multidisciplinary civil support for energy exploration and development on mega-projects, before moving south from Alaska to work on dams and levees on the west coast of the USA.

After 25 years as an engineer, my work at Damwatch challenges me on nearly a daily basis. I could not be more pleased with my decision to be part of Damwatch.

At Damwatch we do challenging and exciting technical work most engineers only read about in textbooks. And it’s not just dams. Rivers, water resources, and alternative energy are also part of our expertise. But my work at Damwatch offers much more than technical stimulation. I work with diverse teams to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. I manage projects and clients, lead project teams and develop presentations.

Damwatch has a supportive, interactive team culture that promotes career development. Our staff has a world class depth of knowledge and experience to draw upon. Damwatch’s commitment to training and producing technical publications is unprecedented in my experience. I’m very impressed how employees are given broad responsibilities and encouraged to try new things.

 

Katarina (Civil Engineer)

Prior to coming to NZ from Slovakia I worked on a variety of civil engineering projects including rail, bridge, roading infrastructure, and commercial property and services.

Damwatch is a very special company, offering me so much help to settle in as a new member of the team. After graduating with an ME specialising in Concrete Structures and Bridges I worked for 4 years in Ireland for various engineering consultancies. It was so different from where I am now. Here at Damwatch the relaxed and almost family atmosphere is a more enjoyable place to work and breaks down barriers between people. I’m lucky to be part of the team because everyone is willing to listen. I’m surrounded by a bunch of great experienced engineers, which allows me to learn from their knowledge and experiences.

What impressed me most about Damwatch is that it does not matter what accent I have, they value my differences.

 

Chris (Graduate Engineer)

My name is Guoqiang (Chris) Ma. I recently graduated from the University of Canterbury and joined Damwatch in October 2007. As a graduate student I always have questions. My Damwatch colleagues are always willing to help and take time to explain the theory behind their answers. I have learned a lot from them since I started work here. I've also had a lot of time out on site, meeting new people from the engineering industry. I really enjoy working for Damwatch.

 

Damon (Senior Civil Engineer)

As a civil engineer with 13 years experience prior to joining Damwatch I was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to work in an enjoyable professional environment.

Damwatch has enabled me to develop a specialist skill set that could not be obtained elsewhere and work with some of the country’s most experienced dam specialists. With opportunities to travel extensively within New Zealand, and occasionally overseas, for both work and training, Damwatch has proven to be an employee-focussed business with a friendly professional atmosphere.

With a strong emphasis on providing quality engineering solutions, a career at Damwatch provides engineers with interesting work, experienced mentoring, and the opportunity to be part of a niche engineering industry.

 

Nigel (Damwatch Associate)

At Damwatch, I'm engaged in the safety, design, remediation and, occasionally, decommissioning of dams - one of the potentially most dangerous structures built by mankind.

I enjoy being a senior member of the Damwatch team, which has a “best for project” culture, appropriate for achieving world class dam engineering solutions.