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Emily Wilson

from working at McDonald's to Site Engineer
I build roads, bridges, and water structures — making sure they are safe and correct!
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
BMD
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • If working in the construction industry is flexible
  • Learning and growth within my role
  • The types of projects I have worked on

About me

  • Regional Background

When I was in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I had always found maths and science came most naturally to me and were the most interesting subjects. My grandfather, father, and uncle had all worked as blue-collar construction workers when I was growing up, so I had some background knowledge of the industry. It was always nice to drive around with them, and they would be able to say “I built that” when going over a new bridge or road.

It was during grade 12 when I was starting to look at applying to universities and I saw that a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) was able to be studied at my hometown of Mackay, QLD, and I wasn’t quite ready to move away from home yet, so I applied – and it was the best decision I ever made!

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Humorous
  • Passionate
  • Reliable
  • Sociable
  • Trusting
  • Witty

A civil site engineer plays a key role in making sure construction projects (such as roads, bridges and other structures) are built safely, accurately, and on time. They interpret design plans, set out construction works, and supervise daily site activities. For roadworks, they ensure the correct materials and steps are used for earthworks, pavements, and drainage. On bridge projects, they check alignment, levels, and structural components during each construction stage. In marine structures like piling, the site engineer helps position and install the structures in water, to ensure stability for buildings like wharves and jetties.

They also coordinate with subcontractors and the workers on the ground to monitor safety and environmental requirements, as well as solve problems that arise on site. Overall, site engineers act as a vital link between the technical engineering/design team and the workers, making sure everything is built as planned and to high quality standards.

Education

  • High School Certificate
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • CQUni Cares Downer Scholarship

Hobbies

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Gardening
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Swimming

Pets

  • 3 Dog
  • 10 Chickens

15 year old me!!

“Don't overthink it! You will end up exactly where you need to be and you have so much time to figure it out.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Enjoyed maths and science in school
  2. Began studying Engineering at university
  3. Started working as a first-year Undergraduate Engineer
  4. Completed my degree - promoted to a Graduate Engineer
  5. Now building a Ship Lift as a Site Engineer

My typical day

My employer

BMD is Australia’s leading integrated engineering, construction and urban development business, with foundations built on the family values that underpin our unique, collaborative approach. Driven by a purpose of powering futures and creating enduring legacies through a commitment to collaboration, BMD is delivering infrastructure solutions that connect and transform communities. With a proud history beginning in Australia in 1979, BMD now employs 2,300 people throughout Australia, the Philippines and United Kingdom.