Jaymee Wicks

from Waitress at a restaurant to Project Environment and Sustainability Manager

I ensure compliance with environmental legisation

Industry

Construction and infrastructure

Company

Seymour Whyte Constructions - Sponsored by Construction Pathways

Job Level

Mid

Ask me about

How I found a role where I’m not sitting at a desk all day
If I was ever worried I made the wrong choice
How systems and organisation applies to my role

About me

When I was in school, I enjoyed maths and science and being outdoors. The thought of being in an office all day wasn’t very inspiring to me! My dad works in oil and gas and suggested that I should do engineering, particularly environmental engineering, so I could have a job that pays well, a job that is going to be in high demand with lots of opportunities, and a job that has a lot of site-based responsibilities. I decided to do a dual degree with Engineering (Environmental) and Science (Climate and Sustainability major) at the Toowoomba UniSQ campus. After my studies were nearly completed, it took about 40 job applications to finally get a foot in the door, which has led to an amazing career in construction and mining.

About my role

Passionate
Perfectionist
Personable
Practical
Resourceful

I ensure that all aspects of the company and construction project comply with environmental legislation and approval conditions. I work with supervisors, engineers and contractors to keep all workers aware of what they need to do on site to stay compliant. I work with all environmental aspects including cultural heritage, animals and plants, soil and water, waste and contaminated land, noise and vibration and Sustainability. My workdays are mixed between being out on the construction site and being in the office environment. Site activities can include undertaking water monitoring along creeks, supervising fauna spotter catchers during clearing works, learning how to undertake electrofishing with ecologists, looking for weeds within the project area and advising supervisors on erosion and sediment controls.

Dual Degree in Environmental Engineering and Science - UniSQ
Cert IV - Project Management
Environmental Management System Auditor

Subjects

Biology
Chemistry
English
General Mathematics (Maths A)
Geography
Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
Physical Education

Hobbies

Beach adventures
Camping
Horse riding
Seeing family and friends
Volunteering

Pets

1 Cat

15 year old me!!

“If you don't like what you've chosen, it's not too hard to change it and chose another path. It won't set you back years, it won't cost you what you think it does. Breathe and be kind to yourself - treat yourself the same way you treat the person closest to you (with love, empathy, grace and understanding).”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.

Didn't do physics/maths C but still pursued Engineering at university
Awarded a partial scholarship for Women in Engineering
Studied my butt off for 5 years!
Travelled to Europe
Finally got a job after 40 applications and loving my role!

My typical day

My employer

Through UNIQ You’s partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) we have been able to welcome construction advisors from CSQ’s Major Contractor Partners. Read more about this Advisors employer below. Seymour Whyte is a multi award-winning civil contractor that delivers major essential infrastructure across Australia. Our competitive advantage is our remarkable service and value for our clients, which comes from our highly skilled people, and excellence in governance and risk management. Our high-performing, collaborative and agile teams are empowered to relentlessly look for smarter ways to impact our world class projects. And, with an accessible team of hands-on management and leadership backing our people all the way, the possibilities for more diversity, growth, satisfaction and success in your career are well within your approval. Our areas of expertise range from roads and bridges, rail, marine, airports, tunnelling services, water, wastewater, energy and power projects nationally. A focus on actively diversifying has led to expansion of our capabilities, with the size, reach and complexity of projects awarded increasing significantly.