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Kirsty Bilton

from Supermarket checkout assistant to Program Director
I work with people across Queensland to plan, design and construct safety upgrades on the Bruce Highway
Industry
Transport, Logistics and Warehousing
Company
Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Government
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • How I ended up working in traffic and transport
  • How I learnt roads weren't boring but an exciting career choice!
  • What I do in my role day to day

About me

  • International Experience

When I left school, I was set on being an electrical engineer, but through my undergraduate work experience, I realised that traffic engineering was far more interesting and tangible, so sought out work opportunities as a graduate traffic engineer after a three-year post-graduate stint overseas. I started out in a consultancy working on diverse projects for the resource sector and regional retail and residential developments and completed a year-long work exchange to the US.

After five and a half years, I moved to local government, where I spent nearly twelve years working for three different councils in South East Queensland. During this time, I was involved in work ranging from traffic signal operations, signage and line marking, parking, planning studies and city-wide strategic planning. A career highlight was being responsible for the traffic management for the 2018 Commonwealth Games Road Events and Queens Baton Relay.

About my role

Traffic and transport engineering is at the intersection between engineering and human behaviour and influences how people use transport infrastructure. Traffic and transport engineers are involved in the planning, design, delivery, maintenance and operation of the transport system. This includes public transport, roads and bridges, and walking and cycling infrastructure to support the movement of people and goods.

As a Program Director, I am responsible for working with teams of engineers, planners, designers and construction workers to deliver multiple projects that are all aligned. For the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, I develop the technical specifications and guidance that result in the safe and efficient project delivery while still retaining a high level of quality. I work collaboratively with stakeholders across government and industry to solve problems and make sure that road users on the Bruce Highway are provided with a safe and consistent experience when travelling past roadworks.

Education

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Computer Engineering)
  • Graduate Certificate in Traffic & Transport Studies
  • Master of Business Administration with Distinction

Subjects

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

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Hiking
  • Pilates
  • Reading
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Travel

15 year old me!!

“Don't be afraid to back yourself! You have nothing to lose by giving something a go, so have the confidence to say yes to the opportunities that come your way.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Undergraduate traffic engineering work experience
  2. Graduate traffic engineering consultancy role
  3. Local Government roles
  4. Worked on the 2018 Commonwealth Games
  5. Started at TMR and loving the opportunities available

My typical day

My employer

The Department of Transport and Main Roads moves and connects people, places, goods and services safely, efficiently and effectively across Queensland. We plan, manage and deliver Queensland's integrated transport environment to achieve sustainable transport solutions for road, rail, air and sea. Our vision is to create a single integrated transport network accessible to everyone. As part of the Queensland Government, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that represents the community we serve.