Keeping things ticking over
Name: Kerrod Baldwin
Job: Clutha District Council
operations engineer
QI’ve What workedjobs did for youthe councildo before since thisI left one? high school. I have had three different roles, being roading maintenance cadet, roading maintenance officer and now operations engineer. I manage, administer and assist with performance monitoring of the council’s operations and maintenance contracts and provide technical support to the council’s operational staff.
QWhenWhy did you choose this job?
I left school in 2008, the council was advertising for a roading cadet and this included paying for me to complete a diploma in civil engineering. I jumped at this opportunity as civil engineering has a wide range of career streams such as contracting, construction, mechanical design, water and roading industries.
Qneed?What qualifications and training did you
To enrol into the civil engineering diploma you need NZQA Level 2 at a minimum and also credits in physics and calculus. These were not my strengths, as study at high school always came second to athletics and rugby. Thankfully, as my employer was funding the diploma, Otago Polytech will let you enrol as a learning adult even at the age of 17.
QThe What personal skills do you need?
most successful civil engineers are people who are natural problemsolvers, approachable and they can see the finished project in their head before they even start the planning.
QNot Any physical requirements?
at all.
QWork What do you do on a daily basis?
with and ensure performance of our contractors on getting works completed.
Problemsolving issues in the district relating to all operations contracts. These contracts are Three Waters (drinking water, sewerage, stormwater), roading maintenance (sealed, unsealed, signage, spraying), green space (parks and reserves), waste management (landfills and collection) and streetlights.
I also monitor and report all water quality results from around the district to the council and Southern District Health Board.
QCompletingWhat is the most challenging aspect?
works with limited budgets and ensuring I can get best value for money for each project and repair in the district.
Qissues?Are there any particular health and safety
Not personally for myself, but with drinking water my main focus is ensuring the health and safety of the consumers drinking the water and that the treatment of water is correct.
Qyou’veWhat is the most interesting assignment
had?
I have completed many projects and every day is different. One doesn’t particularly stand out, as every day my work ranges from roading to water and every project always has a new problem to be solved.
Qstarted?How has the job changed since you
I started off as learning how the council
worked and helping with projects and contracts. Now, I am managing the projects and contracts, eight years down the track.
Qknow
What’s something people generally don’t
about the job?
Staff at the council work to achieve the decisions and responsibilities of the community’s elected members — councillors and mayor — and the local community boards.
We also work to ensure everything in the district meets the certain standards — from new buildings or to the level of maintenance of the roads.
We are here to help and work with you within these requirements.
Q What are the highs of the job? Working with contractors and customers to better the existing roading and water networks. Q What are the lows of the job? Working for the council brings a lot of attention from the public.
I’ve learnt to smile and keep calm at times.
Q What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to do? Inspect Sewer pump stations for maintenance. That itself isn’t strange, but the findings of blankets and clothing flushed down the toilets of Balclutha is.
Q What is the salary? The Civil Engineering industry ranges from $40k$90k depending on your experience. Highly qualified civil engineers can earn more than $100k. Q Where will you be (or hope to be) 10 years from now? I intend to still be in the local government framework and move up the chain as I gain experience and further qualifications as I go.