In our ‘day in the life’ blog series, we aim to showcase the work of our talented team and help you get to know the faces behind our projects a little better. This month, we sat down with Penny Burrell, a Civil & Development Engineer in our Hunter office, to chat a bit more about the dynamics of her role and her best advice for anyone considering a career in the field.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what interested you in Civil/ Development Engineering.
I have a background in consulting and construction, with experience working as a principal contractor on several Transport for NSW (TfNSW) road upgrade projects. Before becoming an engineer, I actually worked as a pilot! My interest in construction and understanding how things work has always been at the core of what drives me. There’s something really fulfilling about seeing how every element of a design or construction project fits together, knowing that what’s built will stand the test of time—and potentially outlast me!
What does a typical workday look like for you, and what brings you the most joy in your role?
There isn’t really a typical day in my current role. I might spend the entire day on-site inspecting pavements, stormwater lines, or other civil works, or I could be in the office reviewing plans for a subdivision, checking compliance documents for constructed works, or reviewing a development application and advising the council. It’s usually a mix of tasks like these.
What brings me the most joy is finding a practical solution to a problem on-site that not only meets the specifications and design requirements but also introduces some innovation.
What’s it like being part of Barker Ryan Stewart’s Certification team? Are there any standout projects you’re currently working on?
Being part of the certifying team at Barker Ryan Stewart is all about collaboration. It’s great to learn from my more experienced colleagues while also sharing any insights or information I have. Some standout projects I’ve worked on include Beaches Stage 3 (which has just wrapped up) – it’s hard to beat starting or ending the day on the headland at Catherine Hill Bay with the sea breeze in your hair. And, of course, there’s our bread-and-butter project, Huntlee.
Since joining our team, what’s been the most memorable aspect of working at Barker Ryan Stewart so far?
The most memorable aspect has been how welcoming and supportive the team is. It’s a very collaborative environment, and everyone is genuinely eager to share their knowledge. Starting a new role, that culture really makes a big difference.
Looking back at your career, is there anything that’s surprised you about working as a Civil & Development Engineer?
One thing that surprised me is how much of the role involves working with people. While engineering is often seen as purely technical, a huge part of my work in the certifying team revolves around collaborating with clients, councils, contractors, and designers. Being able to communicate clearly, tailor messages to the right audience, manage expectations, and find practical solutions in a collaborative manner is just as important as technical expertise.
Finally, what advice do you have for anyone considering a career in a Civil/ Development Engineering role?
My advice would be to stay curious, remain open to learning, and never hesitate to ask questions! My time working on-site was invaluable in helping me understand how things work, how designs come together, and the challenges that arise along the way. While technical skills are essential, your ability to communicate effectively and solve problems will take you just as far!
