Our company’s values are solid guideposts for a professional who wants to work efficiently and constantly improve. The flexibility, both in terms of working hours and career prospects, goes beyond what I thought possible. Collaboration with colleagues from different backgrounds, both across the province and across the country, enriches our experience and strengthens our sense of belonging to the great CIMA+ family.
Why did you choose the engineering sector?
Ever since I was young, I’ve always been driven by the desire to solve problems, creatively and by any means necessary. I’ve always taken the initiative in proposing solutions, whether in the classroom or in the various sporting activities I’ve taken part in. Seeing the results and the positive impact of these solutions is a great source of satisfaction for me. When I developed an interest in construction, I turned to civil engineering technology without hesitation. This field allows me to see the tangible results of our work every day.
As civil engineering professionals, we witness the lasting impact of our work on the community. Seeing our ideas and achievements take shape and contribute to the well-being of society is incredibly gratifying. Walking across a bridge or admiring a building we’ve designed brings a deep sense of accomplishment.
The challenges are different from one project to the next, and the learning potential is considerable.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Whether in the office or in the field, each project brings its own unique challenges. I’m often called upon to collaborate with a variety of external stakeholders, such as quality control laboratories, various clients such as the Ministère des Transports du Québec, and contractors, to name but a few. Working as part of a team to solve complex technical problems related to structural stability, water resource management, environmental sustainability and safety is stimulating and rewarding.
Which project are you most proud of and why?
It was a supervision project spread over a period of three summers. It involved the rehabilitation of a road over a distance of just over 6 km, the demolition and reconstruction of a structure, and the earthworks associated with these activities. The project presented many challenges. We had to deal with a lot of unforeseen circumstances at various stages of the work, from the road foundation prior to paving, to the lowering of the water table to allow construction of the new structure. Despite the challenges, the decisions made, and actions taken by the supervisory team greatly contributed to optimizing the final result of the work, and everyone can be proud of that.
How would you describe the Rouyn-Noranda office team?
Each of us brings the best of ourselves to achieve the best possible results, which helps to create a climate of trust and mutual support in achieving our common goals. Outside working hours, we’re also friends who get together for happy hour, dinner, a Habs game or even a weekend at a hunting camp. For me, the fact that I can go to work with a smile on my face, knowing that I’ll be reconnecting with a team with whom I’ve forged bonds that go beyond work, is a significant advantage.
Could you briefly describe your professional journey?
First of all, I was born in Rouyn-Noranda, but at the age of five, my family moved to the Longueuil area. I came back to the beautiful Abitibi-Témiscamingue region towards the end of elementary school and pursued my high school studies in La Sarre. After obtaining my high school diploma, I enrolled at Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, in Rouyn-Noranda.
As soon as I graduated from college, I was offered a job at the Ministère des Transports du Québec, at the Macamic service centre, where I worked for two years as a site supervisor, drawings and specifications designer for roadworks, and winter maintenance supervisor. I then spent a few months working for Hydro-Québec, in Saint-Jérôme and Rouyn-Noranda. I was responsible for surveying power lines and installations, as well as for their design during repairs, modifications or new construction.
Finally, for more than two years now, I’ve been working at CIMA+ as a technician, supervising construction work, and structural design of bridges.
What was the biggest challenge you faced?
I explored many different paths before finding my calling in bridges. I owe my few grey hairs to my efforts to adapt to the different design processes and software that vary from one company and sector to another. Since I always want to deliver quality work, quickly, efficiently and accurately, I have to learn new software and methods, and understand each engineer’s expectations in terms of deliverables, which requires a great deal of concentration and open-mindedness. At the same time, these new challenges allow me to acquire new knowledge, and that’s something you can never have enough of. So, it’s a great challenge that I’m always looking forward to.
What project do you dream of carrying out?
I’d like to be involved in the design of new road sections. So far, my experience has been limited to projects involving the rehabilitation, demolition or reconstruction of existing roads and structures. So, the idea of contributing to the creation of something new is of great interest to me.
What hobbies help you relax and recharge?
Being born and raised in Abitibi, hunting and fishing are essential activities for me, but I also enjoy several other types of activities. Although I’m no longer involved in competitive sports, I still need to stay active. I’m still part of a basketball league, and I’m seriously considering joining some office colleagues in a hockey league.
