Q&A
Dec 8, 2021
-
Save to favoritesShare with your friends
-
This time we asked David White about his role as the Engineer and Construction Manager on the Central Interceptor project, what it’s like delivering such an iconic project, and what he enjoys most about being part of #OurJacobs.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career with Jacobs so far.
I joined CH2M HILL in 1997 as a Resident Engineer in Bangkok, Thailand, on the BMA3 project supervising the design and construction of two new wastewater treatment plants and 100 kilometers of new sewer network by tunneling and pipejacking. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked on many major deep tunnel sewer programs around the world, including the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS Phase 1) in Singapore, the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Program (STEP) in Abu Dhabi, the Lee Tunnel and the Thames Tideway Tunnel in London, the Doha South Sewage Infrastructure Programme (DSSIP), formerly known as the Inner Doha Resewerage Implementation Strategy (IDRIS) program in Qatar and now the Central Interceptor in New Zealand.
Completion of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) works on DSSIP in Qatar
What got you interested in a STEAM career?
I studied civil engineering at a university in the U.K. While at university I also worked for British Rail, and it was through this work experience that I knew civil engineering was a career I wanted to follow.
Tell us about your role on the Central Interceptor project.
I am the Engineer and Construction Manager on the Central Interceptor project. As the Engineer, I have the overall responsibility for the administration of the contract between the employer (Watercare) and the contractor. As the Construction Manager, I have the overall responsibility for the construction of the work for Watercare. To do both roles, I’m fortunate to have the support from a great team of dedicated and talented professionals to assist every step of the way.
Jacobs’ ability to mobilize talent globally sets us apart in our industry. Can you tell us more about this in the context of this project?
Jacobs has significant experience in delivering major deep tunnel sewer programs around the world and we’ve been able to leverage this global experience to mobilize a team of international specialists to augment our local New Zealand resources and work in a blended team with our client, Watercare.
What has been your most memorable moment delivering this project so far and why?
The most memorable aspect of the project so far has been to see how the team has developed and come together from different organizations and different countries, with different backgrounds, to work in a truly integrated manner and become great ambassadors for the Central Interceptor project.
What has been the most challenging part about delivering this project and how have you overcome this?
Mobilizing a team of international specialists has been extremely challenging due to all the border restrictions around the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a lot of effort, perseverance, flexibility and patience we've been able to mobilize the team as quickly as possible and in line with the project’s requirements.
Tell us about your proudest career moment.
Finishing a project is always a very proud moment as that is when most of the benefits are finally realized. As an engineer there’s nothing better than to be involved in a major infrastructure program that will provide a positive, lasting legacy for years to come.
If you aren’t in the office or on-site, what would we most likely find you doing?
Enjoying the outdoors - cycling, swimming or gardening.
What do you enjoy most about being part of #OurJacobs?
Working with exceptional people on cool projects around the world.