Looking back on your career and time at ArchTam, what’s one moment or experience that really affirmed your purpose or values — something that made you stop and think, ‘this is why I do what I do’?

I can’t pinpoint one defining moment but rather reflect on the journey — where my career has taken me and the incredible people I’ve worked alongside. I’m inspired by connecting with others, clearing the path to help them succeed and solving problems to support collective progress.  

I’ve enjoyed a career where I’ve grown personally and professionally, made possible by supportive workplaces and my parents, who’ve helped me balance work and family life.

I’ve been involved in encouraging and inspiring the next generation. The real “this is why I do what I do” moments come when students tell me they’re inspired to pursue engineering or mining after we connect at industry events. What drives me is helping others see the many career opportunities this sector offers — and empowering them to choose their own path.

Tell us about your career journey.

I studied Mining Engineering and Commerce in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in the mid-nineties, a wild, fun time with a strong sense of family. We all moved there straight from high school, living and studying in the heart of the mining world. Most holidays were spent gaining experience on sites across the Goldfields.

After graduating, I spent five years in operations at WMC Mt Keith nickel mine in the Northern Goldfields, then up to Hamersley Irons Yandi mine in the Pilbara.

When I had my first child, I returned to Perth and transitioned to consulting. It was the right move — exciting projects, the ability to be home every night and opportunities to travel overseas, including to Russia and Colombia!

My move to ArchTam and infrastructure consulting was driven by a desire to broaden my   experience and skills. After 25 years in it, I wanted to stay connected to the mining sector, while broadening my perspective by working in a space that supports it in new ways. ArchTam’s commitment to delivering a better world really resonated with my personal values.

Tell us about yourself outside of work.

I’m a mother of two vivacious and dynamic teenagers! They are my world, and I’ve loved witnessing them find their way in the world.

Outside of family, I’m passionate about volunteering, particularly when it comes to educating and inspiring high school students about the wide-ranging career opportunities in the resources sector. There’s an awareness gap between the hundreds of roles available, and how essential mining is to our everyday lives.

For over a decade, I’ve been involved with the not-for-profit Get Into Resources, serving as Chair since 2021. Our committee runs events that help students connect with the industry. I also volunteer with the National Association of Women in Operations. We’re focused on achieving gender balance at all levels of operations. We create opportunities for our members to learn, share insights and build connections across organisations, all with a shared vision of inclusive, diverse workplaces.

How do you see your role evolving in the next few years, especially with how the industry is changing?

I envisage in my role at ArchTam that I’ll continue to provide support to the teammates around me, in step with the changing needs of our industry.  While our client base and projects may shift toward different commodities or expanding portfolios, the basic core skills like technical expertise, collaboration and strategic insight will remain essential.  

Our Resources + Industry team plays a critical role in supporting clients across the full project lifecycle, from concept studies through to detailed design.

There is huge potential for growth in renewable energy and decarbonisation. Western Australia is on the cusp of major transformation, and we’ll need resilient, sustainable infrastructure to support that, from power and water to transport, defence, schools and hospitals. I’m excited to contribute to solutions that will serve communities and industries for decades to come.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave — in your team, in the work you deliver or in the culture you help shape?

I hope to leave a legacy of fostering a team culture where people feel a genuine sense of belonging, connection and support. To me, a high-performing team is one that communicates openly, shares knowledge, builds each other up, tackles challenges together and celebrates the wins.

At the core, we’re all human and our need to belong is a fundamental psychological motivator.

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Joyce O’Donnell is a registered professional engineer with over 30 years of experience in process engineering. She holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Based in New England, Joyce began her career supporting military operations and has since expanded her expertise across various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, pulp and paper, electroplating and metal finishing.

During her 15-year tenure at ArchTam, Joyce has worked across both Environmental and Water business lines, focusing on industrial wastewater treatment systems. Her roles have involved design, operation, and troubleshooting, as well as participating in regulatory audits and preparing permitting documentation. Joyce’s extensive experience also includes process safety and process safety management, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to the field.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry

My entry into the industry was shaped more by circumstance than intention. My background is in chemical engineering, and many chemical engineers enter the oil and gas industry. However, when I graduated from college, the oil and gas sector was experiencing a downturn. Consequently, I was hired by a small engineering firm in New England that supported metal finishing operations. New pretreatment regulations under the Clean Water Act had recently been issued for certain industrial categories, including the metal finishing and electroplating industries. As such, many industrial facilities in the greater Boston and Providence area were required to install new or upgraded wastewater treatment systems to comply with these new regulations. This is how I began working in industrial wastewater management.

Because those regulations were new, I had to learn them thoroughly, and this knowledge has stayed with me. Interestingly, those regulations haven’t changed much since then. Working at the small engineering firm was enjoyable because I had to handle everything, from answering phones, field sampling, and engineering design tasks. This experience marked the beginning of my journey in the industry.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects was for a small oil refinery in the southern United States where my involvement in the project scope continued from start to finish. We began by diagnosing performance issues in the wastewater treatment system resulting in violating discharge limits and recommended a new, upgraded, wastewater treatment system to reliably maintain compliance.  The new treatment system was also sized to handle increased flow capacity to support future expansion. We conducted thorough wastewater characterization and developed the basis of design. Following this, we proceeded with the detailed design, ensuring every aspect of the new system was meticulously planned. The design included wastewater equalization and transfer, oil/water separation (API Separator), dissolved gas flotation (DGF) with nitrogen blanketing, chemical addition, and sludge dewatering.  At the completion of the design phase, we developed the bid documents, evaluated the bids, and recommended an equipment vendor for all major process units.  Once the equipment was installed, we provided hands-on support during the startup phase. The treatment system is still running today, and the client remains very satisfied with the results.

This project stands out as a success story because we were involved from the very beginning, through design, installation, and operation. It was incredibly rewarding to see the project through to completion and know that it continues to operate smoothly. The experience reinforced the importance of comprehensive planning and execution in achieving long-term success.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One memorable project involved conducting a safety audit for a paper mill in Florida. We arrived about six months after a hurricane had devastated the facility, and the employees were still recovering from the aftermath. The damage was significant, affecting both the mill and the local community. During the safety audit, we asked the staff to reflect on what went well — and what didn’t — during the hurricane.

The facility stores and generates a significant quantity of hazardous chemicals requiring an audit of their management practices under EPA’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) regulations.  ArchTam had performed the previous audit at this plant three years prior and made several recommendations including the conduct of emergency preparedness drills and coordination with the industrial facility located immediately adjacent.  Since our previous audit, the facility had made notable improvements in how it manages hazardous materials and has conducted emergency drills — which proved vital during the crisis.  Their preparedness ensured that the release of hazardous chemicals was prevented, protecting the community.

Yet, despite their success in mitigating the risks, the experience left a lasting emotional impact. The team was eager to share their stories. My colleague encouraged the client team to discuss their personal experiences, giving them space to describe how the hurricane affected their lives and the wider community. This project was particularly impactful because it highlighted the importance of walking in our clients’ shoes. It remains a vivid memory, reminding me of the human side of engineering and the resilience of those we serve.

Share a piece of career advice

Adopt a positive approach by saying yes to new experiences. I recommend younger engineers spend time in the field to gain practical insights. Seeing equipment and talking with operators firsthand is invaluable. Moreover, personal interactions, even in the office, are essential in our digital age, especially after COVID. Direct conversations enhance communication and build stronger relationships and can often lead to your next professional opportunity.

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Eric’s lifelong passion for nature and the environment has shaped his career path. From childhood adventures like hiking and running through the woods, his appreciation for nature has only deepened. With extensive experience across various industries, including automotive, petroleum, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, steel, textiles and solid waste, Eric has integrated diverse teams spanning various engineering disciplines. As a result, he proudly calls himself a ‘Jack of all trades.’ His ability to collaborate with diverse teams and adapt to different roles makes him a versatile and invaluable asset.

Currently Eric is working on a number of landfill leachate management and treatment projects, a direct lithium extraction (DLE) front-end loading design (FEL-2) and wastewater upgrades at a nutritional supplement manufacturer.  Whether working on engineering or environmental aspects of these diverse projects, Eric’s dedication to preserving the environment and his love for the outdoors continue to inspire his work and life.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry

As a child, I loved taking things apart to see how they worked and then putting them back together. Usually, I was successful, and they still worked. This interest along with my love for nature encouraged me to pursue a career in engineering, with a particular focus on water-related fields.

During my graduate studies, I conducted extensive research on Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York, which is often identified as one of the most polluted lakes in the United States. My research focused on the release of phosphorus from sediments, which leads to algal blooms among other related concerns. The excessive phosphorus and other hazardous substances (such as mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, benzene, and pesticides) present in Onondaga Lake were due to historical industrial pollution.

This experience, over 30 years ago, laid the foundation for my career during which I’ve combined my mechanical curiosity about how things work (engineering and manufacturing) with my passion for nature and environmental protection. Ultimately, I found a fulfilling career in engineering that aligns with both my technical interests and my commitment to preserving the environment.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

For the past 17-18 years at ArchTam, I have been working with a nutritional supplement firm in West Michigan, primarily focusing on their wastewater facility. Increased manufacturing facility production and changing wastewater streams put stress on the wastewater treatment facility. This requires continual reevaluation, improvements and upgrades to the wastewater systems to ensure environmental compliance.  The current treatment process includes equalization of high strength wastewater followed by dissolved air flotation (DAF), biological treatment, clarification, filtration and UV disinfection prior to a surface water discharge.  

Over the years, I’ve collaborated with many of the client’s staff, becoming a steadfast presence and a vital repository of institutional knowledge. My extensive experience has empowered me to support the current team in planning and implementing system upgrades and process improvements. By leveraging my deep understanding of the client’s wastewater treatment system and operations, I’ve helped ensure the ongoing efficiency and effectiveness of their wastewater management.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the main products of this West Michigan-based nutritional supplement company is infant formula. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when West Michigan was largely shut down, I was responsible for an ongoing project at this facility that needed to be completed. Since the production of infant formula was deemed essential, the facility was allowed to continue operating.

I vividly remember those days, driving to the facility daily to oversee the construction of a new wastewater equalization tank. The typically very busy highways were almost empty, but our work had to continue to ensure the uninterrupted production of this essential product. This experience stands out to me as a significant effort to keep things moving and support the essential needs of people during a challenging time.

Share a piece of career advice.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Every experience is a learning opportunity, and you never know where it might lead you or how it could shape your career.

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Colin Rossetti is a seasoned engineering leader with over thirty-three years of experience across the mining and industrial sectors. He joined ArchTam nearly 23 years ago as a senior electrical engineer and served in multiple technical roles gaining practical experience in power electronic systems, safety systems, shaft haulage systems, and rail traction power engineering before stepping into leadership roles. In his current role overseeing resources and industrial teams, Colin drives strategic business initiatives, provides project governance and mentors future leaders. In his spare time, Colin can be found bushwalking or volunteering at his local Repair Cafe where everyday items are fixed and put back into good use.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

When I joined the industry in the early 1990s in North West Queensland, the choices for me were clear. I could follow in my family’s footsteps and be a sugar cane farmer, or study at university to pursue a professional career. Mining was a well-understood industry where I grew up, so I had a strong understanding of its value, how it supported communities and contributed to the economy. That broader impact, along with the interesting technical challenges, really solidified my interest in engineering as a career.

I was fortunate to get my start as a graduate and student intern at Mount Isa Mines in North West Queensland. I was working in research and development supporting automation projects for underground equipment — essentially making large underground loaders semi-autonomous or remote-controlled. It sounded really cool, and it was great fun for a couple of years before I moved on to different roles in operations and maintenance in the underground mines.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

There have been a lot of great projects over the years, but the one that always stands out to me is the George Fisher Mine Expansion project, which I worked on between 2011–2012. I was the project manager for the underground mine expansion in North West Queensland, and what made it so memorable was the fantastic client team, a successful engineering delivery, and it also aligned with my niche interest in shaft haulage systems.

In my role, I led our teams in delivering the engineering design for the underground expansion, covering all the key fixed plant components — materials handling, dewatering, ventilation, communications, power, water, and the shaft haulage system itself. This included a 1,000-meter-deep haulage shaft, a new head frame, winder, and full integration of all the equipment and service facilities. It was a great example of our team’s expertise in ANZ, showcasing our strengths and capabilities in this specialized area.

The client was well-informed and set our teams up for success and that made all the difference. The project went so well that after completion the client’s project manager and I co-wrote a technical paper about the design and implementation of the shaft system. We had the privilege of presenting our paper together at an international conference in Sweden in 2015. It was a unique experience and something I’m still proud of. I’ve stayed in close contact with that project manager, even as he’s moved on to different organizations, which speaks to how well we worked together.

Another thing that made this project special was its location. George Fisher Mine is only about 20 kilometers from Mount Isa, where I started my career. So, when we were going through project reviews and risk assessments, I found myself sitting across from people I had worked with since the beginning of my career. That was hilarious — and really rewarding. We had open discussions, sorted through concerns smoothly, and built something that has been a successful piece of infrastructure for that operation ever since.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I’d look at this in two different ways.

First, there’s the direct impact on mining operations — helping them become more profitable, more efficient, and more sustainable. That, in turn, benefits the surrounding communities. Take Mount Isa Mines, for example. Like many mining companies, they’re major supporters of regional initiatives, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). When I was living in Mount Isa, I attended a few fundraising functions for the RFDS, and it was clear just how much of their funding came from the mining industry. It makes sense — providing emergency medical services to remote mining operations is a key part of the Flying Doctor’s mission. By supporting these mining companies and ensuring their long-term viability, we’re also enabling them to continue their philanthropy, which is a big deal for the communities that rely on these services.

The second aspect is the minerals themselves. The George Fisher Mine, for instance, is a zinc operation, and this commodity, and others like copper, are becoming increasingly important — especially for the energy transition. Many of our projects in recent years have been centered around these critical minerals. Our clients see a bright future in mining them, but the challenge is that these resources are getting harder to access. The higher-grade and accessible deposits have largely been mined, so companies now must scale up their operations while dealing with lower ore grades.

That’s where our work comes in. Across projects like George Fisher and beyond, we’ve focused on improving outcomes in reliability, safety, efficiency, and overall operational performance. The goal is to help mining companies extract these essential resources in a way that’s both economically and environmentally sustainable. It’s a continuous effort, and that project was just one step in that broader journey.

Share a piece of career advice.

I always say be the first to volunteer for something. If someone asks for help with a task, especially if it’s a bit challenging or outside your comfort zone, step up. Even if you don’t feel fully ready, just go for it. You’ll learn a lot, and in many cases, you’ll become a trailblazer in that area, gaining experience that others might miss. Plus, your employer and colleagues will take notice!

I’ve almost always said yes to opportunities that have come my way, and it’s served me well. I’d encourage early professionals to do the same — don’t be afraid of the outcome. Especially early in your career, the stakes of trying something new aren’t as high as you might think. Even if things don’t go perfectly, the experience itself is valuable. The more challenges you take on, the more you’ll grow.

So my advice? Say yes. Be positive, take on the challenge. You never know where it might lead, and that’s half the fun.

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