For Natalie Brodie, archaeology has always been her path. What began as an early passion, evolved into a leadership role guiding cultural resources efforts across California. Her work is driven by a deep respect for the state’s heritage and a commitment to helping communities progress responsibly.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

I joined ArchTam in 2020, bringing more than 24 years of consulting experience. Today, I serve as the Cultural Resources Lead for California, overseeing teams across both Northern and Southern California. Stepping into this leadership role has been especially rewarding, offering the chance to support others as they grow, succeed and shape meaningful careers.

My path to archaeology began early. I knew I wanted to be an archaeologist by the time I was 12, even if I didn’t yet know how to turn that passion into a profession. I started my undergraduate studies at University of California (UC) Santa Cruz as a biology major, but once I transitioned into applied anthropology and archaeology and transferred to UC San Diego (UCSD), everything fell into place.

A field school in San Diego County, sponsored by a local consulting firm and UCSD, provided hands‑on experience in excavation and data collection and led directly to my first job in the field. After spending about a decade as a field archaeologist, I earned my graduate degree in applied anthropology from San Diego State University, which supported my transition into project management and leadership roles. Discovering my place in this profession and growing into a role where I can lead and support teams statewide has been an exciting journey.

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

One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was providing cultural resources compliance support following the debris removal efforts after the Los Angeles wildfires. I served as the Principal Investigator on the project. Our team was working seven days a week, coordinating archaeologists, architectural historians and construction crews as debris was removed from more than 12,000 home sites.

There were areas, particularly in the Palisades, with very high archaeological sensitivity due to thousands of years of human occupation. We documented previously recorded sites, gathered photographs and detailed notes, and collected as much information as we could under challenging conditions. While I didn’t meet most of the individual homeowners, knowing our work helped people take the next step in recovery was incredibly meaningful.

How does California’s unique culture and character influence your approach to your work?

California is a truly special place, environmentally, culturally and historically. The state’s rigorous regulations, particularly under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act), reflect a shared commitment to recognizing and protecting what makes these resources meaningful.

A large part of my role is education, helping clients understand which cultural resources are important and how we can protect them while still achieving project goals. That starts with understanding our clients’ priorities and the communities they serve, then working together to find solutions.

Sometimes that means design adjustments to minimize impacts. Other times, it means acknowledging when a significant resource requires a pause and a different approach. Either way, the goal is thoughtful, responsible progress.

Talk to us about a project that has been a highlight of your career.

One project that really stands out for me was an excavation in southern San Diego County near the border with Mexico at a known archaeological site. What made this project special was that it gave our team the chance to add something entirely new to the archaeological record, which doesn’t happen every day.

As part of additional surveys required by the county, we conducted protein residue analysis and uncovered evidence of freshwater fish, specifically trout, in an area that today is dry, rugged and not at all what you’d expect. There’s very little evidence of freshwater fish in San Diego County’s archaeological record, so this discovery helped fill in a missing piece of how people lived, what they ate, and how they adapted to their environment thousands of years ago.

Finding something that genuinely expands what we know about a region is incredibly exciting. It’s one of those moments where you realize cultural resources work isn’t just about compliance, it’s about discovery.

At the same time, I’m equally proud of the everyday infrastructure work we do for major clients like Caltrans, where cultural resources play a critical role in shaping projects that support the future. Initiatives like roadway improvements, wildlife corridors and broadband installation may seem routine, but they are essential to community progress. One example is the statewide Middle Mile Broadband Project with Caltrans, which is bringing high‑speed internet access to rural roadways and communities across California.

By expanding connectivity in underserved areas, the Middle Mile Broadband Project helps create opportunity and positions communities for long‑term growth, resilience and better access to essential services. Our team supports this effort by working closely with designers to avoid impacts to cultural resources while keeping these critical projects moving forward.

Share a piece of career advice.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of being your own advocate. Early in my career, I waited for others to notice my skills and accomplishments. I eventually realized how much more effective it is to speak up, highlight your work, and advocate not only for yourself, but for your team.

Today, I make a point to advocate for the people I work with and ensure their contributions are visible. As a leader, I’m always looking for someone who could one day take my job.

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For Monica Wilson, history isn’t just something to read about, it’s something to uncover, preserve, and share with communities. Monica has spent the past decade ensuring the stories embedded in our built environment remain part of the places we live, work and travel. Her passion for history shines through in every project, helping keep California’s rich heritage alive and accessible today, and for generations to come.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

I’ve been with ArchTam since 2015, and it’s been an incredible journey. Before joining the team, I worked on historic preservation projects that first sparked my passion for protecting cultural resources. I grew up in Southern California and later headed north for graduate school at California State University in Sacramento, where I focused on historic preservation, and the history of the American West and California. That background gave me a strong foundation and ultimately led me to a career in historic preservation.

Most days start with research and planning, but that’s just a piece of the work. I spend a lot of time out in the field, boots on the ground, documenting resources and figuring out how projects might impact them. Tribal outreach is another important part of my work, making sure we honor and respect cultural heritage throughout the process. We support agencies meet their Federal regulatory responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and often work closely with agencies like the Federal Transit Administration, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the National Park Service, and local agencies. It’s work that combines technical expertise with storytelling and that balance is what keeps me passionate about what I do.

Transportation projects have been a major part of my career, and I’m thankful to be working in California where the highway system is one of the most intricate and expansive in the nation. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects where even the roadway itself is historic, traversing districts that tell stories of engineering feats and cultural evolution.

Every project is a chance to protect history while supporting progress, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful to me.

How do you incorporate community involvement into your work?

Community is at the heart of historic preservation. It’s not just about old buildings, there are so many resource types we analyze, including landscapes, bridges, roads, dams, canals, farms and utilities, that hold meaning for the people who live there. These resources are often the lifeblood of neighborhoods, symbols people connect with and care deeply about.

One of my favorite parts of the job is uncovering stories that even longtime locals didn’t know existed. Sharing those discoveries is so rewarding, especially when clients incorporate them into interpretive panels or websites that offer such a public benefit and celebrate local history.

Southern California is where this work feels especially personal for me. I was born and raised in Riverside County, and the region’s diversity of resources and communities makes every project unique. From Los Angeles to the Inland Empire to San Diego, I’ve seen firsthand how our work impacts communities in meaningful ways.

Preserving the look and feel of a corridor or integrating historic buildings into modern designs helps maintain a sense of place.

Talk to us about a project that has been a major highlight of your career.

Two projects stand out for me. The first is our ongoing work at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, where we’ve surveyed numerous historic-age properties across the campus. Each with its own story about America’s space program and scientific innovation. This long-term effort, which began in 2014, is providing Section 106 compliance services for facility improvements to further cutting-edge research, all while preserving their historic integrity. It’s a fascinating intersection of science, design, history and innovation.

Another highlight was the cultural resources effort following the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles. Our team worked quickly to document the historic properties within the impacted communities, like the Andrew McNally House in Altadena and the Department of Water and Power Distributing Station No. 29 in Palisades, both of which were designed by master architect Frederick Roehrig. Our team provided monitoring during the private property debris removal process to protect archaeological sites. The work was challenging, but documenting the area’s history ensures that even after loss, communities can continue to honor and celebrate their heritage.

Share a piece of career advice.

One of the most rewarding parts of this work is helping position people for success and supporting young professionals as they grow. My best advice is to get to know your team and their strengths. Cultural resource management is complex, no one person can do it all. If you don’t know how to do something, know who to ask. Collaboration is key, and watching a well-coordinated team tackle challenges efficiently is both inspiring and a reminder that great outcomes come from leveraging collective expertise.

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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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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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