Vanessa on growth, leadership, and meaningful impact

Before she led a team of 19 people, Vanessa, now a Team Lead for the Site Assessment and Remediation group within the Environment TPO, built her career from the ground up in the field. That journey still shapes how she leads today. For Vanessa, growth has never followed one path. It has moved through technical learning, client trust and, most meaningfully, helping other people thrive.

“I strive every day to help my staff feel that they are supported, that I want the best for them, and are invested in their growth and unique journeys,” Vanessa says.

From field work to leading a team

Vanessa graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Civil-Environmental Engineering in 2015. She has worked in environmental consulting since 2013 and has spent the last eight years at AtkinsRéalis.

Today, she is the Northern Alberta Team Lead for the Site Assessment and Remediation group within the Environment TPO in Northern Alberta, Canada. Alongside leading her team, she continues to work in project management for federal, municipal, and energy clients.

Her career has grown step by step. She started in field work, then moved into project management, client management, and now people management. Each stage brought new challenges and new skills. “Each step in my career has been more fulfilling than the last,” Vanessa says.

Why the work matters

Vanessa’s work brings environmental responsibility and practical action together. That matters because site assessment and remediation help clients make better decisions about land, communities, and industry. The work is complex, but the purpose is clear. It supports responsible progress while protecting the environments and communities connected to that work.

Her experience across federal, municipal, and energy clients also shows the range of opportunities in environmental consulting. No two challenges are the same. This is why the role keeps pushing people to learn, adapt, and grow.

Engineering is about people too

Vanessa is clear about one common misconception. “One thing people don’t realize about being an engineer is how much of the role consists of soft skills,” she says.

That insight is important for anyone exploring the profession. Engineering is not only about technical knowledge. It is also about communication, customer service, leadership, and understanding what clients and coworkers need from you. Vanessa believes long-term success depends on building both sides of the role. Not just engineering, but service too.

Bringing your whole self to work

Outside work, Vanessa focuses deeply on physical and mental wellness. She has always been an athlete and is also a competitive, nationally ranked powerlifter. She is a strong advocate for mental health and wellbeing, and she values time in nature, reading, and learning.

That balance helps explain her approach to leadership. She brings care, discipline, and perspective to the way she supports others.

Growth that creates impact

For Vanessa, people leadership has become the most fulfilling part of her work. “Leading and supporting others is the most fulfilling role I could imagine,” she says.

Her story shows what a career at AtkinsRéalis can offer. You can grow your skills, take on meaningful challenges, and create impact that reaches beyond your own role. If that sounds like the kind of future you want to build, explore opportunities at AtkinsRéalis careers.

Explore jobs with AtkinsRéalis today.