A Day in the Life of … a Remediation Engineer

Does green mean more to you than a primary color? Are you passionate about cleaning up our environment? Do you want to make a difference in the world with the work you do? If you've answered yes to these questions, ARCADIS has a valued place for you.

"When I was in college, I focused on remediation engineering. I wanted my work to make a difference in the world by helping to clean up our environment," said Song W., PE.

Project at hand:
A site in the northeast U.S. Groundwater has been contaminated with hexavalent chromium. The client would like to redevelop but contamination has stalled progress. ARCADIS was contracted to remediate.
 
7:00 a.m. Check e-mail and voice mail before leaving for office. First cup of coffee.

"I am the design engineer on this project responsible for design, installation and operation of the in-situ bioremediation system. As task manager, I'm also responsible for keeping the project on schedule, on budget and successful. I troubleshoot and anticipate problems."

8:00 a.m. Arrive at office. Access data from laboratory website that came in overnight from sampling event yesterday. Begin evaluation and analysis of data.

"ARCADIS has provided a fast track for growth in my career. I have the opportunity to consult with industry experts and leaders. I get to think out of the box. That's what I call a career of choice."

9:00 a.m. My second cup of coffee. Call geochemistry expert within ARCADIS to discuss data evaluation. We confirm that a strong reducing condition is established. Good news!

11:00 a.m. Consult with in-situ design expert within ARCADIS to adjust injection volume. Schedule meeting with project manager (PM) for 1:30 to discuss progress and recommendations. Lunch.

1:30 p.m. Consultation with PM on status of project, field work schedule and budget. Left message for client to call. Checked e-mail and voice-mail. My third cup of coffee.

3:30 p.m. Client returns call. Is pleased with progress and we schedule a conference call tomorrow with PM and regulator.

"This project has proven to be the most technically successful in-situ remediation projects among more than 300 ARCADIS sites … globally speaking!"

4:00 p.m. Check in with field personnel. 

"I view my work at ARCADIS as an opportunity for continual growth — both personally and professionally. I'm really proud of the part I play in rebuilding a healthier and cleaner environment. "

7:00 p.m. Head to the gym.