Posted by: Gerry O’Toole

Moan, moan , moan. Why is everything needed in such a rush these days? Pity the poor Water Engineer! It seems like every time we finish a ‘fast track’ project, we sit back momentarily and say to ourselves something along the lines of ‘ Ah well, it’s over now and you can have a rest. You won’t see another needing to be done so fast. Put your feet up and have a cup of tea’.  

But of course the next project turns out to be on an even shorter fuse.  This appears to be particularly true for those of us for whom projects follow the effects of climate change and drought.   ’Emergency’ projects appear from nowhere and have to be delivered at breakneck speed.  Right now my colleagues and I at Black & Veatch in Asia are in this position on two major desalination projects in the region. While this is all very fulfilling – I am convinced it makes your hair turn grey prematurely (well it’s either that or getting married!).

So I was just daydreaming of what my perfect job would be.  I have fantasized about several projects ranging from Hop Counter in the Guinness factory in Dublin to reading War and Peace on a time charge basis.  Finally though, I settled on what I think is the perfect role for me – ‘Koala Spotter’. This is actually a job in Australia, which is an important part of construction projects.  Koala bears are very hard to spot in gum trees and they have to be moved out of potential danger.  I am sure I can do it though! I’ve submitted several applications on the basis that I once Cuddled a Koala in an Australian zoo and I will let you know how I get on. 

Meanwhile no sleep tonight, gotta get those membranes on order….Carpe Diem!