This text is one in a sequence of conversations with girls leaders within the building business. Click on right here for previous discussions.
As a consulting inspector for the Maine DOT, Heather Groves oversees inspection employees and ensures that contractors are working throughout the specs of every venture.
Heather Groves
Permission granted by Heather Groves
The Winthrop, Maine, native is the proprietor of Cole River Consultants, a enterprise she began in 2018 after working for an engineering agency.
“Proudly owning my enterprise thus far has given me extra studying alternatives and experiences than I might have gained there,” mentioned Groves, who can be the Northeast Area Director for the Nationwide Affiliation of Girls in Building.
Right here, Groves talks with Building Dive about how she selected building as a profession and her recommendation for younger girls within the business.
Solutions have been edited for brevity and readability.
CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What led you to decide on building on your profession?
HEATHER GROVES: My dad and mom obtained divorced after I was at a younger age. Mother and I residing in Maine meant that point with Dad in Connecticut was valuable. So most days you would discover me driving shotgun in a dump truck or enjoying within the gravel pit together with his mini excavator, so I could possibly be with him.
What do you do as a DOT advisor?
I work with abutting landowners, the contractor, native officers and public works at occasions. I oversee and put collectively pay estimates for the contractor, which includes the monitoring of portions, contract modifications and different miscellaneous particulars.
What are a number of of the initiatives you have most loved engaged on and why?
I’ve most loved working with the MDOT Security and Freeway Program on the Centerline Rumble Strip Program. Since becoming a member of this crew in 2016, now we have taken this system from simply over 100 miles to upwards of 600 miles.
What challenges have you ever confronted over time?
The largest problem over time has been studying methods to talk in an assertive method that does not painting me as a “bitch.”
What recommendation would you give to younger girls contemplating building as a profession?
Hearken to your intestine, and whenever you’re doubtful, ask questions. Additionally, discover your help community, which ought to embrace mentors, sponsors, family and friends.
I believe building is completely a wonderful job selection for girls. There are such a lot of sides to the development business that the alternatives are infinite.