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» Go to news mainEngineering Graduate Goes to New Heights
An engineering degree can take your career in many different directions, and for one Dalhousie graduate, that direction is up.
From 400-feet above the ground, Holly MacLeod (BEngā22) always takes a moment out of her work day to appreciate the spectacular view at the top of the telecommunication towers she climbs.
Last spring, the Environmental Engineering graduate was hired by Tower Engineering Professionalsā Canadian Division (TEP Canada) to work as a Field Engineer. Her role: climb and inspect the structural integrity of the telecommunication towers across Canada.
Recruiting engineers who also climb towers is what sets TEP apart from its competition. Founded in 1997 in Raleigh North Carolina by two structural engineers who climbed and inspected telecommunication towers, the company has since grown to more than 1,000 professionals. They have provided engineering and construction services to more than 150,000 towers around the world. In 2020, the company opened an office in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is managed by Dalhousie Engineering alum Colin Dickson.
Top Responsibilities
Strapping on her safety equipment and climbing up the side of a tower doesnāt scare MacLeod. In fact, since beginning her position last spring, sheās now had the opportunity to climb towers spanning from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.
These telecommunication towers are typically owned by organizations such as Bell, Rogers and Eastlink.
MacLeod climbs a variety of different structures including guyed towers, self-supporting towers and monopoles. Although the climbing element is the most dangerous part of the role, itās only one piece of the puzzle. Once at the top, MacLeod is required to perform a thorough analysis of the structural components and equipment of the tower.
āThe towers are designed to last for a designed life cycle but they do change because they are operating in all types of weather conditions such as rain hail, ice, snow,ā says Dickson. āThe team identifies steel components that are deteriorating on the tower such as rust or bolts that arenāt there anymore because of corrosion.ā
Other deficiencies could include damage to the foundation and other issues with the towerās structural integrity.
Safety the Highest Priority
Although a profession that could be considered a hazardous role, itās also one that has become in high demand in todayās digital era. But itās safety first at TEP. Each new climber is provided with extensive in-house training. This includes tower climbing techniques, safety planning, tower rescue procedures and first aid training.
āI have a respect for climbing and the risk thatās associated with it,ā says MacLeod. āSo there are nerves, but itās not a debilitating level of nerves.ā
Connected at all times to the side of the tower, MacLeod adds that a safety person is always situated on the ground in case of an emergency. That same person will also perform a structural assessment at the base of the tower.
Rain, snow, wind or shine, MacLeod performs tower assessments year-round. Only a few situations such as thunder and lightning will prevent her from climbing to the top of the tower.
āAnd nesting season,ā adds MacLeod. āProtected birds such as eagles and hawks, if they decide to pick a tower and nest in it, then we donāt climb the tower.ā
MacLeod say it can sometimes take several hours to climb to the top of a 400-foot tower and complete a full structural inspection. Itās an exhilarating job she never imagined sheād be doing with her engineering degree.
She says itās also an opportunity that has significantly helped her develop as a person and a young engineer.
āMy ability to adapt has really grown. My Project management, time management and technical writing skills have also grown.ā
āBut the company itself is very supportive. Colin has been very supportive with my development as a young engineer. And my supervisor is also very helpful, keeps a high standard and really pushes me to always improve. The job is a great opportunity to develop a lot of skills very quickly.ā
She adds that young engineers seeking opportunities where they can venture āoutside of the boxā and explore new career paths, would thrive at TEP.
āJust as long as you arenāt afraid of heights.ā
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