Member Profile, Steven Pirlo

from Engineering for Public Works - Issue 22, June 2021

Breaking Ground

Steven Pirlo

Steven is a Project Manager with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, working specifically on the development of a 10 year capital works program for the 392 Aids to Navigation sites around Australia. He has worked in the asset management field since 2011, working across local government areas and state borders, slowly making his way north. Steven has worked in regional councils in Victoria (Warrnambool City Council and Glenelg Shire Council), in New South Wales (Port MacquarieHastings Council) and now here in Brisbane, gaining experience across a variety of asset types in capital works, water and sewerage. He has learned the importance of quality data for optimal asset management.

How did you become involved in public works? Were you working in another industry before public works?

I have a background as a research scientist. The skills as a research scientist in project management, record-keeping and data analysis have been beneficial in Asset Management. My career change was due to a lack of opportunity in science where I have become too specialised within my field.

If you moved from another industry to public works, is it a temporary move for a particular position or experience or is this a more permanent move for you?

My aim is to continue my career

Split point - General View of AtoN.

in Asset Management. I have found a career path that I find both challenging and rewarding. The fact that Asset Management continues to develop as a field is also exciting.

What have been your career highlights, outside the industry if applicable, and since you joined it?

My career highlights have been seeing the change I have helped implement in every organisation that I have worked for in terms of Asset Management. The ability to demonstrate the benefits of good service provision and the underlying asset management through the development of a suite of interconnected documents including Asset Management Strategy, Asset Management Policy, Asset Management Plans, Service Plans and the Organisational Strategic Plan at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council would be a highlight.

What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?

The variety of the job is most enjoyable. I have gained experience managing assets from a wide range of asset classes. I get to interact with staff from across the organisation and a range of stakeholders, whilst learning and developing new skills along the way.

What have been the challenges – professionally and personally?

The biggest challenge in Asset Management is bringing senior management along on the journey of developing an organisations asset management capability. The development of a sound business case including examples of how Asset Management will benefit the organisation help greatly.

Lihou Reef.

What advice would you give to others about our industry and how to become involved?

The best way to become

involved is to become an active member of professional bodies such as IPWEA (QLD), IPWEA (Australasia) and the Asset Management Council.

Did you have any perceptions about engineers before you joined the industry? Have they been confirmed or reconsidered?

I had the perception that engineers were difficult to work with unless you were an engineer yourself. I have found this to be false and have developed many successful working relationships with engineers to the benefit of the organisation and myself.

What do you wish others in the public works industry understood better about your role/occupation?

Asset Management helps an organisation to make smart, logical decisions around how a service is provided.

What inspired you to join IPWEAQ and what services are of most value to you?

On my first day in my new career in Asset Management, John Finnerty at Warrnambool City Council, Victoria told me to join IPWEA and sign up to the ‘Ask your mates’ discussion forum. The active community of IPWEA has helped me greatly to develop as an Asset Manager.