Meet James O’Connor, a seasoned SciDev project engineer. He is a chemical engineer who is passionate about cutting-edge water treatment solutions. Most recently James has been working on a PFAS remediation project in rural Victoria, addressing contamination caused by the historical use of firefighting foams. In a recent interview, James walked us through his journey, challenges, and aspirations in the field of water treatment. In a recent interview, James walked us through his journey, challenges, and aspirations in the field of water treatment. 

Building a Foundation in Chemical Engineering 

James’s path to SciDev began with a strong academic foundation. “I studied my Masters of Chemical Engineering at Melbourne University, focusing on water treatment. My research project centred on metal precipitation in seawater, aimed at addressing water contamination from the Fukushima nuclear disaster.” After completing his studies, he transitioned into environmental services, working on remediation projects, including a soil treatment plant that used thermal desorption to remove contaminants. This hands-on experience led him to SciDev, where he could develop his skills further.  

Driving Innovative Solutions for PFAS Remediation  

Among the many projects James has contributed to, he highlights three that stand out due to their complexity and impact. “We designed and built two packaged drinking water treatment plants for a remote community in rural Queensland,” he shared. “The challenge was fitting as many components as possible within a shipping container to ensure ease of transport and rapid setup.” This innovation not only solved a logistical problem but also delivered a cost-effective solution to the community.  

James also recounted his work treating PFAS from wastewater at a waste facility in Victoria. James and the team “completed a comprehensive design review prior to starting the build of the water treatment plant. This review found several key missing pieces which would have caused major problems had they have not been known early on.” The design review helped avert potential project failure and built trust and credibility with the client team.   

Another notable project was during an extreme rain event in 2022, where James and his team mobilised their mobile treatment plant to a site in Greater Western Sydney within three days to prevent PFAS-contaminated water from entering the environment. This project was a testament to SciDev’s agility and commitment to environmental protection. 

Embracing Continuous Improvement and Advanced Technology 

Innovation is at the core of James’s approach. He acknowledges that there’s always room for improvement in water treatment processes, even when they seem to work well. “We sometimes fall into the mindset of ‘if it works, why change it?’ But there’s always room for improvement,” he remarked. “Whether through automation or process optimisation, I believe in constantly seeking ways to do things better and encourage that approach.”  

James’s role has evolved alongside advancements in water treatment technology. He now integrates sophisticated automation systems, such as smart sensors, for real-time monitoring of water quality, pressure, and flow. “As regulatory standards for water quality and environmental impact become stricter, I’ve had to stay updated with compliance requirements and ensure that new systems meet these evolving standards,” he explained. Data analytics has also become a critical part of his role, allowing him to make informed decisions based on large volumes of information collected by these advanced systems. 

The Power of Hands-On Experience in Engineering 

When asked what advice he would offer to young engineers, James emphasised the importance of practical experience. “While theoretical knowledge is important, hands-on experience is invaluable. In water treatment, real-world project experience gives you insights into operational challenges, equipment, and design considerations that textbooks just can’t cover.” 

Expanding SciDev’s Footprint in Victoria 

Looking ahead, James is excited about the future. While SciDev has a strong presence in New South Wales and Western Australia, James aims to expand the company’s footprint in Victoria. “I want to be part of growing the business south of the border,” he said, reflecting his ambitions to solidify SciDev’s presence in his current base. 

As water treatment technologies continue to evolve, professionals like James O’Connor are leading the charge, ensuring that communities receive clean water efficiently and sustainably. With his passion for innovation and growth, James is set to make a lasting impact to the water industry in Australia and beyond. 

Balancing Passion for Water Treatment with Life Beyond Work