There aren’t too many engineers who started out studying psychology - but Ellie Johnson has always enjoyed being the exception to the rule.
At age 30, Johnson has spent the past three years as acting manager technical services for Mt Isa City Council. Johnson’s dedication to her career was recognised at the IPWEA Qld Division Conference, where she received the Women in Engineering award.
In their comments, the judges praised Johnson for her “strong focus on community consultation” and “good leadership skills”.
“Ellie is well respected within the North West Queensland Regional Roads and Transport Group Technical Committee and her presence has grown over the four years she has been involved,” the comments read.
intouch spoke to Johnson about how a psychology student came to find herself designing playgrounds, and her experiences as a woman in the male-dominated field of engineering. 
intouch: How did you first get involved in engineering?
Johnson: I was originally studying (and taking a hiatus from) psychology at the University of South Australia when I began working at Dare Sutton Clarke Engineers as a receptionist. After about eight months in the reception role I was asked if I was interested in joining their Transport Department as a junior drafter.
I began engineering studies at TAFE SA. At this point I knew little of what Civil Engineering actually was, and the next two years were a steep learning curve. I became a very proud member of the transport division of Dare Sutton Clarke at that time and began drafting and doing preliminary design work for major South Australian transport projects such as the Port River Expressway and the Northern Expressway.
intouch: How did you score your current job with Mount Isa City Council?
Johnson: In 2008, my now husband BJ and I made the move to Mount Isa, Queensland as we had both secured employment at Xstrata Mount Isa Mines. I began working at the zinc/lead concentrator as a mechanical drafter and learned a lot about mineral processing and mechanical drafting and modelling. By this time I was studying Transport and Municipal Engineering by correspondence at Central Queensland University.
After 12 months at Mount Isa Mines an opportunity became available at the Mount Isa City Council for a cadet civil engineer. Though I was at the tail end of my studies and had been in the industry for around three years, I jumped at the opportunity to work in local government and again sink my teeth into municipal projects.
I have now been at Mount Isa City Council for six years and have learnt so much. I have held a number of roles including cadet, senior technical officer and have been the Acting Manager Technical Services for almost three years.
intouch: What do you think your greatest professional achievement to date has been?
Johnson: I am particularly proud of having the opportunity to be the Manager of Technical Services at Mount Isa City Council for tenure of almost three years. This responsibility has challenged me, surprised me, scared me and helped me grow into a confident leader.
I couldn’t choose any one project I am proud of, as any engineer of a local government knows, the work we do is extremely varied. One week I might be working on the design and construction of a playground, the next I might be reviewing footage of a sewer CCTV investigation. I am mostly proud to be a member of the Mount Isa community and relish in the opportunity to make a difference to my town.
intouch: From your own experience, what do you see as the greatest challenges facing women in the field of engineering? Any thoughts on what could be done to solve them?
Johnson: I have many funny stories I could share about being a woman in the field of engineering. I can’t count how many times I have been assumed to be the minute clerk in meetings or have been asked on the phone if I am “just the assistant” to the manager of technical services. My favourite one is the comment “You don’t look like an engineer” to which I reply “Really? What should an engineer look like?”.
Jokes aside, the biggest challenge I have faced as a woman in the engineering field is being plagued with self doubt. I think that it is in the nature of many women to doubt their abilities and feel that sooner or later someone is going to figure out that they don’t belong where they are. I think we should continue to support women, empower them and increase recognition and positive encouragement in the workplace.
intouch: What are some of the most important lessons you have learnt during your career?
Johnson: Through my role as manager of technical services I have learned that the strength of the team is each individual member and the strength of each member is the team. Within my department I try to encourage teamwork and collaboration. I believe engineering is not a solitary endeavour, and there is room to foster great creativity.
intouch: Are there any mentors who have helped you in your career?
Johnson: I would like to pay gratitude to Neville Peters, former Director of Dare Sutton Clarke Engineers (and now senior principal engineer at GHD) for taking a chance on me and mentoring me through the beginning of my engineering career. Neville gave me an amazing opportunity and a few kicks in the butt when I needed it.
intouch: What does receiving the IPWEA Qld Women in Engineering award mean to you, personally and professionally?
Johnson: I am so proud to receive this accolade. I would like to thank IPWEA Qld for hosting me at the recent conference in Mackay. The award has given me an opportunity to connect with peers from all over Queensland. I now have a group of colleagues I consider friends, who I can call and say “Hey! Have you experienced this situation before? What do you think about this?”. In remote Queensland these connections are very important, both professionally and personally.
intouch: What are your career goals for your future in engineering?
Johnson: My goal is to remain committed to learning and growing. It is also really important to me to be in a position where I can make a positive impact on my staff, whether it be through mentoring, providing encouragement or just being there when they need someone to tell them they do belong where they are. I am really happy working in local government and enjoy combating the challenges and constraints we face on a daily basis. Making a positive contribution to my community through my position at Mount Isa City Council is an important role, and one I hope to build on into the future.