At PCL, women represent 28% of the Civil Infrastructure Division, a higher share than the broader U.S. water and wastewater industry, where women make up less than 18% of the workforce.

Women make a significant impact throughout the industry and at PCL; they help lead the planning, delivery, and maintenance of water infrastructure projects. They contribute at every stage of water infrastructure delivery — from estimating and contract coordination in early project phases to on-site work by civil engineers and regional leadership. Their expertise drives the success of critical water infrastructure projects while inspiring future generations to pursue STEM and construction careers.

Hear from two women in the PCL Civil Infrastructure Division — Jamie Safulko, area manager, and Briona Campbell, project engineer — about their paths into the water sector, what keeps them engaged, and how their work is shaping the future of essential water infrastructure.

As area manager, Jamie Safulko leads strategic pursuits for the area office across Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico. She oversees financial performance and pursuit strategy, strengthens client relationships, promotes PCL’s reputation in the region, and drives growth by developing high-performing teams and people.

A professional engineer with a background in public‑sector water infrastructure, she fosters collaboration and drives effective across every phase of construction. Her passion for water and wastewater work, coupled with her commitment to innovation and industry advocacy, has shaped a career focused on improving essential infrastructure and expanding opportunities for women in the field.

Safulko’s leadership continues to gain recognition, highlighted by her recent appointment to the Leadership Council of Water for People, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable water and sanitation systems. 

Can you share your journey into the water sector?

I was studying engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I took my first water class and that is where everything clicked. I found the work in the water sector fascinating but also realized how essential and stable the field is. My journey eventually led me to the public sector, where I spent several years doing utility engineering.

I loved that work because it connected me directly to the community. The decisions you make, balancing operations, maintenance, ratepayer needs and fiscal responsibility, have real, long-term impacts on the people you serve. That grounding in public service really shaped how I see the industry.

What keeps you passionate about water and wastewater work?

Water impacts everyone, but most people take it completely for granted. Wastewater treatment is incredibly technical, and I don’t think the average person realizes how much expertise goes into it.

The field is always changing with new technologies, sustainability efforts, and energy initiatives.  I love getting to work with so many different owners and municipalities. Everyone approaches water and wastewater differently, so seeing that variety has been eye-opening. There’s always something new to learn, which keeps the work engaging.

There is a real sense of purpose in the work because people will always need clean water. 

Why is PCL a great place to work for women who want to work in water infrastructure?

PCL stands out because we don’t approach projects with a “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset. There’s a strong culture of continuous improvement and a willingness to try new ideas, even if it means failing and learning.

We focus on creating a personalized, relationship-driven experience with owners. It feels far less transactional than what you see elsewhere. There is real camaraderie on our teams.

How are you helping other women break into the water sector?

I have served as president of the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association, where I supported operator training, expanded professional development programming, and supported diversity initiatives within the regional water sector.

I always think it is important to promote more female leadership and advocacy in the water and wastewater industry. Women continue to be underrepresented, especially in leadership roles, and conversations often look different when more women are at the table. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be part of that effort and to meet so many inspiring people.

As a project engineer, Briona Campbell is part of a growing generation of women shaping the future of water infrastructure. Her experience spans nearly the full water cycle, from designing raw water transmission mains and municipal water pipelines to supporting community engagement and long-term water plans. She now brings her civil water-focused engineering and planning background to PCL, strengthening the longevity and outcomes of projects from the outset.

Can you share your journey to PCL?

I began my engineering career in a five‑year rotation program as a civil engineer. During that time, I worked on power distribution projects and water transmission design and planning. After a field engineer opportunity in Saskatchewan showed me how much I enjoyed the pace and culture of construction, I sought out similar opportunities, which ultimately led me to PCL. I was always drawn to water because of its complexity, sustainability impact, and the way it directly supports growing communities. Once I began working on water supply planning, pipeline routing, and infrastructure analysis in Florida, I knew this was the right direction for me.

Now, as a project engineer focused on water infrastructure, I get to blend planning, analysis, and hands-on project development in a way that feels full-circle for me.

What do you love about working in the water sector?

I’m passionate about the water sector because it’s essential and everyone relies on it, especially as populations grow and water demand continues to rise. I’m really drawn to the science behind treatment and understanding the full process from source to tap, including the health guidelines that keep communities safe.

What motivates me most is the impact: the work directly supports hundreds of thousands of people, especially in areas hit by hurricanes. For example, after Hurricane Milton hit St. Petersburg in Florida, PCL was part of rebuilding the infrastructure, and I think being part of projects that genuinely help communities and strengthen essential infrastructure is what keeps me excited and challenged every day.

What are your hopes for the future of women in the water infrastructure sector?

When it comes to representation, I hope to see more women in leadership roles within the water industry, making it easier for both myself and other women to envision pursuing that path. Having visible female leaders with shared experiences is important and helps reinforce that these career trajectories are achievable.

The career journeys of Safulko and Campbell illustrate how the water sector is evolving, with women increasingly contributing technical expertise, influencing project planning from the outset, and advancing leadership roles that prioritize meaningful impact. As the need for resilient water infrastructure grows, these diverse perspectives are helping the industry innovate and deliver sustainable solutions that provide lasting benefits to communities.