Women’s Work: Helen Watts
PHOTO: JOSH KUNKEL
WHAT IS YOUR JOB AND WHERE DO YOU WORK?
I am a senior structural engineer for Criterium Engineers in Freeport. Our projects are all over, but most of my work is in Maine, and now from my home office. I see a couple new projects a week.
HOW AND WHY DID YOU GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK? WHAT INSPIRED YOU?
I declared as an engineer in second grade, after a visit to my dad’s job site, and no one could convince me otherwise. I got into my dad’s college, The University of New Hampshire, then from there into a big paper mill project with Cianbro.
DID YOUR BACKGROUND AND UPBRINGING IMPACT YOUR CHOICE OF CAREER? AND IF SO, HOW?
I started reading Dad’s construction magazines in second grade. I was good at math and I liked physics and chemistry. I also had art lessons, and I think learning to see, and draw what you see — not what you think you see — is a vital skill for any professional.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB? WHAT IS MOST CHALLENGING?
Every day is different. Every project there’s something new to learn – or teach to someone else. Most challenging? I’m slow at AutoCAD.
IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR INDUSTRY GROWING OR CHANGING IN MAINE?
Wow. Different chemicals, battery-operated equipment with computer-guided operation. Prefabrication.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS NEEDED TO SUPPORT MORE WOMEN IN THE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SECTOR?
Mentors, connections to other women, and people who see that diversity makes stronger projects.
DID YOU FEEL LIKE THERE WERE ANY BARRIERS TO ENTRY FOR YOU AS A WOMAN IN YOUR CAREER?
Sigh. I graduated from UNH in 1980. It was hard to get interviews after the first job with Cianbro. For every job, I was the first woman hired in that position, and I knew that if I failed other women would have a harder time. I knew I had to take any project handed to me. It’s better now. Women are still not usual, but some get encouragement and mentors, at least until they decide to start a family. I’m a member of the Society of Women Engineers, and they provide good support.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES, AND/OR OPPORTUNITIES, FOR SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN MAINE?
There’s a lot of inertia. “I’m building this the way my daddy did.” Your daddy would LEAP to use some of the new materials and equipment – and a cell phone. I’m trying to get the word out about using concrete mixes with cement reducers – cement has a really large carbon footprint.
WHEN NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
I do training for Girl Scouts, I go canoeing and ice fishing with my husband and I have a big garden. I’ve done some theater and I paint. As soon as the COVID vaccine is available, I’m going to wrap my arms around my grandbaby – and teach her “Itsy Bitsy Spider” in person.
This article appeared in the Fall 2020 edition of Green & Healthy Maine HOMES. Subscribe today!