From joining Civiltest as a trainee soil technician to becoming Operations Manager for Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Jac's career shows what can happen when someone is willing to learn, embrace new challenges and make the most of every opportunity.
Discovering a New Career
Before joining Civiltest, Jac worked as a line leader at a garlic processing factory. It was a fast-paced role involving the day-to-day management of production, meeting tight deadlines and ensuring orders were ready to keep trucks moving.
Although very different from his current work, the experience helped Jac develop valuable skills in managing competing priorities, working under pressure and keeping operations running effectively.
His move into the testing sector was not something he had originally planned.
"I was in the right place at the right time and was hired on the spot, despite having no knowledge of the role," he explains. "But I quickly fell in love with the science behind each test and understanding the how and why of what we do."
Joining Civiltest
Jac joined Civiltest's Mildura branch in 2018 as a trainee soil technician. He was attracted to the company's team environment, and the responsibility colleagues were given for managing their own work.
His initial ambition was to learn every test he could. As his knowledge and confidence grew, so did his aspirations.
Jac spent his first two years as a trainee technician before progressing to senior technician. He then became an annex laboratory manager, managing project-based laboratories before taking responsibility for Civiltest's Perth laboratory.
He later moved into project management, overseeing annex laboratories operating directly on client sites, before being promoted to his current position as Operations Manager for WA & NT.
Taking an Opportunity in Western Australia
One of the most important turning points in Jac's career came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he accepted an opportunity to relocate to Western Australia and help establish Civiltest's growing presence in the region.
At the time, he did not know how long he would be away. The move ultimately meant spending around three years apart from his family in Victoria, which Jac describes as one of the greatest personal challenges he has faced.
The pandemic also created significant operational pressures. Jac and his colleagues were managing major projects with limited staff, often working for extended periods to keep projects moving and continue delivering for clients.
"Working through Covid had a massive influence on how I approach my work today," Jac says. "It showed me that if I could overcome those challenges, I could take on anything else that came my way."
He also credits his partner's support with helping him manage the challenges of working away from home.
Learning, Progressing and Making an Impact
Jac has embraced every opportunity offered to him, but he is also quick to recognise the colleagues who have supported his development.
Scott Flood has been a particularly important influence, giving Jac opportunities to progress and sharing much of the knowledge that has shaped how he works. Will O'Connor, now Civiltest's Quality Assurance Manager, also played an important role early in Jac's career by helping him understand the technical aspects of materials testing.
Their guidance, combined with Jac's willingness to learn through practical experience, helped him build the technical and operational understanding required for his current position.
Jac describes the Operations Manager role as being a "jack of all trades". On any given day, he might be working alongside Civiltest's technicians, meeting a client or helping introduce systems and processes across the business.
At its heart, his role is about ensuring operations run smoothly across Western Australia and the Northern Territory while supporting Civiltest's teams to deliver a consistent, high-quality service.
The relationships he has developed with clients are among the most rewarding parts of his work. However, Jac is particularly proud of his contribution to Civiltest's growth in Western Australia.
What began as a three-person operation has grown to a team of more than 60 people in six years.
Being Part of Phenna Group
Jac describes Civiltest's experience as part of Phenna Group as a positive one, bringing opportunities to collaborate with other businesses and draw upon expertise from across the Group.
Civiltest has worked with ISGroup, AME and Jinning to share resources, contacts and project opportunities. These relationships have enabled the businesses to support one another and bring together complementary expertise when needed.
For Jac, one of the greatest benefits is knowing there is a wider network of industry specialists available when his team encounters a challenge.
"What I value most is knowing there are experts across the Group who I can contact and who will help us solve a problem," he explains.
Phenna Group's financial backing has also given Civiltest greater confidence when pursuing new work. The business can plan for the equipment and resources needed to deliver projects effectively, without having to react at the last minute once work has been secured.
Keeping an Open Mind
Jac's advice to anyone considering a career in the testing sector is to remain practical, curious and willing to learn.
"Do not be afraid to get hands-on and dirty every once in a while," he says. "Keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things. You cannot teach someone who thinks they already know everything."
He is equally encouraging to colleagues considering a new opportunity within their own business or elsewhere in Phenna Group.
"Go for it. Do not be afraid to make the leap."
Looking back, Jac would also tell his younger self not to take criticism personally, but to listen to constructive feedback, learn from it and move forward.
Outside work, spending time with his daughter helps Jac stay motivated and balanced. He also enjoys watching behind-the-scenes features about films and television programmes, particularly discovering how sets are created and how production decisions are made.
From an unexpected introduction to materials testing to leading operations across two vast regions, Jac's story demonstrates the value of staying open to opportunity, learning from others and being prepared to take on the next challenge.
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