
Matt Holitzki
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2023
- Program:
- Campus: Okanagan
Job: Staff Professional and Regional Reuse Lead – Canada, Carollo Engineers
Matt Holitzki is a self-professed “water nerd” who could happily talk for hours about everything to do with water treatment and water reuse. Since graduating with a degree in civil engineering, he’s been working for Carollo, a consulting engineering firm that focuses solely on designing and building water and wastewater treatment facilities. Read how this UBC Engineering alum has been using his technical aptitude and skills – since his very first-year engineering course – to make a difference.
Any highlights from your time at UBC?
In our first-year engineering class we had to come up with a design for a clothing donation bin that would prevent people from climbing into them.
It was a great project because it helped students understand that they could use their technical knowledge to advance important social issues and make a difference in their communities.
I was also interviewed and published in Macleans magazine – which was a highlight for me, but even more so for my grandmother back home in Nelson!
Co-op was another great experience. I worked with PCL Construction in Vancouver for 12 months, and Kelowna for four. PCL is a North American leader in the construction sector, and my role involved a range of responsibilities. This included market analysis and opportunity tracking in the mining sector, estimating and construction of water & wastewater infrastructure, and building clean energy projects in rural British Columbia. My experience included a four-month, boots-on-the ground construction management role at a construction site in downtown Vancouver, where PCL was in the midst of a heritage redevelopment of the Vancouver Post Office.
I gained many new skills through co-op, including client management and business development, as well as learning all that’s entailed in reading, reviewing and ultimately building engineering designs.
PCL Construction Vancouver Post Office
What kind of work do you do at Carollo?
Carollo is an engineering consulting firm that focuses on one thing: designing and building water and wastewater facilities. We’re leaders in this space and have built a strong reputation for our innovative approaches throughout North America and beyond.
I work with clients from around the world, including the US, the Middle East and Canada. My role brought me down to Seattle for eight months, but I’ve since happily moved back to the Okanagan!
A typical day might involve reviewing the performance of existing treatment plants, designing chemical systems, or laying plants out in 3D SketchUp models. I’ve also spent time on construction projects; one of my major projects is in the midst of commissioning, where I respond to contractor questions, review testing plans, and am looking forward to upcoming time in San Diego to put the plant online!
I’ve recently stepped up as the Regional Reuse Lead for our Canadian market, promoting water reuse to our Canadian clients. Reuse involves the recycling of wastewater to replenish our water supply, and is where my true passions lie. Reuse is the cutting edge of our industry, and there are many important ongoing conversations about water conservation, and achieving system resiliency through reuse.
Any advice for new students?
I went through school with the motto that everyone who graduates from an engineering program will have the same piece of paper. When you’re looking for a career, a degree and a GPA is not what makes you unique. What makes you stand out is your work experience, and the activities you’ve been involved in outside of the classroom. UBC provides incredible opportunities and it’s up to you to get after them!
Your time as an undergrad is for trying new things out, figuring out what it is that you like and where you may excel! I was initially introduced to the water industry through my 16-month construction co-op position at PCL. If I hadn’t had that experience, I would have had no idea that this was an area that I would absolutely love working in, and can now happily talk about for hours, much to the tired ears of my friends and family!