Read the story of
Erik - Discipline Specialist
Read the story of
Erik - Discipline Specialist
Erik's career didn't start in clay or sand, but in the kitchen. "I originally started out in the hospitality industry as a head chef," he says. Around the age of 23, however, he realized he didn't want to grow old doing that. He decided to change course, studied Civil Engineering, and ended up at Van Oord via Grontmij. He has now been working there for 15 years. "I started at the bottom of the ladder with the smaller jobs and grew from there to larger projects covering much broader aspects," he reflects.
Erik's career didn't start in clay or sand, but in the kitchen. "I originally started out in the hospitality industry as a head chef," he says. Around the age of 23, however, he realized he didn't want to grow old doing that. He decided to change course, studied Civil Engineering, and ended up at Van Oord via Grontmij. He has now been working there for 15 years. "I started at the bottom of the ladder with the smaller jobs and grew from there to larger projects covering much broader aspects," he reflects.
As a Work Preparer and Project Engineer, Erik forms the crucial link between the office and the execution on site. "Everything goes through work preparation, you really are the spider in the web," he explains. "We translate the theoretical design, including environmental requirements and preconditions, into a fitting execution design. We ensure that the operators outside know exactly what to build, that the right machines and materials are arranged, and that the surroundings experience the least possible hindrance." On some projects, he fulfills a very broad role, including planning, cost engineering, and stakeholder management. The challenges are endlessly diverse: from a water well that won't connect to a faltering excavator or meetings with the client. No day ever goes exactly as planned.
Dutch water management on land
Erik mainly works on Dutch 'land projects', but always with Van Oord's characteristic hydraulic engineering touch. He is currently working on the Bargerveen project, where a dyke is being built around a nature reserve to retain water. Although this is a relatively small project by Van Oord standards, involving 2.2 million cubic meters of earthmoving, the local impact is enormous. Over the years, he has also contributed to massive, long-term projects such as the renovation of the Afsluitdijk, and dyke reinforcements in Zeeland, Tiel-Waardenburg, and Hagestein-Opheusden. "Every project has its own defining stories, learning moments, and anecdotes," Erik says.
As a Work Preparer and Project Engineer, Erik forms the crucial link between the office and the execution on site. "Everything goes through work preparation, you really are the spider in the web," he explains. "We translate the theoretical design, including environmental requirements and preconditions, into a fitting execution design. We ensure that the operators outside know exactly what to build, that the right machines and materials are arranged, and that the surroundings experience the least possible hindrance." On some projects, he fulfills a very broad role, including planning, cost engineering, and stakeholder management. The challenges are endlessly diverse: from a water well that won't connect to a faltering excavator or meetings with the client. No day ever goes exactly as planned.
Dutch water management on land
Erik mainly works on Dutch 'land projects', but always with Van Oord's characteristic hydraulic engineering touch. He is currently working on the Bargerveen project, where a dyke is being built around a nature reserve to retain water. Although this is a relatively small project by Van Oord standards, involving 2.2 million cubic meters of earthmoving, the local impact is enormous. Over the years, he has also contributed to massive, long-term projects such as the renovation of the Afsluitdijk, and dyke reinforcements in Zeeland, Tiel-Waardenburg, and Hagestein-Opheusden. "Every project has its own defining stories, learning moments, and anecdotes," Erik says.
A flat organization with an eye for people
Erik experiences the collaboration within projects as very pleasant and direct. "It is a very flat organization. All doors are open, not just with us, but also with the client and the supervisor. If something isn't going well, we call each other out, and if something goes right, we celebrate it." He truly describes Van Oord as a family business. "That is a big difference compared to other employers. The mentality is open and honest: say what you do and do what you say."
The work-life balance is also excellently arranged. The work sometimes requires flexibility, days from 7 to 7 are part of the job, but you get plenty of flexibility in return. "If you need to be at the schoolyard for your kids one day, that's possible. You can also easily do your paperwork at home instead of spending hours in the car. Van Oord gives you plenty of space and is also there for you when things are tough in your private life."
A flat organization with an eye for people
Erik experiences the collaboration within projects as very pleasant and direct. "It is a very flat organization. All doors are open, not just with us, but also with the client and the supervisor. If something isn't going well, we call each other out, and if something goes right, we celebrate it." He truly describes Van Oord as a family business. "That is a big difference compared to other employers. The mentality is open and honest: say what you do and do what you say."
The work-life balance is also excellently arranged. The work sometimes requires flexibility, days from 7 to 7 are part of the job, but you get plenty of flexibility in return. "If you need to be at the schoolyard for your kids one day, that's possible. You can also easily do your paperwork at home instead of spending hours in the car. Van Oord gives you plenty of space and is also there for you when things are tough in your private life."
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
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