September 16, 2025 • 2 min read
Powered by purpose:
Building safer, smarter water infrastructure
“I’ve had the opportunity to work as part of multidisciplinary teams of professionals on significant water infrastructure projects all over Australia.”
For Sonel Reynolds, no two days are ever the same. And that’s exactly why she loves what she does. As a Lead Civil Engineer specializing in water dams, Sonel works in Worley Consulting’s dams and tailings team as part of our broader Geosciences group.
From conducting site investigations, designs and safety reviews, to providing risk assessments and construction support, her work secures water supply and safeguards communities and the environment. “Each dam is unique,” she explains. “You’re solving a different problem every time.”
Support in flexibility
Sonel’s journey within our team started at a pivotal moment in her life. “When I joined Worley Consulting, I was expecting my first child. It might seem unusual to start a new role under those circumstances,” she says, “but the team welcomed me with open arms, and when I returned from maternity leave, I was able to step straight back into meaningful project work.”
And the support hasn’t wavered. “There’s a real understanding of the importance of family and work-life balance here. I work three days a week and my workload is tailored around that.”
Engineering a more sustainable future
Water dams are essential infrastructure. They support drinking water supply, irrigation and renewable energy. For Sonel, they’re also a key lever in creating a more sustainable world.
“Part of our work is ensuring these structures are safe and resilient for the future,” she explains. “Whether it’s raising a dam wall to mitigate flood risk or upgrading a spillway to meet international safety standards, we’re helping to protect communities and the environment.”
Learning, growing, leading
In her time with our team, Sonel has taken part in a range of training, conferences and development opportunities that help her keep up to date with industry practices and further her skills as an engineering professional.
While her current focus is Australia, Sonel’s skills apply to water infrastructure, tailings dams and geosciences across the globe. Her work, and that of her team, is critical to delivering more sustainable change, and it’s only just beginning.
