Joe Groeneveld

Joe is a Senior Hydrotechnical Engineer at Hatch with over thirty-five years of experience in the field and a deep understanding of river ice engineering.

Joe has been awarded the prestigious Kersi S. Davar Award, which recognizes and remembers the contributions made to the field of river ice engineering by Dr. Davar. The medal is awarded to professional engineers and scientists who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge of river ice engineering and science in a practical application that benefits human society.

Joe has dedicated his career to making positive change in the world through his work on renewable power projects, particularly hydropower. He believes in contributing to projects that benefit society in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Positive change means embracing challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions that not only benefit our clients but also have a positive impact on the environment and society at large.

What does positive change mean to you?

For me, positive change goes beyond just professional achievements; it involves being a part of projects that can make the world a better place. I find it deeply rewarding to contribute to renewable power developments like hydropower, providing sustainable power solutions with minimal environmental impact. Positive change means embracing challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions that not only benefit our clients but also have a positive impact on the environment and society at large. It's about leaving a lasting, positive legacy through our work and making a difference in the world.

How are you changing the world?

As a hydrotechnical engineer, I can play an important role in projects aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. The energy sector, especially renewable power projects like hydropower, provides us with an opportunity to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. Through my design expertise, I help shape projects that not only meet our clients' needs but also align with the global goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy sources.

What do you think are the toughest challenges facing your clients?

One of the toughest challenges our clients face is striking a delicate balance between environmentally responsible development and economic feasibility. In today's world, with increasing environmental concerns, it is crucial to find creative solutions that meet both criteria. As a company, we’re committed to assisting our clients in finding this balance, allowing for projects that are not only environmentally sound but also economically viable. The shift towards sustainability often comes with additional challenges, including stringent environmental reviews, which are essential but require significant effort. Our goal is to support our clients in navigating these challenges and creating projects that are not only technically sound, but also meet environmental standards and regulations.

What are you most proud of?

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of contributing to multiple hydropower projects that have positively impacted communities and the environment. Among them, the Keeyask Generating Station stands out as one I'm particularly proud of. Working closely with Manitoba Hydro, our team successfully addressed various technical and environmental issues, and many of them were related to river ice, which can be quite significant in such projects. Our work on the Fort McMurray River Hazard study also stands out for me, as it showcased the importance of river ice engineering and how it can positively impact communities and their safety. It's these tangible outcomes that make me proud of my contributions as a hydrotechnical engineer.

What do you like most about working at Hatch?

What I like most about working at Hatch is the diverse range of projects I get to be a part of. Our company's depth allows me to engage in various aspects of hydrotechnical engineering, ranging from small-scale to large-scale projects. Moreover, Hatch encourages employees to deepen their expertise in niche areas. For me, this has been an exciting opportunity to further develop my skills in river ice engineering, which is an area I'm particularly passionate about. The culture at Hatch fosters continuous learning and growth, providing me with the support and resources to expand my knowledge in a field that I'm deeply interested in.

How do you think the Hatch culture is different from other companies?

At Hatch, we truly live by our manifesto, which sets us apart from other companies. The emphasis on collaboration and teamwork is evident in every aspect of our work. We foster a culture that encourages open communication and collaboration, enabling us to leverage the collective expertise of our diverse team. Furthermore, Hatch actively invests in research and development, ensuring we have the necessary tools and expertise to solve complex challenges for our clients. This dedication to R&D allows us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and provide innovative solutions that address our clients' unique needs. Lastly, our culture promotes the development of deep technical expertise across various fields, allowing us to provide comprehensive solutions to our clients' most complex and critical problems. It's this combination of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence that sets Hatch apart as a leading engineering company.