Ethan Ziehr
Parkland County
Summary
Fresh out of high school, I joined Midwest Pipelines Inc. as an Engineer Assistant, where I spent two years learning the fundamentals of pipeline design, including developing crossing plans, pipe paths, and identifying cost-saving opportunities while still meeting specification requirements. As work phases shifted, I frequently moved between different crews—pipefitting, grade, and access—gaining valuable field experience and a broader understanding of pipeline construction beyond the engineering scope.
After two years in the field, I chose to further my education in Surveying and Geospatial Engineering Technology at NAIT. During my studies, I worked with Explore Surveys, strengthening my technical surveying and data-collection skills. Upon graduating, I returned to Midwest Pipelines for a summer Project Coordinator role, where I supported project planning and execution from both a field and office perspective.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Coordinator/Operator
Midwest Pipelines Inc.
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Prepared cost estimates for project manager.
- Reviewed drawings and specs to check if our inventory was up to date with the current revision.
- Submitted RFI’s to seek clarity or changes during the project.
- Contacted subcontractors and suppliers.
- Collected and reviewed time sheets.
- Updated progress reports, to check if the project was on track.
- Operated Rocktruck and Skidsteer when the spread is short handed
Survey Assistant
Explore Inc.
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Performed quality surveys for accuracy and completeness for clients.
- Gained hands-on experience with surveying equipment, including total stations, measuring rods, prisms, and Trimble GNSS.
- Managed the collection and analysis of geographic data.
- Proficiency in Excel, AutoCAD, MicroSurvey, and Starnet.
- Kept the crew truck tidy and stocked with equipment to help prioritize work.
- Quickly identified and resolved issues as they arose.
- Time management within tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Adaptability to different work conditions, environments, and short-notice projects.
- Assisted in data collection and entry for various survey projects to ensure accuracy.
- Collaborated with team members to develop survey methodologies and improve data quality.
Field Engineer Assistant
Midwest Pipelines Inc.
06.2021 - 05.2023
- Managed the collection and analysis of geographic data.
- Assisted field engineers in designing, developing, evaluating, and troubleshooting drawings in the field.
- Gained hands-on experience with surveying equipment, including theodolites, total stations, measuring rods, prisms, and Trimble GNSS.
- Tracked inventory and provided equipment for the crew.
- Developed leadership abilities by organizing and guiding laborers to complete tasks safely and efficiently within specified timelines.
- Adapted to different work conditions, environments, and short-notice project changes.
- Strong interpersonal skills to work with a variety of personalities.
- Building project timelines, coordinating tasks, meeting deadlines.
- Monitoring project costs, managing purchase orders, and ensuring financial efficiency.
- Conducted site assessments to identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Operated and maintained pipeline inspection tools to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
Education
Diploma - Surveying And Geospatial Engineering Technology
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
Edmonton, AB04.2025
Skills
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Starnet
- MicroSurvey
- Trimble Business Center
- Global Mapper
Languages
English
Certification
- Standard First Aid CPR C - AED (Expires: 2027-05-05)
- Bear Awareness (Expires: 2027-04-29)
- H2S Awareness (Expires: 2027-04-15)
- Ground Disturbance Level 2 (Expires: 2027-04-24)
- Pipeline Construction Safety Training (Expires: 2026-03-30)
- Off-road Operator ATV & UTV Operator Safety (Expires: 2027-05-03)
- WHMIS 2015 (GHS) (Completed: 2021-03-05)
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) (Expires: 2027-01-05)
Timeline
Project Coordinator/Operator
Midwest Pipelines Inc.
06.2025 - 10.2025
Survey Assistant
Explore Inc.
05.2024 - 08.2024
Field Engineer Assistant
Midwest Pipelines Inc.
06.2021 - 05.2023
Diploma - Surveying And Geospatial Engineering Technology
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)