Far-reaching exposure
Victor Giordano enjoys the travel, diversity and versatility that his position with VicDom offers
Q: What is your position and what are your responsibilities?
A: My position at VicDom Sand and Gravel is the assistant land manager. I am responsible for ensuring that all our properties and operations remain in compliance. I assist in the acquisition of new licences and permits, and this includes any site plan amendment, permits to take water, compliance approvals, etc. VicDom is a small company so I am actively involved in our health and safety team as a health and safety supervisor. Finally, I am active in the field, working with the operators and plant managers to ensure that we are fully operational and maximizing our efficiencies.
Q: What is it about your job that other people wish they got to do?
A: In my role, I get to travel both nationally and internationally in order to visit other sites and meet great operators. Most recently I connected with Lec Overacre of Hanson Quarries to view their operation in Lithonia, Georgia. Visiting different pits and quarries allows me to explore different operations and bring back some different processes and best practices that may be able to help our efficiencies and maximize our production. What really separates my job from other jobs is its versatility and exposure to all facets of the company, meaning I’m involved in the strategic end of the business but also assist in the day-to-day ‘lights on’ operations of the business.
Q: What do you find most challenging in your work?
A: There are a number of challenges in any industry, but in the aggregate industry we do our best to ensure that we minimize our impact on the environment and our surrounding neighbours/community. We also work hard to include and communicate with our neighbours to better understand the difficulties that our operation may have on their lives. Most recently, I was able to keep a berm in place that would have otherwise been used in rehabilitation to satisfy the desires of one of our neighbours. Conversely, I met with another neighbour, concerning a different pit, who would rather we not construct a berm and obstruct their view of the pit and pasture. We implement constant vigilance towards reinforcing good stewardship with the citizens and the environment to ensure we are doing our best when it comes to mining a resource responsibly.
Q: Describe your typical day on the job and how it contributes to your company.
A: My day starts by doing a tour of all the field operations and ensuring that everything is fully operational and that everything is running smoothly. We often have a number of projects and initiatives on the go. Health and safety is a very important initiative that we are always striving to improve. We are always looking at our operations, at any area where we can improve our efficiencies and guarantee that we can meet our quotas. All the while I work to ensure that our permits and amendments are on track and are being processed accordingly.
Q: How did you get interested in this field of work?
A: My grandfather started this business 50 years ago, and so, as a member of the third generation, I have always desired to contribute to the family business. At a very young age I was exposed to all the machines, which fascinated me back then. Of course, my passions have changed since then and now I am less interested in the machines and more invested in the forward direction and growth of the company.
Q: Detail your past or ongoing education and how it is relevant to your job.
A: I have a bachelor of science in physical geography from Brock University and a postgraduate certificate in environmental management from Niagara College. This included some very knowledgeable physical geography classes and earth science classes, which have helped me understand the type of deposits we are encountering and possibly where those deposits might be headed in the future. I have also learned that, at the end of the day, any person’s guess is as good as the geologists!
The environmental management class was a great one-year postgraduate [program] that I recommend to anyone interested in a government or consultant position. I have a lot of friends that I see from that program getting hired in those areas and I believe the course was fundamental to their success. I would say that most of the knowledge I’ve gained has come through connections with people within the industry itself as well as talking to some of the great consultants we have working for the aggregate producers. The key for me has been to get into the industry and work hard while always trying to learn more. I have learned firsthand that one should never stop improving their own knowledge from direct experience and the experience of others.
Q: Where do you see the industry going in the next few years?
A: I see recycled materials being more prevalent. There has been a lot of discussion around the licensing of pits declining, which will be a huge factor in the quality of virgin supply and its proximity to market in the coming years. Trucking is also, and will continue to be, a hot topic in the next few years. I envision the gravel producers of Ontario continuing to strengthen their stewardship to the environment and their surrounding communities. In my short time in the industry, I have [already] seen great improvement. I hope that this translates into seeing more licences being issued with fewer time constraints. I am committed to being involved in those discussions and look forward to growth and improvement in the aggregate industry.
Q: What advice would you give to others looking for a career in the aggregate industry?
A: I would tell them to keep an open mind. You don't exactly look for a career in the aggregate industry, it finds you somehow. Everyone in this industry has great passion. The industry is predominantly led by the baby boomer generation, so the opportunity for young talented individuals in this industry is growing and will continue to grow. But essentially, stick with it, have fun and work hard. As my grandfather would say, “Every dog has his day. Maybe your day will be found here.”