Providing passion and precision that is second to none.
Drouin hails from Port Macquarie and holds a Bachelor of Geology degree from James Cook University in Far North Queensland. His academic background is strong in Petrology, Structural and Geochemical Processes, further bolstered by a Minor in Archaeology.
Drouin’s professional experience includes geotechnical investigations for various projects, including the Hastings Water Supply System Northern Arm Trunk Main, residential and commercial developments, and copper projects in the NSW Central West mining industry.
Outside of the work environment, Drouin enjoys 4WD maintenance, surfing and is involved in the Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club.
Jake holds a degree of Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management from the University of Newcastle and has over 4 years’ of experience in the Contaminated Land and Environmental Consulting sector. Conducting a broad range of environmental projects relating to contaminated land assessment with extensive experience across multiple disciplines within the environmental sector.
Utku holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering and brings over 5 years of industry experience to the team. His work has taken him across New South Wales, from Sydney to Broken Hill, conducting geotechnical investigations. Utku has a strong interest in design and technology, with a focus on innovation in his field.
Outside of work, Utku enjoys staying active by running and unwinding by the coast.
James has been with Hunter Geotechnical Services since 2012. He has previously worked in construction, retail and music industries and from that brings a fresh perspective through a diverse range of skills acquired. James has been pivotal to the laboratories continued improvement in its service & systems by implementing innovative solutions to the business. As Laboratory Manager James is in charge of the operational and technical control of the laboratory, maintaining compliance with test methods and regulatory bodies & ensuring quality of testing and delivery of service to clients. James Is a NATA Level 5 and has an Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations and a Bachelor of Commerce from Newcastle University.
Steve has been immersed in the geotechnical and construction materials industry his whole life, growing up around quarries and major projects. He began his career as a full-time construction materials tester in 2015 before moving into drilling and investigations.
After relocating from Port Macquarie to Newcastle in 2018, Steve joined Hunter Geotechnical Services in 2019. He now works as an environmental consultant, applying his extensive field experience to environmental assessments and compliance.
Steve holds a Certificate III in Drilling Operations and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.
Scott is a highly qualified and experienced professional with 12 years of Construction Materials Testing experience and 15 years of WHS expertise. He holds a Diploma in Laboratory Operations, an Advanced Diploma in WHS, and is a NATA Signatory. As a Senior Technician (T5) and NATA signatory, Scott consistently delivers accurate results and maintains compliance. In addition to his academic achievements, Scott has also obtained certifications as a Trainer and Assessor, allowing him to share his knowledge and mentor others in the industry. He is widely regarded as an all-round great guy, known for his positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Peter is a Senior Geotechnical Engineering Technician with over 17 years’ experience in drilling, laboratory testing, and geotechnical field investigations across regional and coastal NSW. With a strong background in both laboratory and site-based roles and qualified with an Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering, Peter brings a hands-on, technically sound approach to site classification, pavement investigation, and geotechnical investigation.
From 2017 to 2020, Peter managed laboratory operations at Hunter Civilab, supervising NATA-accredited testing and mentoring junior staff. He subsequently broadened his expertise with Douglas Partners from 2020 to 2023, where he played a key role in geotechnical investigations for major utility infrastructure, including geotechnical investigations for transmission lines across Grafton, Armidale, Goulburn, and Canberra.
Since joining Hunter Geotechnical Services in 2024, Peter has led the Small Projects Investigations Team, delivering site investigations and geotechnical reporting for residential, commercial, and industrial developments up and down the NSW coast. His recent work includes investigations for the Northern Arm Trunk Main, bridge replacement projects, and pavement rehabilitation design for MidCoast Council, Walcha Council, Lismore City Council, and others.
Peter is known for his pragmatic field approach, deep familiarity with Australian Standards, and his ability to deliver high-quality results under tight timeframes. His well-rounded expertise makes him an asset to any geotechnical team.
Lonnie has been involved in the construction industry for 25 years with the move into materials testing in 2011. Since then, he has become heavily involved in the drilling and investigation sector becoming department manager of a growing team of well experienced and enthusiastic employees.
Daniel has over 15 years’ experience in the geotechnical engineering and civil construction industry. He has been involved in a range of civil projects ranging in size and complexity from roads and rail through to brownfield remediation, residential and commercial developments. Daniel has in depth knowledge in areas of project management, earthworks design, slope stability assessments, geotechnical designs and soil-structure interaction analysis.
“As a geotechnical engineer, I strive for practical and cost-effective solutions. This means considering buildability and adaptability throughout the project. Investigations should be tailored based on project complexity, project stage, and the end client project delivery method. As always, client feedback is crucial.”
Nathan has been involved in geotechnical engineering and construction surveillance for over 20 years’ with extensive experience gained on Major Projects which have included Earthworks, Civil infrastructure, Rail, Roads, Mining, Dams, Bridges, Residential and Industrial Development. Nathan has been with Hunter Geotechnical Services since March 2015 as the Geotechnical Engineering Manager. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Newcastle University.
Khai commenced working for Hunter Geotechnical Services in 2021 as a Geotechnician in the Construction Materials Testing Laboratory, whilst completing his degree in Civil Engineering from University of Newcastle. Since graduating, Khai has worked on a variety of projects including Site Classifications, Site Inspections, Slope Stability Assessments and Pavement Investigations. Khai has a keen interest in a wide range of sports and currently plays Rugby Union as a Flanker for the Newcastle University Seahorses.
Scott has been involved in the geotechnical industry for 15 years. He joined Hunter Geotechnical Services in March 2008, transitioning from the concrete construction industry, where he had established a solid work ethic. Starting as a junior technician, Scott progressed his career and now serves as the Laboratory Operations Manager. Throughout his journey, he has gained extensive expertise in various fields, including Earthworks, Concrete Testing, Rail, Roads, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development, having actively participated in a range of significant projects.
Scott is a NATA level 4 technician, holds a Diploma of Laboratory Technology, and is currently undertaking an Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations.
Ashleigh joined the Hunter Geotechnical Services team in 2017 changing careers from hairdressing. She originally started as the Project Administrator and, with her strange obsession with stationery and organisation, she has evolved into the Quality & Systems Coordinator where she looks after the quality and processes for the Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Services teams.
Daniel is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer and Northern NSW Lead based in our Port Macquarie office and qualified with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Environmental Engineering from the University of Newcastle. Daniel has held Committee and Secretary roles for the Newcastle chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society.
Daniel has over eight years’ experience, and a proven track record in conducting geotechnical investigations for both productive and technically compliant drilling and instrumentation installation, analysing complex geological conditions, design and management for a diverse range of project throughout NSW.
Daniel’s technical expertise include landslide assessment and remediation design, soft soils assessments, geotechnical investigation for residential and commercial developments, Council infrastructure, multi-story developments and bridge replacements. Daniel’s technical expertise and problem-solving abilities make him an asset in the successful execution of geotechnical projects.
Nicholas joined the Hunter Geotechnical Services team three years ago, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in the field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and an Advanced Diploma in Laboratory Operations, Nicholas has a strong educational foundation to support his practical experience.
His focus within the geotechnical industry has primarily been on concrete testing, where he has amassed extensive knowledge and skills. Nicholas’s proficiency in this area has made him a valuable asset to the team, ensuring accurate and reliable concrete testing results.
In addition to his specialisation in concrete testing, Nicholas also possesses experience in soil testing, and is continually building a broader understanding of geotechnical principles and techniques.
Karen is in many ways the heart of the Hunter Geotechnical Services business, responsible for the smooth operation of the business’ financial and administrative functions, overseeing financial administration, payroll, accounts payables & receivables, WHS coordination, and computer-based systems maintenance.
With qualifications including Certificate III in Business (Office Administration), Certificate IV in Human Resources, and Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety, Karen brings a diverse skill set to her role.
Lesley has been involved in the Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing fields for over 20 years in both administrative and technical capacities. She holds both a Cert IV in Laboratory Techniques and a Cert III in Office Administration. Lesley joined Hunter Geotechnical Services in 2021, where as an Administrator, she oversees Projects for both the Geotechnical and Environmental teams.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Newcastle and has worked with Hunter Geotechnical Services as a Geotechnical Engineer since 2022. Matt has worked on a variety of projects including Site Classifications to AS2870:2011, Pavement Investigations and Designs, and Slope Stability Assessments and Modelling. Matt enjoys the outdoors, especially the beach and has worked as both a volunteer lifesaver and professional lifeguard.
Marc has been involved in the geotechnical and construction materials industries for over 25 years’ with experience gained in engineering consultancies, construction businesses and material suppliers, both in general operations and projects, in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom and Indonesia. Marc has been with Hunter Geotechnical Services since July 2020 as the General Manager. Marc is a NATA level 5 and holds a Cert IV in Laboratory Operations, a Diploma of Project Management, Diploma of Quality and an Advanced Diploma of Management.
Hunter Geotechnical Services is always on the lookout for great talent to join our team. If you believe you would be a great fit for our team, please send us a current CV and tell us why you would like to work with us.
Contact our specialised team for more information about our services.