People Spotlight: Meet Anastasia Squirrel
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a civil engineering technologist working in Indigenous engagement in Canada, offering a glimpse into their career journey and impact.
Anastasia Squirrel holds a diploma in civil engineering technologies from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and works as a civil CADD specialist with strong proficiency in Civil 3D and supporting design software. Anastasia’s experience includes civil site design for industrial developments, parking facilities, service yards and community buildings, as well as infrastructure projects involving water treatment plants, pumping stations, roadway design and other civil and water discipline‑related projects. This work has strengthened her skills in grading, utility coordination, and the production of functional, compliant site layouts.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
Growing up on Yellow Quill First Nation, we lived under a boil water advisory for nine years. When a water treatment plant was finally built near my home, I became fascinated by its design and construction. With my father being a journeyman carpenter, I was exposed to drawings and plans early on, which sparked endless questions — every answer seemed to lead back to engineering. Determined to pursue this path, I overcame limited resources on the reserve by attending school off reserve with the support of family and friends, taking the courses needed to pursue a career in engineering. That experience inspired my commitment to building and improving infrastructure every day, as it deeply impacted my community and showed me how essential these solutions are.
Raised on Yellow Quill First Nation, I developed a passion for engineering through curiosity and community challenges. Today, as a civil technologist, I focus on delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions that make a difference. I value learning, precision and collaboration in every project I undertake.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
At AECOM, I’ve contributed to many projects across Canada, all of which I’m proud of. Overall, my favorite project is always the one I’m working on now — it keeps me motivated to learn, grow and deliver my best. Each new challenge builds on the last, whether I’m refining grading plans, coordinating utilities, or ensuring that site layouts meet both functional and regulatory requirements.
My most recent favorite project has been the Edmonton – Forest Heights Dry Pond and Storm Improvement initiative, where our team was tasked with enhancing stormwater management for the community. The work involved retrofitting new storm infrastructure into an already dense network of existing utilities, requiring careful coordination to ensure an efficient and constructible design. We also developed a new dry pond, balancing technical requirements with the goal of preserving as many mature trees as possible. The project incorporated several bioswale-low impact development features, which were new to me and provided a valuable learning experience. Overall, it was a rewarding project that expanded my technical skills and deepened my understanding of stormwater design.
Every project deserves to be completed to the highest standard, and that mindset drives my passion for excellence. The diversity of work I’ve been part of continually pushes me to expand my technical skills and contribute meaningful solutions that support clients and communities across the country.
My most recent favorite project has been the Edmonton – Forest Heights Dry Pond and Storm Improvement initiative. The project incorporated several Bioswale-Low Impact Development features, which were new to me and provided a valuable learning experience. Overall, it was a rewarding project that expanded my technical skills and deepened my understanding of stormwater design.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
Every project I have my hands on represents a solution to a real need. Whether it’s designing municipal water and sewer systems to keep streets clean, planning landfills and lagoons to protect the environment, or creating site layouts for commercial developments that bring services closer to people, my work turns challenges into opportunities.
One recent project that stands out is the City of Saskatoon landfill expansion, where we added a new landfill cell and helped the City plan for the long‑term future of the site — supporting a project that directly impacts waste management for the people of Saskatoon.
These projects don’t just solve problems — they help communities prosper. Reliable infrastructure means stronger neighborhoods, healthier families and opportunities to grow. Each design choice, no matter how small, contributes to the quality of life for the people who rely on these systems every day.
These projects don’t just solve problems — they help communities prosper. Reliable infrastructure means stronger neighborhoods, healthier families and opportunities to grow.
Share a piece of career advice.
Success starts with teamwork. Always take time to understand the information, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are people here to help, and we can help each other. When we share knowledge and collaborate toward a common goal, everyone succeeds.