Caitlin Blackwell

Meet our employees

Caitlin Blackwell

Human Resources Manager for The Crossing Company

What’s your name and role, and what division do you work under at The Crossing Group?

My name is Caitlin Blackwell, and I am the Human Resources Manager for The Crossing Company.

Where did you start and what has your career path been like at The Crossing Group?

My career path with The Crossing Group started in January 2014 when I was hired as the Administrative Coordinator. I immediately started supporting the HR Manager at the time and was transitioned to the role of HR Coordinator in October of that year. I’ve been a key member of the department ever since and was promoted to HR Manager in January 2020.

What’s the most rewarding (or favourite) part of your role?

My favourite part of the role is that most days are a surprise. There’s minimal routine in this position, and it’s always interesting and challenging, which keeps me engaged.

I also enjoy working with all levels of the organization. I get to interact with our entry level field employees and the executive team on a regular basis.

What’s your favourite thing about working at The Crossing Group?

My favourite thing about working at The Crossing Group is the autonomy and team. This organization has a lot of high-achieving individuals, and we all work together to deliver excellent work without the need for much oversight. I have the power to make the decisions that need to be made, but there is always someone willing to assist or give an opinion when needed.

I always enjoy projects that add value to the team, and I am proud to say I have participated in and led several projects like that. Currently, I am working with the HR and Finance teams across The Crossing Group to implement new HR and payroll software for our Canadian employees, which should streamline procedures in those departments significantly for The Crossing Group.

How would you describe the culture at The Crossing Group?

Entrepreneurial, task oriented, rewarding, and nimble. No day is the same, and we are constantly improving, changing, and adapting to the industry, clients, and technology.

What advice would you give to someone looking to work in a role such as yours at The Crossing Group?

This organization and this role need someone who is always striving to add value to the organization, while growing and improving their own skills. It would be important to enjoy taking initiative, variety, and putting in hard work that will be rewarded.

TUNNEL BORING / PIPE JACKING

Tunnel Boring and Pipe Jacking Systems are used to hydraulically install underground pipelines up to 4.2 m (168 in) in OD range within strict alignment and grade tolerances. The likelihood of settling or sloughing is very low. Wheel machines are equipped with various cutter heads and sand shelves. A closed-face attachment is available for boring in unstable ground conditions. This versatile system can be easily adapted to work with any jacking pipe, in any pipe joint length. It can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters.

Tunnel Boring Machines are used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section through a variety of soil and rock strata. They can bore through hard rock, sand, and almost anything in between. Tunnel diameters can range from 1 m and exceed 15 m (3 ft to 49 ft).

The Crossing Group - The Tunneling Company - Tunnel Boring - Pipe Jacking - Trenchless Construction - Tunneling - Augering, Boring & Pipe Ramming

SLIP BORING

A boring technique commonly used for installing oil & gas pipelines ranging from 51 mm to 1067 mm (2 in to 42 in) in diameter without leaving casing in the ground. Product pipe is welded to steel casings and either pushed or pulled through the ground in sections. The casing is cut off and removed, leaving just the product pipe. Maximum installation length is 150 m (492 ft).

The Crossing Group - The Tunneling Company - Slip Boring - Trenchless Construction - Tunneling - Augering, Boring & Pipe Ramming

DOWN THE HOLE HAMMER

A pneumatic hammer is attached to the inside edge of the casing. The front of the DTH breaks cobles, boulders and even solid rock into small pebbles or dust. The spoil makes its way through the hammer and into the casing, where it is removed by airway augers.

The Crossing Group - The Tunneling Company - Down The Hole Hammer - DTH - Trenchless Construction - Tunneling - Augering, Boring & Pipe Ramming

GUIDED BORING

A Guided Boring Machine (GBM) is used to install 305 mm to 3.6 m diameter pipe (12 in to 144 in) with grade and alignment precision. It is commonly used for installations 50 m to 150 m in length (164 ft to 492 ft) or when line and grade accuracy is critical in displaceable soil. Our GBM is extremely versatile and our customers continually approach us with new applications.

The pipe installation involves a two-step process where launch and reception shafts are strategically located to minimize surface disruption. A pilot tube with a theodolite guidance system is then pushed through the ground at the precise grade and alignment specified in the design into the reception shaft. A reaming head is welded to the pilot tube and the casing and the pilot tube is used as a guide to install casing. The GBM can be used in conjunction with auger boring or pipe ramming methodologies.

The Crossing Group - The Tunneling Company - Guided Boring - Trenchless Construction - Tunneling - Augering, Boring & Pipe Ramming

PNEUMATIC PIPE RAMMING

Pipe Ramming is used in a wide variety of soil types including gravel, cobble or sand. A pneumatic hammer is attached to the back of the casing pipe and driven through the material at any angle: from horizontal to vertical. The material is cleaned out of the pipe using an auger boring machine. Pipe Ramming methods are used for pipe diameters of 305 mm to 3.6 m (12 in to 144 in).

The Crossing Group - The Tunneling Company - Pneumatic Pipe Ramming - Tunneling - Augering, Boring & Pipe Ramming