Scott Weisenberg, P.Eng., exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated volunteer in Ontario’s consulting engineering community. As Chair of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Ontario (ACEC‑Ontario)’s Future Leaders Network and an engineer, Scott brings enthusiasm, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the profession. He recently sat down with NEM Ontario to share insights about his career journey, his passion for volunteerism, and the exciting projects currently shaping his work.
Since graduating from Carleton University in civil engineering, Scott’s risen through the ranks at Robinson Consultants Inc. He commenced his career as a junior civil engineer, writing reports and learning the fundamentals of good engineering. Today, Scott holds the title Assistant Project Manager, working with clients on municipal and road infrastructure projects across Ontario.
He attributes much of his professional growth to a readiness to pursue opportunities beyond the boundaries of his formal role. What truly distinguishes Scott is his instinct to step forward—often as the first to volunteer, especially in moments of uncertainty or challenge. This proactive mindset has not only accelerated his career development but has also enabled him to make a meaningful and lasting contribution through his volunteer leadership with ACEC – Ontario.
In addition to his role at Robinson Consultants, Scott serves as Chair of the Future Leaders Network at ACEC‑Ontario. This network brings together young professionals from consulting engineering firms across the province to build leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and gain valuable industry insights. Through discussions on emerging trends and shared challenges, the group helps foster the next generation of leaders within Ontario’s consulting engineering sector.
Before diving into the conversation, it’s worth noting that Scott’s leadership within ACEC‑Ontario’s Future Leaders Network reflects his broader commitment to advancing the consulting engineering profession. His perspective offers valuable insight into the experiences, challenges, and motivations shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
What brought you into the field of consulting engineering?
Mostly the aspect of problem-solving. My whole life, I’ve naturally been drawn to problem-solving, and consulting engineering provides a unique opportunity where, as an engineer, you are a strategic problem solver for your clients.
Consulting engineering is quite rewarding, as you get to take a project from that initial stage all the way through to the end stage of seeing your design constructed. For example, interacting with the new roadway that we’ve redesigned, and feeling like it is better than it used to be, is pretty impactful. That feeling helps keep me motivated in this line of work.
What makes consulting engineering a rewarding long-term profession?
For me, the most rewarding part of consulting engineering is seeing how your work directly shapes the world around you—whether the impact is large or small. Some of my projects have been relatively modest in scale, yet they’ve made a meaningful difference to the communities they serve. In my municipal work, I have the privilege of helping to build and improve cities, and that carries a deep sense of purpose.
One of my favourite projects from the past three years was the reconstruction of Scott Street in Ottawa. Our team redesigned three intersections and a significant stretch of roadway with a strong focus on improving safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. We introduced new trees, benches, and green space—features that simply didn’t exist before. Seeing the completed corridor today, it’s become a far more welcoming and vibrant space, and knowing I contributed to that transformation is incredibly fulfilling.
How does your volunteer work make a difference for you in your career?
Being involved with ACEC–Ontario, an organization centred on the consulting industry, helps provide strong connections and camaraderie with like-minded individuals.
In my day‑to‑day, I only get so much opportunity to connect deeply with other engineers. That’s why I truly value the touchpoints I get through the Future Leaders Network—being able to engage with peers who are tackling similar projects and navigating similar challenges is incredibly meaningful.
Volunteering has also given me an added sense of purpose in my career. Through ACEC‑Ontario, I’ve had the chance to contribute positively to the consulting engineering profession by helping raise awareness of the field and supporting the development of emerging leaders. I’d love to see even more people discover just how rewarding a career in consulting engineering can be.
What types of challenges do you work on with the Future Leaders Network?
One of the big challenges that engineers in Canada face is that recent grads in Canada aren’t necessarily pursuing licensure. And licensure is necessary in consulting engineering, as we use our license quite often, and we’re noticing that shift.
Through our volunteer work at ACEC-Ontario, we highlight the value of licensure to students, young professionals, and the rewarding career that consulting engineering can be.
Why would you recommend pursuing engineering licensure?
Earning your engineering license opens up a significant number of opportunities. You may not recognize the impact immediately, but having that designation truly gives you an advantage. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and the work you put in to reach that milestone. With your license, you can step into more advanced roles, take on greater responsibility, and fully embrace the obligations and privileges that come with being a professional engineer.
Why is communication so important in your role?
In the consulting engineering field, you have a unique opportunity to talk to a pretty wide range of different people. One day, you’re talking to people in your office who have a strong technical background, so you speak concisely with explicit technical reasoning to back up your opinion.
But then the very next day, you could be talking to your clients or talking to the public about the engineering work that you’re doing and why it’s important. That may not have any technical discussion in the background at all. It will just be trying to clearly communicate our goals and your client’s goals. That is a totally different set of communication skills, and they are all equally important to get to the finish line.
What advice do you have for future leaders?
Maintain an open mind on your work and a willingness to try out different things.
No matter where you end up, there will be a multitude of avenues you can pursue in your career; you may have to try a few out before you can decide whether or not it’s for you.
You’ll also gain a certain amount of knowledge from every task you do, and it’s significantly easier to expand your career if you’ve already done something, even if it’s just once, or in a volunteer capacity. So, just try taking chances. And trying things, especially early in your career. That’s the time to make a few mistakes and get help along the way.
