Melanie Wilcox plays an integral role for the Chimney Hollow Reservoir Project as Barnard Construction’s lead haul truck trainer. Since construction began in August 2021, she has been responsible for training new hires to safely drive various haul trucks and collaborates with maintenance crews to ensure equipment runs properly. 

Thriving on a busy schedule, Wilcox appreciates the challenge Chimney Hollow provides. 

“Sometimes I feel like my job is organized chaos since there is always so much going on, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “Being in a leadership role is a rewarding experience. My crews make me proud every day.” 

Another satisfying aspect of this size of project is the large-scale trucks. Driving haul trucks weighing up to 280 tons fully loaded pleases Wilcox’s inner child.  

“I get to play with Tonka trucks every day,” she said. “If it is yellow and made of iron, I am in my happy place.”