Dominique Arsenault

Independent Engineering Consultant

About

A Civil Engineer (P.Eng.) with over 15 years of diverse experience, I specialize in designing alternative wastewater systems, natural treatment wetlands, and sustainable land-use solutions. My current role as an Independent Engineering Consultant focuses on integrating ecological processes, engineering principles, and community needs into resilient and sustainable infrastructure for rural and off-grid communities. My technical expertise includes project estimation, construction estimating, and AutoCAD. My design philosophy is rooted in systems thinking, ecological literacy, and relationship-centered collaboration. Hands-on experience in plumbing, earthworks, and construction informs my engineering practice, fostering practical and realistic solutions. I am committed to creating infrastructure that harmonizes with natural systems, supports long-term resilience, and addresses community needs. I am particularly passionate about decentralized wastewater solutions and ecological infrastructure that prioritize sustainability and collaboration.

Country

City

Canada

Industry

Civil Engineering

Skill

Project Estimation, Construction Estimating, AutoCAD, Drainage Design, Government Contract Administration, Infrastructure Planning, Indigenous Collaboration, Community Engagement, Systems Thinking, Cross-Cultural Communication Skills, Integrated Design, Decentralized Water, Quantum GIS, Systems Engineering, Integrated Water Resources Management, Sustainable Infrastructure, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Project Management, Military

Experience

Independent Engineering Consultant

Dominique Arsenault

2024-9 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

Canada

I design alternative wastewater systems, natural treatment wetlands, and sustainable land-use solutions for rural and off-grid communities. My work integrates ecological processes, engineering principles, and community needs into resilient, low-impact infrastructure. Highlights: • Designed a cold-climate constructed wetland treating 715 L/day of greywater, with effluent consistently <25 mg/L CBOD₅ • Developed a solar-assisted composting processor achieving EPA-aligned pathogen reduction without leachate • Created full technical documentation, engineering justification, and CAD drawings for regulatory review • Guided clients through approval processes for unconventional, sustainability-driven systems • Blend field experience, ecological understanding, and engineering discipline to create solutions that work in real conditions

Applied Technical Roles — Construction & Field Experience

Dominique Arsenault

2020-4 - 2024-9 · 4 yrs 6 mos

Canada

Hands-on work in plumbing, masonry, earthworks, and construction deepened my practical understanding of land, materials, and real-world system behavior. Focus areas: • Soil mechanics & drainage behavior • Structural interaction & construction sequencing • Communication across trades • Integrating field insight into engineering design This period significantly enhanced the realism and groundedness of my engineering practice.

Community Development & Ecological Collaboration

Dominique Arsenault

2014-7 - 2024-9 · 10 yrs 3 mos

Canada

Worked with Indigenous communities, environmental groups, and land-based learning organizations on projects related to stewardship, land planning, ecological protection, and cultural revitalization. Focus areas: • Supporting community-led land planning • Collaborating across diverse perspectives and worldviews • Studying permaculture, watershed systems, and Indigenous land relationships • Protecting ecosystems including ancient rainforests • Developing an embodied understanding of natural systems through land-based learning This work shaped my systems worldview and my relational approach to engineering.

Planning Engineer

Government of Alberta

2011-1 - 2014-8 · 3 yrs 8 mos

Red Deer, Alberta

Overseeing and conducting functional planning studies, checking development applications, forecasting, and several other planning related activities related to highways and trails. Contributions: • Facilitated communication between multiple stakeholders • Ensured engineering standards and regulatory requirements were met • Integrated community, municipal, and Indigenous feedback into project decisions