A Day in the Life: Jessica Duhigg, Civils Supervisor at Cappagh Browne

From Yard to Site: The Start of the Day

Jessica begins most mornings at one of Cappagh Browne’s operational yards in Horsham or Bexhill. It’s here that she reviews the day’s scheduled jobs using the our digital workflow management tool.

Whether it’s an anti-flood device (AFD) installation, a benching repair in a manhole chamber, or a vegetation clearance on the coast, each job is carefully assessed before she hits the road.

Safety is a non-negotiable part of every day at Cappagh Browne, and Jessica ensures that mindset starts from the very beginning.

“Toolbox talks are essential,” Jessica explains. “They’re the first step in making sure the team is fully informed, prepared, and working safely from the moment they step on site.”

Assessing the Job

Once on-site, Jessica’s role shifts into planning and coordination mode. All our jobs come through Southern Water, often as follow-ups to investigations or reported issues that require further work on site. Each job is different – it might involve liaising with residents, coordinating road closures, or even planning deep excavations in the carriageway (some reaching 10 metres!).

Jessica works closely with clients, delivery partners and stakeholders to determine the scope of work, the potential impact on the public, and what safety measures need to be in place. “We work hard to reduce disruption, but our top priorities are always safety, quality, and minimising environmental impact.”

Safety, Audits, and Well-Being

Jessica has full ownership of the site safety protocols. That includes daily risk assessments, checking for overhead cables, utilities underground, weather conditions, traffic management, and making sure that PPE is worn correctly – sometimes with the help of April and Tristan, Cappagh Browne’s Environmental and Safety advisors.

Audits are conducted on every site to ensure compliance, and Jessica is always checking in on her team’s well-being. “It’s not just about having the right kit and permits. It’s about making sure the team is hydrated, rested, and safe.”

Behind the Scenes: Office Work That Keeps the Wheels Turning

After a morning on-site, Jessica returns to the office to handle resourcing. That includes ensuring equipment is calibrated and up to date (like her CAT and Genny cable locators), ordering excavation gear, arranging traffic management setups, and reviewing team availability.

No two days are the same. She could be coordinating a complex dig one day, managing a beach clearance in East Sussex the next, or responding to an emergency callout like a suspected burst rising main or a collapsed sewer causing disruption to a local community.

Passion, People, and Purpose

What keeps Jessica going in such a demanding role?

“I genuinely love my job. Every day is different. The challenges are real, but so is the support,” she says. “I work with some amazing people. Our team dynamics are brilliant – everyone has their own strengths, and we’ve all got each other’s backs.”

From her description, it’s clear the job is much more than just project management. It’s about problem-solving, leadership, and ensuring teams in the field are empowered to deliver safe, high-quality work.

“We don’t just dig holes,” Jessica adds with a laugh. “We protect homes, maintain public infrastructure, and keep the environment in mind every step of the way.”

Final Word

Jessica’s day-to-day might be packed with site visits, safety checks, resourcing, and stakeholder management – but it’s the people she works with and the tangible results of her efforts that keep her motivated.

We’re proud to have Jessica as part of the Cappagh Browne team – her expertise, commitment, and spirit represent the very best of what we do.