We spoke to Reto Tscharner, Site Manager Track Construction Zurich, about his career, the challenges in his job and the future of track construction.
Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Reto Tscharner, the Head of Track Construction at WALO in Zurich.
What does that mean? What tasks do you have?
Good question (laughs). As site manager, I'm in charge of the track construction department in Zurich. My tasks include acquisition, personnel management, project management, invoicing, processing warranty claims and drawing up contracts with employees and subcontractors. In short, I do almost everything.
How did you originally get into track construction?
It was more by chance. During my studies at the ETH to become a civil engineer, we had five different specialisations. I wasn't initially interested in the transport specialism. At the end of my internship as an assistant site manager at WALO in concrete refurbishment and tunnelling, I was offered a job as a site manager in tunnelling, which I found exciting. However, I couldn't start straight away as I wanted to complete my dissertation. During this time, WALO won an order in tunnelling, for which the AVOR had to be started immediately and my position therefore had to be filled by a colleague who was immediately available; my dossier was passed on internally by the person responsible and I was offered a position as a construction foreman in the railway engineering department, which I also found very exciting. That's how I ended up at WALO.
Why did you stay?
The variety is enormously exciting. It's never the same thing twice. Track construction is very diverse, it's not just about rails, sleepers and ballast, but also about logistics and safety. In addition, civil engineering and works management work is carried out from the track - simply under difficult conditions. As soon as you are on the track, you have to know exactly what is allowed and what is not.
How did you become site manager?
My predecessor, who had been at WALO for 40 years, asked me if I would like to be his successor. Although I would have liked to continue working as a site manager for longer, I couldn't turn down this unique opportunity. At first it felt like being on a big ship where you are allowed to steer but nothing happens if you make small steering movements. Over time, I learnt where the levers are and that you can actually make a difference. Market changes have opened up new opportunities for us, which we have used to develop further.
So you don't have any ‘traditional’ tasks as a site manager and are no longer on the construction sites?
To be honest, I'm almost only on the construction site as a tourist. I would like to spend more time outside with the people. My people often work night shifts - but the office work takes place during the day. It's difficult to carve out time for construction site visits. Sometimes I can manage to visit the project and my people on site before or after project meetings before I have to return to the office.
How long did it take you to become a site manager?
I did my internship in summer 2003 and started as a site manager in February 2004. I then took over the management of the professional centre in 2013. That's ten years. And now it's been another eleven years.
What would you say to someone who thinks that track construction is always the same?
That's not true. Every project, every construction site is a prototype and therefore unique, with different boundary conditions and challenges. There is always something new to learn and master.
What do you particularly like about your job?
The variety and breadth of tasks. It's not just office work, but also includes technical and social aspects. We work with many different people and cultures. The projects are varied and sometimes spread all over Switzerland. The challenge of solving problems with your own ideas or together as a team makes the job particularly exciting.
You have a high proportion of women in your team. Is that deliberately controlled?
No, it just happened that way. Basically, everyone has done the same training. But I think a mixed team performs better. For me, it's not an issue whether it's male or female.
What do you see as future developments and challenges in track construction?
Basically, track construction serves public transport, which is a climate-friendly transport option. Public transport is becoming increasingly important, especially with regard to environmentally friendly transport options. There are many exciting projects coming our way and I think we will be able to seize the opportunities and make a big difference over the next ten years.
What is your wish for the future of track construction and your team?
That we manage to continue working safely with all the challenges that come our way and that we return home healthy after every shift. And that track construction at WALO remains an important pillar for the next hundred years.
Why are you at WALO?
The company's philosophy suits me. As a family business, WALO thinks long-term and not just about short-term profit. You feel like part of a family and not just a number. I also try to pass this on to my employees.
Describe WALO in three words
Family business, innovative, stable.
Can you give an example of innovation at WALO?
We were the first to offer wet-mechanical ballast cleaning. We have also developed innovative solutions in the field of track logistics, such as the e-trolley that we used to transport the UFHB, which was installed in the track for the first time in Switzerland, to the installation site. We are constantly working on improving small and large things with the possibilities we have.
Thank you Reto for the interesting interview and the insights into your day-to-day work! You can find out more about our Track Construction department here. Are you looking for a new professional challenge? You can find our vacancies here.
