Engineering is one of the most popular and lucrative career paths. Whether it was your parents urging you to become one when you were a teen, or your uncle Rick showing you his engineering graduation ring every Christmas — it’s a profession studied by many.

We sat down with Colin Wensley to learn what it’s like to be an Engineer in our Distribution Standards and Testing Department and give you a glimpse into the life of Civil Engineer.

1. What’s does an Engineer in the SaskPower Distribution Standards and Testing Department do?

Our team creates and manages the standards and drawings that other SaskPower departments use to engineer, construct and operate our distribution system. Our distribution system makes up all of the power grid (powerlines, power poles, infrastructure, etc.) that brings power to you. Our job is about making sure our power grid is:

• made of quality material
• environmentally responsible
• easy for staff to operate and maintain
• meets industry standards

Another part of our job is testing in a lab! We perform a bunch of different tests on materials and equipment we use in our power grid to find defects or failures and ensure they meet industry standards. We want to catch any issues before it gets to our power grid, so there’s less impacts to you. 

2. How does your role impact the community?

Since our focus is on distributing power, we directly impact people not only communities but the whole province! Power is a huge part of all of our lives, and we balance many factors to ensure safe, reliable and cost-effective power is delivered. 

3. What are some exciting projects that your group is working on?

Much of our work is about ensuring our distribution system is ready for:

The Future

• As we transition from using fossil fuels to cleaner technologies to generate power, our distribution system will also need to change. For example, with more electric vehicles and homes with electric heat we’ll need to supply more power to residents and businesses. And we need a power grid to support just that!

Climate Change Adaption

• More than ever, we’re experiencing the affects of climate change — like unpredictable and sever weather. We need infrastructure that can withstand the changes in weather, while still remaining reliable and cost-effective. We’re looking at other utility companies to learn from them. We’re also working with regulatory bodies to ensure our above-ground (power poles, wire, etc.) and below-ground (cable, concrete vaults, etc.) systems provide safe and reliable power for decades to come.

Modernization

• A modern power grid means more automation, visibility and control to create a more reliable service — with fewer and shorter outages. A modern grid consists of smart meters and remote control. Before bringing new technology onto our power grid, our group is tasked with:
  • conducting research
  • developing specifications
  • performing technical evaluations
  • executing tests as necessary 

4. What do you like most about working at SaskPower?

The people! Our team is a very close, friendly and a welcoming group of 12 dedicated people. We each have diverse backgrounds and different expertise, but they compliment one another. With us, you’ll find a culture where respect, inclusion, and safety are at the forefront. We all have a similar mindset — provide the people of Saskatchewan with the best possible service.

Beyond our specific group, we’re always interacting with other staff and external stakeholders. The main departments we work closely with include:

• Procurement
• Safety
• Construction
• Customer Service
• Engineering

Another thing I like is the opportunity we have. Because SaskPower has so many areas of work, you can go from power generation all the way to customer service. It’s possible to change roles within SaskPower to gain different experiences and challenges without having to change companies. That’s a huge plus!

5. Are there opportunities to join your team or SaskPower?

Yes! We’re currently looking for a Senior Engineer in the Distribution Asset Standards and Testing department, with a closing date of Dec. 15. You can also visit saskpower.com/careers to learn more about other job opportunities in various departments and set up job alerts.