Day in the Life: Ginelle, Facility Operator, Keyera
A change in direction
When Ginelle Smud was 20 years old, she thought she would become a social worker.
“But I changed my mind,” she says. “I wasn’t sure about the emotions that come with the job. A friend of mine had just completed a practicum and said she was finding it difficult to separate work and home life. And I felt the same way – I didn’t know if I could do that.”
So, the Edson, Alberta native considered other job options with fewer emotional ties. Ginelle also had another priority — financial independence.
“That was something really important to me,” she says. “I wanted financial security.”
Ginelle found the inspiration for her next career choice from her family.
“My dad is a second-class power engineer, and my brother is a third-class engineer,” she says. Both worked in Edson at liquid natural gas processing plants. Power engineers (also called steam engineers) do a variety of tasks, including operating low- and high-pressure boilers and their related water treatment, refrigeration, instrumentation, compressor and fuel equipment.
“I heard about what they did and was just fascinated because it was like nothing I could imagine.”
Jumping at an opportunity
As someone who gets bored quickly, Ginelle says, she needs to be constantly stimulated and always learning. When her brother offered a summer job at his plant, Ginelle jumped at the opportunity.
“When I walked in for the first time, I was so shocked at what it looked like,” she says of seeing the massive, complex facility that turns natural gas into propane.
To qualify for a post-secondary power engineering program, Ginelle returned to high school studies to upgrade math and science courses. After earning her credits, she enrolled in Fairview College north of Grande Prairie and within seven months had her fourth-class power engineer certificate.
Her first job in 2013 paid $37 an hour, but what impressed her even more was the work itself.
“It’s high-stress, high-combustion and high temperature,” Ginelle says, who was the first female power engineer to be hired at her company. She embraced her role and was welcomed by her first crew and every new crew since then.
After a decade in Canada’s energy sector, her next major goal is to work towards her third-class power engineering certificate.
“Having more knowledge and credentials is important to me,” Ginelle says. “Right now, I’m training some of the new operators at our facility. I do like that aspect of the job . . . and I want to progress to a role in the control room.”
A self-described hands-on person, Ginelle also enjoys working outside, being active, being part of a team and learning. The job offers all those elements.
“There’s always something you can learn and someone you can learn from. When you’re working with a group of people, you’re a team. You work together and everyone helps each other. That makes it less of a ‘job’ because you’re having fun at work.”
A foundation of learning and safety
Along with good communication and ongoing learning, safety is the foundation of Ginelle’s work. A typical day begins with the previous shift informing the arriving shift of their activities. The arriving shift then reviews where each person will work and assigns tasks. Power engineering revolves around monitoring temperatures, pressures, flow and sounds and ensuring all are within normal functioning range. Every detail is monitored.
Any equipment in need of service must be made “energy free,” meaning all equipment is sealed off and all gas is completely removed before any maintenance is performed. It’s methodical and precise work with exacting standards.
“Safety is the top priority each and every day. It only takes a second for something to happen. It’s even changed how I do things at home,” Ginelle says with a laugh. “Now when I weed whack my yard, I wear full PPE (personal protective equipment).”
Full of surprises
For Ginelle, the biggest surprise of her career in Canada’s energy sector is how much she enjoys it.
“I still love it. There’s always something new to look forward to and the people are great. The variety of opportunities have surprised me. I’ve seen a lot of people advance their career path and move on to something different. They don’t feel stuck – they have options.”
For now, however, Ginelle plans to stick with her job. “The constant growth and the team mentality that I’ve experienced – I really love that.”
Company
Location
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Education
Power Engineering certificate
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