Dean is a Senior Station Operator at our Churchill Falls Generating Station and has called the town of Churchill Falls home for the past eleven years. Dean and his team work to monitor the plant operations and, while the safe and efficient operation of the plant is always top of mind, Dean’s highest priority is ensuring that everyone on his team – his coworkers, friends and neighbours – can return home safely at the end of the day.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Embree, in Central Newfoundland. In 1988 I enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy where I spent 25 years and, upon completion in 2013, I relocated to Churchill Falls with my wife Paula and our daughter Deanyka. Outside of work I enjoy spending time at our cabin. I enjoy the winters here most of all (no mosquitoes!). I have also joined the Canadian Ranger Patrol here and enjoy the training exercises in the back country.

How long have you worked with Hydro?

I have been with Hydro now since March of 2013 when I started the Power Systems Operator Apprentice Program. In December 2014 I successfully completed the program and accepted the position of Power System Operator. I then completed the Senior Station Operator training and am currently a Senior Station Operator, meaning I monitor all running systems and react to any issues that may arise during the shift. I have enjoyed my time here in Churchill Falls for the past eleven years.

What made you want to come to work at Hydro?

My wife spent her childhood in Churchill Falls whereas her parents lived and worked here. During the summer of 2009 for a summer vacation we traveled to Churchill Falls for a visit. During our time here I met a number of residents and took a tour of the facility. I was very impressed with the facility and the community spirit. Paula asked me if I could work here and here I am!

What does an average day look like for you?

An average day for me starts out with a shift turn over briefing with the off-going senior operator. If there are any deficiencies that were unable to get addressed during the previous shift I bring them forward to be looked into. My main duty during my shift is the operation of the plant, I monitor the plant operation from the Control Room in the C & A Building. Any issues that come forward during the shift I react to accordingly and advise appropriate personnel of issues to be repaired or investigated. I work closely with some very skilled and knowledgeable power system operators during the shift as well. I provide direction to them in areas of uncertainty and rely on my supervisors for direction when I have questions. I also communicate with personnel entering and leaving facilities and structures around the facility as well as Hydro Quebec and NSLO for any changes to the generating system.

At the end of the day my overall goal is to ensure the personnel working with me on shift perform their duties as safely and efficiently as possible. If everyone who works with me can return home at the end of the day then the entire team has achieved a successful shift.

What role do you (and your team) play in ensuring Hydro can provide safe, reliable power to our customers?

The role for the team to play to ensure Hydro can provide safe, reliable power is to ensure that each member has a full understanding of the task, weather it be isolating, de-isolating, removing equipment from service or returning equipment to service. By doing so we can ensure all procedures are reviewed prior to entering the field, eliminating mistakes and possible equipment damage.