Chemical Technologist – Sacha

Home and away

After Sacha Struble graduated from high school in Coronach, she spent two years at the University of Saskatchewan, where she developed an interest in chemistry. A year after switching to chemical technology at SIAST, Struble found herself back home in Coronach, working on her practicum at Poplar River Power Station.

Struble was hired on as a full-time Chemical Technologist in 2001. Although she's been working with chemicals for more than a decade, the job still holds all the wonder it did when she started.

"You get to take something, like a water sample, and find out exactly what's in it," says Struble. "It's kind of like cooking, except you don't get to lick the spoon."

Environmental steward

Much of her work involves taking samples from the power plant and the surrounding area. Water, coal, and fly ash all need to be analyzed to make sure everything is working correctly. Environmental safety is a big part of Struble's job.

"We're responsible for solving our own problems…I really enjoy it."

"We have to follow environmental guidelines, which require water samples every month… the regulations are pretty strict, and you have to sample everything, so if it's pouring rain for a month straight, you still have to go do it."

Most importantly, Struble's position at SaskPower keeps her on her toes and gives her the opportunity to be part of the big picture.

Why SaskPower?

"The challenges of my job are unique. We're a lot more hands on than other places I know of. We're routinely asked for advice, we go out and collect our own samples, and we're responsible for solving either our own problems or problems that are affecting something else in the plant. I really enjoy it."