Hydro Station Operator - Pauline

An unlikely path

Pauline Bedard grew up in Sandy Bay, but never saw it as a place to settle down until she started a career with SaskPower at the Island Falls Hydroelectric Station as a hydro station operator.

Bedard first accepted a position as a summer student at the station while in between semesters at school in 2005.

'My friend had worked here and told me about the benefits and the wages and I thought 'that sounds like it could help me out a bit,'" she says.

Though she never intended to stay, she couldn't help but notice she had gained a foothold at the power station.

"I learned pretty quickly. I was paired with two hydro station operators who really pushed me to learn the place," she says. "I really liked the challenge and the knowledge that I was a woman in a non-traditional role really pushed me to succeed."

I have a six-year-old who wants to be a hydro station operator now, just like his mom.

Moving up

After finishing her management studies course through the Saskatchewan Institute of Indian Technologies in Saskatoon in 2006, Bedard applied for an assistant hydro station operator position at Island Falls. She was offered the job.

Over the next four years, Bedard learned how to monitor the station's vitals, correct and isolate faulty equipment and keep the powerhouse running safely and effectively. In January 2010, Bedard completed her accreditation and became a full-fledged hydro station operator.

"I was given my own shift, where I began training new assistants as they came in," she says.

Why SaskPower?

Bedard's success over the last four years gives her a feeling of accomplishment and has made her family proud.

"I have a six-year-old who wants be a hydro station operator now, just like his mom," she says with a laugh.