Energy Management

What Laura says about her career

What is my role as Senior Project Manager?

I develop, manage and implement the Sustainable Energy Management Plan (SEMP), which aligns with the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS) programs for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Pacific Region. I also oversee programs and initiatives in furtherance of energy consumption and GHG decreases across DFO facilities to meet the 40% GHG reduction target by 2030. Finally, I’m also involved as project manager of energy conservation projects across the Pacific Region managing a total budget of more than $12M.

How did I reach this position?

My original post-secondary education and early career were in the computer science field as a systems analyst/programmer. After leaving corporate America for nearly a decade to raise my family, upon my return to work, I discovered that I was a “dinosaur” in my chosen field. I re-applied my skill set and set a new pathway in finance and property management, ultimately landing in the construction field. It was during my years here that my passion, focus and experience in energy conservation were nurtured and expanded and I ultimately settled into a role as energy manager. My inaugural public-sector post was the energy manager at our local university, and here I learned the joy of service. I transitioned to the federal government in 2012 as the Regional Energy Manager, and have since been contributing to make a positive difference in decreasing our portfolio’s energy and GHG footprint through infrastructure and operations optimization, while supporting fulfillment of our departmental mandate.

How does CIET training help me in my work? 

CIET training provides continuous learning and ongoing skill development supports for key skills required for my work. CIET training nourishes the quest for being informed and enlightened.

What skills are key to my work?

• Strong professional relationships, being genuine and authentic
• Open communication, being clear, direct and respectful
• Continuous learning, keeping current with technology, focus and opportunities
• Strong problem solver, being adaptable and curious
• Understanding and application of change-management and project-management principles

What is the best career advice I have ever received? 

• Find something you love to do, pursue it, and you’ll never “work” a day in your
• Be open to pursuing opportunities that you may not ever have again.