“You’re hired.” They can be two of the most powerful words in the world.
For Kelly Cunnah, the very first LNG Operator we hired at the Mt. Hayes site last July, those were satisfying words to hear. After all, this was a newly created position at a brand new facility still under construction, and an opportunity to apply his 27 years of work experience to a new endeavour. “It was very exciting. It validated everything I’ve gained in my career,” Kelly says.
Although the plant will not be fully operational until the fall, the interim time provides an ideal timeframe for Kelly and the other nine operators to get up to speed on the intricacies of the facility. They will be undergoing formalized training and are participating in getting the equipment and facilities ready for startup under the guidance of plant contractor Horton CBI.
They will be performing tasks like pressure testing, preparing systems, tracing lines, reviewing operating procedures and understanding the complex digital system. All this hands-on preparation will facilitate a smooth startup.
As the first operator onsite, Kelly has been responsible for training the other operators hired after him, bringing them up to speed in processes and technologies. With an instructional background, Kelly instructs new employees on theorybased processes; explains the complexities of the gas industry; assists with flow diagrams, design specifications and operations manuals.
Kelly is thrilled to be part of such a positive, dynamic and evolving team. “This is the first time I’ve been in a work environment where everyone is so passionate, positive and strongly committed to teamwork. There is a co-operation here that sets a great working culture and we are creating an environment for the staff to do just that.”
It’s why Kelly took the job in the first place. “I applied because it’s a new plant, a brand new team, and I’ll gain pride in knowing that I had something to do with the success.” He says that along with the exceptional work culture, their long-term goal is to create the best operational plant of its kind in the industry. “We think we can be a model for other plants,” says Kelly.
The newest hire, Chris Dice, was brought onsite as an LNG Operator 1 last November. He spent the last number of months finding his way around the equipment, reviewing operating procedures, and getting familiar with processes. Previous positions for Chris were 3rd Class Power Engineer at Catalyst Paper and supervisor with Crofton Pulp & Paper Mill. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a very specific skillset, viewing the position as a tremendous opportunity to make a real difference. “To be at this level, it’s fresh, it’s a brand new plant…and if we do this right, we may be the postmark. We have the opportunity to create a legacy.”
He is not alone in his optimism. Chris points to the team mentality that already exists, and credits Tim Stuart, Manager, LNG Operations, with creating the culture. “Everybody is walking the walk. It’s a real team environment. There are guys here with a multitude of backgrounds and education, plenty of trades experience. It’s a talented group.”
With three children at home in nearby Chemainus, where Chris has resided for 34 years, he also views the position as providing him with stability and peace of mind. “FortisBC is a very reputable company. When I heard about the position, I jumped all over it.”
All ten operators, now on staff, underwent two full weeks of official training in mid January. There will also be classroom training and competency exams, before the operators receive official certification to operate the control room equipment.
The operators will work 12 hour shifts, rotating between day and night shifts, to ensure the 24/7 control room is staffed at all times. Duties will vary from manual work in the field, including mechanical checks on equipment and monitoring the generators, to overseeing and monitoring the computer consoles in the control room.
For these employees, getting on at the very beginning is just the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.