Julie Wambolt, an operator at the Nova Scotia Power Tuft's Cove Generating Plant, is seen during her rounds near one of the electric plant's large generators last week. (TIM KROCHAK / Staff)

DARTMOUTH'S Julie Wambolt believes it's possible to find a job in the trades that sends you home happy at the end of the day, and for the right reasons.

"I get a huge amount of satisfaction from my job," said the stationary engineer, who works at the Tufts Cove generating station for Nova Scotia Power Inc.

"Every day is different."

As graduation approached at Cole Harbour District High School in 1991, the young women was pregnant and perhaps for that reason was thinking about the future more than some other people in her graduating class.

"I want my daughter to keep her options open," she said. "There are jobs out there that can be fun and challenging and well-paying. It is not necessary to go to university to find satisfying work."

At the Tufts Cove station, the petite 31-year-old works in a male-dominated environment. But she said it is a professional environment and the physical side of the job is workable for somebody her size.

She said she is lucky she had an uncle who is a stationary engineer because that got her thinking it would make sense to take a two-year course in that field at the Akerley campus of the Nova Scotia Community College.

"I did not have the time or the money to invest in a university education," she said.

Ms. Wambolt urged young women to 'think outside the box' when considering vocations. Vocational school does not have to mean the traditional 'girlie' subjects, which often pay less than industrial trades, she said.

"I know it sometimes seems hard to find them but there are jobs out there that are fun."

If the idea of working as a stationary engineer sounds appealing then read on.

NATURE OF THE WORK
Power engineers, also known as stationary engineers, operate different types of equipment to provide heat, ventilation, refrigeration, light and power for buildings and industrial plants.

They operate stationary engines and equipment such as boilers, turbines, generators and compressors. This involves the monitoring and inspection of plant equipment and meters to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow to detect leaks or malfunctions.

Power engineers also analyze and record instrument readings and equipment malfunctions as well as clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors.

SKILLS
This work requires good mechanical aptitude and mathematical ability. You must be alert, reliable and capable of working with minimal supervision. Verbal communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills are needed as well as the ability to follow instructions. You should be agile, co-ordinated and in good physical condition.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Completion of high school or equivalent is required. Also, the completion of industry-related courses and on-the-job training, or an apprenticeship program, are required to become certified as a stationary or power engineer.

The public safety division of the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour tests and certifies power engineers.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
People in these occupations are usually required to do shift work. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyman rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program.

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
Stationary and power engineers are employed in industrial and manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, utilities and commercial establishments and across government. Improvements in technology and changes in legislation have somewhat decreased the need for this occupation and there is very little turnover in this occupation.

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