Registration is open from September 13 to October 11, 2023. Go to the link below for information and to register.

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?

I was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and attended St. John Community School until Grade 7. Sports have always been a huge part of my life. In 2004 I attended Notre Dame College, located in the small southern Saskatchewan village of Wilcox. This school became my home for the next five years where I played hockey, football, and rugby, then eventually graduated high school in 2009, which was followed by a season of junior hockey in northwestern Ontario. It was in the fall of 2010 when I enrolled in first-year classes at the University of Regina. Shortly after I completed my degree, I moved to Saskatoon where I have lived for the past 6 years.

Why did you choose geoscience and what is your area of specialty?

While I was originally in the College of Engineering at U of R, it wasn’t until my second year that I took a petroleum geology class taught by Dr. Stephen Bend. It was so interesting, and I realized that I could make a career as a geoscientist. Fast forward to 2023, I have primarily worked in hard rock exploration and mining in various commodities and provinces/territories doing a range of jobs. However, the past 6 years have largely been spent working on kimberlite deposits in different developmental stages and locations, drilling and modelling ore resources.

Where and when did you study geoscience/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I attended the U of R from 2010 until 2016, where I completed a B.Sc. in Geology as well as a Diploma in Business Administration, all while playing on the U of R Cougars rugby team. The geology program there, although a relatively small department, was of high quality and provided a respectable environment to both learn and network with classmates. It was time well spent and as a result, I made many friends that I keep in touch with to this day.

What jobs/roles have you held as a geoscientist?

Despite having many different part-time jobs during university and a stable summer job at the Co-op Refinery from 2010-2016, it wasn’t until the summer of 2016 that I began my first actual geology job with the Saskatchewan Geological Survey. I spent that summer prospecting and mapping the eastern side of Brabant Lake and Lavender Lake.

In January 2017, I had my first exposure to diamond drilling, where I was core logging for a Uranium drill program in northern Saskatchewan for Rio Tinto Exploration (RTX). The following summer I worked as an Exploration Geologist at Seabee Gold Mine where I got to experience my first helicopter-assisted prospecting and mapping campaign. Later that year, after a forest fire burnt our exploration camp, I was applying for jobs again.

As luck would have it, RTX was hiring for their newly optioned Fort à la Corne project. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to work on a project so close to where I grew up, hearing rumours of diamonds in Saskatchewan. This project was exciting but also brought a variety of operational and technical challenges, as the new Bauer Trench Cutter was imported from Germany to bulk sample the Star Kimberlite by drilling holes 3.2 x 1.5 meters wide and up to 250m in depth.

In 2020, I would continue working with Kimberlites as I found myself flying up to the Northwest Territories to start working at the Diavik Diamond Mine. Diavik has been a rewarding experience and has had the most significant impact on my career as a geologist. I started out as an Open Pit Geologist in the A21 Pit and currently am the Underground Mine Geologist for the A154N, A154S and A21 kimberlite pipes. So far, a highlight has been the completion of the A21 Pit and the current development of the A21 underground mine where large amounts of the resource and structural work I have completed in the pit and underground has been used to design and develop the A21 underground mine.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

The thing that I have appreciated the most is the opportunities that seem to arise when you least expect them. I have been fortunate to have valuable supervisors and mentors along the way that have always offered opportunities for further career development and as a result, I have been able to have a range of unique work experiences.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

The mentors I have had so far with RTX were Tom Elash and Gus Fomradas, and at Diavik, my mentors have been Roger Young and Kari Pollock. All of them have given me many opportunities to develop and learn as a geologist to advance my career. Be willing to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, friends and family, going camping, hunting, and playing rec hockey and golf. I also enjoy fixing up older vehicles with my dad and prospecting in northern Saskatchewan.

I grew up in Humboldt, SK, and obtained my engineering degree from the University of Saskatchewan. I graduated in 1994 from Civil Engineering and then continued to do a Master’s program in Singapore at Nanyang Technological University on the topic of slope stability of unsaturated soils.

I chose engineering as my career because, like many of us, I liked to take things apart and see how they worked. I was heading down the road of electrical engineering until my first-year electricity class, which made me rethink my choices, and thankfully steered me toward civil engineering. I specialized in geotechnical engineering because, at the time I was studying, the U of S was in its prime with renowned geotechnical professors (Sauer, Wilson, Barbour, Fredlund) doing high-end geotechnical research at that time.

When I graduated, Wayne Clifton was our keynote speaker at our grad supper, and that evening was when I decided that consulting engineering was where I wanted to take my career. After completing my Master’s research in Singapore, I returned home to Saskatchewan and started working for Clifton (1999). My career has been with Clifton since that time. My positions have grown from a junior geotechnical engineer drilling and instrumenting various sites in Western Canada to Vice President of Operations, the current position I hold at Clifton.

I have been very fortunate and really appreciate the wide variety of projects I have had the opportunity to be a part of. Highlights have included the Big Dig (Wascana), Fishing Lake Floods, Belle Plaine Spur, and Regina Bypass. I had been naïve at the start of my career thinking that all the big projects and cool things had already been built and that there would be no more big projects to be a part of in Saskatchewan, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The opportunities here at home have been fantastic.

Wayne Clifton has been the biggest inspiration throughout my career. One shiny nugget of wisdom he taught me through many of the major projects we have worked together on, is that we can design for most of the technical challenges on a project, but the bigger challenge we need to always spend time on is the clients and people. People are a very important part of every project, and it is the relationships we have with our clients and staff that require a significant amount of attention.

As a newly elected member of APEGS’ Council, I look forward to being able to give back and volunteer my service to the association that regulates our profession since it has allowed me to be who I am and work where I do. The self-regulation of our profession is not something we should take for granted, and I hope to be able to contribute to the ongoing improvements within our association, to reinforce the self-regulation of this profession for many more generations to come.

On a personal side, I live with my wife and four children in Regina. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family outdoors, going on bike rides, travelling to airshows, and going camping. My spare time is also spent as a member of the Canadian Progress Club – Regina Centre, a community-building association founded by local businesspeople, where we host local fun events to raise funds for local children’s charities.

The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS), the regulator of engineering and geoscience in Saskatchewan, has suspended Scott O. Gullacher, P.Eng., for 18 months, with three years of supervision thereafter.

As outlined in the final order that APEGS’ hearing panel provided to Gullacher on July 12, 2023, Gullacher’s registration to practice engineering in Saskatchewan is suspended for 18 months commencing June 8, 2022, at which time he was first ordered not to practice professional engineering. Following the 18-month suspension period, all engineering work performed by Gullacher is subject to direct supervision for three years, and Gullacher is not permitted to practice professional engineering with respect to bridges and bridge projects for five years. During the period of direct supervision, Gullacher must successfully complete five hours of verifiable ethics training each year. Gullacher is required to pay the maximum fine of $15,000 and pay $32,000 toward APEGS’ investigation costs.

Gullacher was found guilty on three counts of professional misconduct by a panel of the APEGS discipline committee as outlined in its written decision sent to Gullacher on January 24, 2023. The three counts of professional misconduct relate to the RM of Clayton’s Dyck Memorial Bridge, and five municipal bridges, one located in each of the RMs of Scott, Caledonia and Mervin and two located in the RM of Purdue.

On September 14, 2018, the Dyck Memorial Bridge collapsed. Gullacher was found to have not practiced in a careful and diligent manner by not employing a site-specific geotechnical analysis and by not providing adequate engineering designs for the helical pile foundations. The designs prepared by Gullacher for the five municipal bridges lacked relevant design information, including inaccurate representation of bridge designs, numerous Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code deficiencies, lack of critical detail on plans for welding details, among other deficiencies. This resulted in five superstructure designs which were inadequate to carry the minimum loads required by the code.

The panel’s decision and interim order as well as the final order can be found on the APEGS website under Complaints and Enforcement, Discipline Hearings & Notices.

APEGS establishes and upholds standards of professional practice and ethical conduct for the professions of engineering and geoscience in Saskatchewan. APEGS can determine that, if an engineer or geoscientist has breached the professions’ standards, it can act through a comprehensive investigation and discipline process to ensure public safety.

For media inquiries, contact:

Sheena August, Director of Communications and Public Relations
saugust@apegs.ca
(306) 540-3914

If you are determined to strengthen your career depth and breadth, consider gaining rich and valuable experience in the regulation of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Province of Saskatchewan.

Implementation of a future-focused business transformation strategy is underway at APEGS. Part of the transformation includes a new organizational design intended to create capacity and further develop capabilities across all functions and job levels of the Association. We are excited to seek candidates for the position of Admissions Engineer or Admissions Geoscientist as we continue to fulfill our mandate of protecting the public through regulation of the Engineering and Geoscience professions in Saskatchewan:

As an Admissions Engineer/Geoscientist, you will play a critical role in ensuring that public interests are met by confirming that engineers and geoscientists applying to be registered and licensed to practice in Saskatchewan meet the academic and experience qualifications required of a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.).

• The role will rely on the provincial legislation that governs the professions of Engineering and Geoscience in Saskatchewan, together with APEGS Registration Policies and the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness, to analyze, evaluate, and formulate recommendations relative to the qualifications of applicants.
• The Admissions Engineer/Geoscientist, Registration, provides subject matter expertise gained from a minimum of five years (preferably 6 to 10 years) post-licensure as a practicing Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.).
• A varied and diverse experience across various roles, functions or fields of engineering or geoscience will be considered a valued asset for this role.
• If the opportunity to apply your diverse professional experience towards admission of qualified engineers and geoscientists into the profession resonates with you, and you are known for your keen ability to interpret, analyze, assess, evaluate, and formulate prudent recommendations, we’d like to hear from you.

See the link below for a complete description of the position, the minimum qualifications, and desired competencies.

APEGS – Admissions Engineer-Admissions Geoscientist

To Apply:

You will be joining a dedicated team that is navigating through an exciting era of business transformation within a self-regulatory framework. APEGS employees work onsite at the APEGS office in Regina. Given the nature of this role, ability for a hybrid arrangement may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In addition to an office location surrounded by too many amenities to name, APEGS offers employees a competitive salary and total rewards program which includes: Employer-paid benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick leave, an employee family assistance program, continuous learning and development opportunities, and financial support for pursuing further education or credentials. We also foster fun and comradery, including initiatives organized through our staff-led Social Committee.

Please submit a cover letter outlining how your combined experience, education and talents align with the position, together with your resume to:  hr@Apegs.ca by 5:00pm (CST) August 31, 2023.

APEGS is committed to supporting accessibility and diversity. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the recruitment and selection process. If you are selected by APEGS as a candidate for the position, please make your requirements known at the time we contact you.

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?

I was born in the city of Jhang in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. My dad came to Canada as a refugee when I was two. My mother, younger brother, and I rejoined my dad when we immigrated to Surrey, British Columbia when I was four. I attended several elementary schools and Enver Creek High School from grades 8-9 while we were in Surrey. When I was 16 our family moved to Warman, Saskatchewan where I finished high school and grew an interest in development (watching all of the residential development in the booming town around me), ultimately leading me to my career as a civil engineering consultant. I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, College of Engineering with a degree in Civil Engineering.

Why did you choose engineering and what is your area of specialty?

My family moved to Warman, Saskatchewan in 2006, just as the province entered an economic boom. At the time, Warman was the fastest-growing municipality in all of Canada. This meant there was an incredible amount of residential and municipal construction all around me. As a teenager with a newly printed license, I spent countless hours exploring the new development areas around town. After grade 12, this led to my interest in pursuing an engineering degree. I am a civil engineer with a scope of practice focused on municipal infrastructure, project engineering and project management for multi-disciplinary water and wastewater treatment projects.

Where and when did you study engineering/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I studied engineering at the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan from 2009-2013. University was a grind, but looking back, it was a time that allowed me to learn a lot about myself while also building the discipline and work ethic that continues to serve me in my career to date.

What jobs/roles have you held as an engineer?

My first exposure to the engineering professional world was as a summer student at Associated Engineering in the summers of 2011 and 2012, after my second and third years of engineering. In these summers, I gained valuable surveying, contract administration, and resident engineering experience. Following convocation in 2013, I joined Associated Engineering full-time as an engineer-in-training in our Infrastructure Division in the Saskatoon office. In the last 10 years, I’ve served in various roles ranging from a resident engineering inspector, project coordinator, project engineer, project manager, and the acting manager of Associated’s Fort McMurray office from August 2020 to March 2021. In 2019, I transferred from our Infrastructure Division to Associated’s Water Division within the Saskatoon office. This transfer allows me to use my soft skills to work with large teams of multi-discipline engineers to deliver water and wastewater projects in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia for municipal and industrial clients.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

Easily the most unexpected but most pleasant surprise about my career has been the opportunity to travel all across our province. I’ve had opportunities to spend extended periods in almost all corners of our vast province. This life experience has been invaluable in shaping me and helping me grow my communication skillset while gaining a firsthand view of the life of these beautiful communities.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

Greg Walker is a professional engineer and the group manager for Associated’s Alternate Delivery group in our Edmonton office. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Greg from 2017-2020 on an Alternate Delivery project for a confidential industrial client. Somehow, Greg saw some potential in me and found a way to nurture more out of me by giving me more responsibility and freedom, while simultaneously never letting me feel “alone”. He also took his tutelage beyond the direct project work and was perhaps the first person to openly ask me what my career aspirations were. I didn’t grow up with any professionals in my family and this was a thought that was unfamiliar to me but something that allowed me to take more control of the direction of my career once I had processed it. Aside from helping me learn to steer my career in the direction I want, he taught me to give back to peers and engineers younger than myself. This was something Greg practiced himself and is a lesson that I keep close to me every day as I work with more and more people younger than me.

Why did you decide to run for council?

After a push from a dear friend and mentor, I decided to run for council as an opportunity to get more involved within the professional engineering industry while also allowing me to fulfil my desire for community service. I wanted an opportunity to serve in the regulation of our profession by offering my skillset and perspective as a councillor, while also enhancing my knowledge and awareness of the regulation of our profession, here at home in Saskatchewan, and nationally.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

I am a husband to my amazing wife, Alia, and dad to our four-year-old daughter, Shaista and I try to spend as much of my free time with these two going for walks and travelling. I also spend a significant amount of time volunteering with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at of Saskatoon in various capacities such as a youth leader and external affairs assistant.

Implementation of a future-focused business transformation strategy is underway at APEGS. Part of the transformation includes a new organizational design intended to create capacity and further develop capabilities across all functions and job levels of the association. We are excited to introduce and seek candidates for new manager-level positions that will move us forward in our continued journey of protecting the public through regulation of the Engineering and Geoscience professions in Saskatchewan.

Join our Governance & Strategy department, aimed at building and implementing programs and practices that will further strengthen our self-regulatory governance framework. You will be interested in the position of Manager, Governance if:

• You have experience developing policy and operating practices in alignment with legislation, by-laws, and regulatory best practice.
• You are skilled at researching and developing innovative solutions based on thought leadership and best practice, scaled to the nature, size and complexity of an organization.
• In consultation with diverse internal and external stakeholders, you thrive on managing transition when implementing and operationalizing new or enhanced governance practices, strategic planning processes, and corporate performance management systems.
• You gain a sense of achievement from managing corporate-wide functions that support all areas of the organization.
• You enjoy working with and facilitating sessions for elected officials, volunteers, internal teams with diverse knowledge and expertise, as well as external third parties and service providers.

See the link below for a complete description of the position, the minimum qualifications, and desired competencies.

Manager, Governance

If you are determined to strengthen your career depth and breadth, consider gaining rich and valuable experience in the regulation of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Province of Saskatchewan.

You will be joining a dedicated team of 25 (and growing!) who are navigating through an exciting era of business transformation within a self-regulatory framework. APEGS employees work onsite at the APEGS office in Regina, with opportunities to work remotely or flex hours when needed to support work-life balance. In addition to an office location surrounded by too many amenities to name, APEGS offers employees a competitive salary and total rewards program which includes: Employer-paid benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick leave, an employee family assistance program, continuous learning and development opportunities, and financial support for pursuing further education or credentials. We also encourage fun and comradery with initiatives organized through our Social Committee.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter outlining how your combined experience, education and talents align with the position, together with your resume to:  hr@Apegs.ca by 5:00pm (CST) August 18, 2023

APEGS is committed to supporting accessibility and diversity. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the recruitment and selection process. If you are selected by APEGS as a candidate for the position, please make your requirements known at the time we contact you.

Implementation of a future-focused business transformation strategy is underway at APEGS. Part of the transformation includes a new organizational design intended to create capacity and further develop capabilities across all functions and job levels of the association. We are excited to introduce and seek candidates for new manager-level positions that will move us forward in our continued journey of protecting the public through regulation of the Engineering and Geoscience professions in Saskatchewan.

Join our Professional Standards department, aimed at managing core functions of regulating both individual professionals and also corporate registrants. This position will be part of the Professional Standards management team, responsible for ensuring programs and processes are in place to effectively manage complaint processes, investigative processes, and enforcement strategies, all within the mandate of protecting the public. You will be interested in the position of Manager, Investigation and Enforcement if:

• You have experience in a legal or investigative setting, coupled with program or process management experience.
• You are known for your strong ability to apply responsible judgment and discretion, together with unquestionable trustworthiness in maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive material.
• You demonstrate strong analytical, problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Your experience includes a proven ability to collaborate with external stakeholders such as third party service providers, legal advisors, or law enforcement.
• You gain a sense of achievement from not only developing and carrying out ethical, fair and effective processes, but also in educating others about them. We want our close to 16,000 members and the public to understand and have confidence in the complaint processes, investigation processes, and enforcement strategies in place at APEGS.

See the link below for a complete description of the position, the minimum qualifications, and desired competencies.

Manager, Investigation and Enforcement

If you are determined to strengthen your career depth and breadth, consider gaining rich and valuable experience in the regulation of Engineers and Geoscientists in the Province of Saskatchewan.

You will be joining a dedicated team of 25 (and growing!) who are navigating through an exciting era of business transformation within a self-regulatory framework. APEGS employees work onsite at the APEGS office in Regina, with opportunities to work remotely or flex hours when needed to support work-life balance. In addition to an office location surrounded by too many amenities to name, APEGS offers employees a competitive salary and total rewards program which includes: Employer-paid benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick leave, an employee family assistance program, continuous learning and development opportunities, and financial support for pursuing further education or credentials. We also encourage fun and comradery with initiatives organized through our Social Committee.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter outlining how your combined experience, education and talents align with the position, together with your resume to:  hr@Apegs.ca by 5:00pm (CST) August 18, 2023

APEGS is committed to supporting accessibility and diversity. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the recruitment and selection process. If you are selected by APEGS as a candidate for the position, please make your requirements known at the time we contact you.

We are thrilled to introduce the new President of APEGS, Greg Vogelsang, P.Eng., P.Geo., FEC, FGC! Greg is an accomplished professional with an impressive track record in environmental geoscience spanning over 35 years. He is a graduate of the University of Regina and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and has been a member of APEGS since 1992.

Greg brings his extensive leadership experience to the president role, having served as the APEGS Geoscience South Councillor for two terms and later as the APEGS representative on the Geoscientists Canada Board of Directors. He was elected Vice-President of Geoscientists Canada in 2014 and was then elected President in 2015, where he initiated and led a comprehensive review of the organization’s strategic plan. He has also contributed his expertise to various APEGS committees and was elected Vice-President in 2021.

“It’s my sincere honour and privilege to serve as the President of APEGS for the next year. When I look back on all of the past presidents, it’s definitely a list of well-known names who have had a tremendous impact on the engineering and geoscience professions. So, it’s also humbling when I look at it from that perspective. The APEGS council and staff have extensive experience, so I look forward to working with everyone to meet our goals for the year.”

Please join us in welcoming Greg Vogelsang as our new President!

APEGS members elected the following new council members to serve for the noted terms, and they were inducted at the 2023 annual meeting on May 6, 2023:

President (1-year term, elected by acclamation)
Greg Vogelsang, P.Eng., P.Geo., FEC, FGC

President-Elect (1-year term, elected by acclamation)
Erin Moss Tressel, P.Eng., P.Geo., FEC, FGC

Elected Vice-President (1-year term)
Ian Farthing, P.Eng.

Elected Councillors (3-year terms)
Rahim Ahmad, P.Eng.
Jason Gasmo, P.Eng.

APEGS engaged Insightrix Research Inc., an independent third-party research firm, to conduct the 2023 council elections. Insightrix issued ballots on March 13, 2023 and polling day was on April 11, 2023.

The Executive Director and Registrar reported that the total number of votes cast was 1,627 (1,612 electronic, 15 mail) being 10.83% of the 15,021 total ballots sent out. There was one spoiled ballot.

Below is the complete list of council members for 2023/2024: 

Following an extensive review by a task group on APEGS’ long-standing relationship with five engineering and geoscience societies*, the APEGS council approved a policy in March that changes the way APEGS funds the societies effective January 1, 2024.

Recognizing that the five societies are distinct legal entities that determine their own priorities, historically APEGS provided them with funding with relatively few restrictions on how the funds were used. In keeping with the new policy, APEGS will now only fund activities that ensure, promote, and improve the proficiency and competency of members and for activities that foster the practice of the professions by the members in the public interest, like professional development and professional networking.

In addition, any non-profit professional society or organization with a focus of providing opportunities for engineering and geoscience professionals may apply for funding, like regional, technical, and learned societies. This will facilitate more access to professional development and professional networking activities for APEGS members.

Organizations can apply to APEGS to fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of activities planned for the upcoming year. More information and a form to apply for funding for 2024 will be available at apegs.ca this fall.

*CIM Saskatoon Geosection, Moose Jaw Engineering Society, Regina Engineering Society, Saskatchewan Geological Society, Saskatoon Engineering Society

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?

I was born in Spiritwood, SK, which is in Northwest Saskatchewan. I grew up on a cattle and grain farm as the eldest of 4 children and attended elementary and high school in Spiritwood. I graduated high school in 1993, then moved to Saskatoon and attended engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. After I graduated in 1999, I started my own company, worked for several years, and then met my wife whom I married in 2005. Today we have 3 children. We lived in Saskatoon for many years then accepted an adventure to live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where we have been since 2021. We decided recently to return to live in Regina to be closer to family and I will be commuting to Sioux Falls for work.

Why did you choose engineering and what is your area of specialty?

My degree is in Agricultural and Bioresource Engineering and in general, my specialty has been focused on farm machinery design as well as bioenergy systems. Today, most of my engineering time is spent on advanced automation and autonomous farm equipment.

Where and when did you study engineering/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I studied from 1993 to 1999 at the U of S, spent one year on a work term in Germany (1994-95), and had one year of internship (1997-1998). I have been blessed with an incredible set of experiences, including working all over the world in a variety of roles.

What jobs/roles have you held as an engineer?

Most of my time has been spent in leadership roles, as President & CEO, but I’ve also stayed quite close to invention and design areas and hold several patents in farm machinery. In my current role as a sales executive, I am part of a very large company, something that I had not experienced before. Raven, which is now part of CNH Industrial, is a multinational company with tens of thousands of employees, is publicly traded and works in many segments of agriculture. My team consists mostly of engineers and agronomists and we work closely with farm machinery manufacturers to supply them with technology to automate farm equipment and offer precision agriculture technology solutions to farmers.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

I am most grateful to always have amazing mentors and teachers throughout my career. I thoroughly enjoy lifelong learning and am curious to a fault. I think that every career experience has always exposed me to some amazing adventures.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

I have had some amazing mentors in my career. Too many to mention, but one person who had a great impact on my life was George Spark, a fellow engineer who made a great impact on my life. Bob McDonald, who retired from APEGS recently, was also a great influence on my career. I also greatly valued the mentorship of Ernie Barber, who was department head when I graduated but went on to be Dean of Engineering and the Dean of Agriculture.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy many hobbies and interests. My wife and I own our farm near Spiritwood, where we have a nice home we built. I do really love farming, where I have been growing grain crops for the last 10 years. We also enjoy travelling and I am an active snowboarding and snow-mobile enthusiast.

Anything else you want to say?

I have always valued my relationship with APEGS and really appreciate their interest in my story.

Registration is open from March 15 to April 28 for in-person or virtual attendance. Go to the link below for information and to register.

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)

I was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and immigrated to Saskatoon at the age of four with my parents and brother. I attended Bedford Road Collegiate high school and the University of Saskatchewan. I’m currently living in Saskatoon with my family.

Why did you choose geoscience and what is your area of specialty?

I was always that child who had pockets full of rocks after playing in the park. As I got older, my love for the outdoors grew, and while my pockets weren’t as full, my interest in the planet was still present. In my first year of university, I took a variety of classes to try and gauge my interests and the types of careers that may be applicable. First-year geology was one of many classes I took and it quickly became my favourite. After exploring the plethora of degrees offered at the university, the decision, in the end, was an easy one – I’d chosen to pursue geology.

Where and when did you study geoscience/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I obtained my four-year Bachelor of Science Geology degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2014. Studying a fascinating subject with like-minded individuals made for an enjoyable few years. We related to one another’s interests, struggles, and experiences, which created lifelong friendships.

What jobs/roles have you held as a geoscientist?

Between my second and third years, I was a summer student with the Saskatchewan Geological Survey and spent weeks hiking in the bush and sleeping in tents. Although challenging in its own way, it was one of the best summers I’ve had. After graduating, I worked as a uranium exploration geologist on projects across northern Saskatchewan and Nunavut. The role primarily consisted of core logging in remote areas during winter and summer months typically on a three-week-in, one-week-out rotation. Presently, I’m a Senior Geologist based out of Saskatoon. Some aspects of my office-based role include drill program planning and coordination with the site-based team, data interpretation and modelling, and database management.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

My career has taken me to parts of the world some people only dream of visiting. I’ve met incredible people and have shared stories and experiences that I will cherish until the end of my days. From fishing in Nunavut with local experts to watching the aurora borealis dance across the night sky in northern Saskatchewan, my career has provided opportunities well beyond geoscience.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

As a new geologist, one of my supervisors provided a small piece of advice that ended up being more impactful than I initially thought. This field may not always be easy, so decide what you like and run with it because, at the end of the day, your interests should be a driver of what you want out of life. Her words kept me going in challenging moments. Currently, I’m in the type of environment that allows geoscientists of varying experiences to thrive. The collaborative nature of our team is something that new scientists should strive to be part of and experienced scientists should create. Growth occurs when one is given the opportunity to share ideas and be part of meaningful work, and I feel privileged to have found that in my career.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places with a camera in my hand.

What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?

I grew up in Winnipeg and attended the University of Winnipeg and then the University of Guelph for Engineering. My wife and I have three children, with spouses. Two families live in Saskatchewan and the third is in Newfoundland. We are blessed with five grandchildren.

Why did you choose engineering and what is your area of specialty?

Growing up in Winnipeg, we lived right beside Sturgeon Creek. I was fascinated by the flooding of the creek during the 1970s and the water management of Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario. This interest eventually led to going into Water Resource Engineering.

Where and when did you study engineering/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?

I graduated from the University of Guelph in 1984. Going to a smaller engineering school allowed me to develop solid friendships and a network stretching across North America. We had diversity in my year, both in terms of gender and ethnicity. Our professors encouraged group interactions and teamwork within that diverse class. I really appreciated this, especially later in my career.

What jobs/roles have you held as an engineer?

In my first permanent job with Ontario Hydro, I worked in water management, reservoir operations (20+ reservoirs), and hydraulic power generation. I came to Saskatchewan in 1990 to work as a hydrologist with Saskatchewan Water Corporation. I have worked in a number of roles since that time with Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and the Water Security Agency. I have moved gradually away from hydrology and engineering to management roles supervising engineers and technologists, all within water resource management. It is rare in this day and age to grow and continue to develop with one organization for as long as I have.

What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?

I have really appreciated some of the challenges that have been part of my career, like managing the 2005 flood events in Saskatchewan, helping to develop and then manage the 2011 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program, and being part of a provincial team negotiating a specific claim dealing with water control structures. More recently, I have appreciated working with new staff on their projects, mentoring, and encouraging them to find solutions. Building relationships is an important part of water resource management.

Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?

I have been fortunate to work with many outstanding people. My first director at Ontario Hydro taught me to invest time in building relationships with staff because, outside of family, they are the most important people in my life. Alex Banga, my first manager in Saskatchewan, encouraged me to continue to grow in my career and also to value family. Two other colleagues, Bart Oegema and Ron Woodvine, have been part of my go-to network when I have needed help with water resources. I appreciated their knowledge but more than that, their passion for water resource engineering.

What does receiving the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service mean to you?

The nomination for the Premier’s Award comes from one’s own ministry or agency, but the nomination is evaluated against other nominations from other ministries/agencies. I am grateful for that nomination from the people that I work with and the management I support. I was also deeply humbled to have been nominated. I found it hard to be singled out for the work I do when I am surrounded by individuals and teams who every day complete difficult projects and complex tasks at high levels of performance and service for Saskatchewan citizens.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

Over the years, I have coached lacrosse, hockey and soccer. As my grandchildren get older, I hope to help with their teams. I enjoy sailing, skiing, hockey, and carpentry.

The APEGS Awards highlight Saskatchewan engineers and geoscientists for their contributions to the public and the professions. They showcase and recognize professional excellence and exemplary competence and conduct. This helps to foster professional excellence among members and raise awareness of the role of APEGS in protecting the public.

Five engineering and geoscience awards are being presented, as well as an award for a non-engineer/geoscientist (or team) that recognizes projects or achievements in the professions*. The awards are being presented at a banquet on March 2 as part of Engineering and Geoscience Week. Click here for more information about the banquet and to register.

The 2023 award recipients and their respective categories are listed below:

Outstanding Achievement Award – Wayne Timm, P.Eng.
Honours members who show technical excellence and achievement in engineering and/or geoscience in Saskatchewan.

McCannel Award – Shahid Azam, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Honours service to APEGS, and to the Professions as a whole.

Exceptional Engineering/Geoscience Project Award – Mosaic K1/K2 Shaft Decommissioning Project
Recognizes accomplishments in engineering and/or geoscience.

Environmental Excellence Award – Saskatchewan Research Council – Project CLEANS
Recognizes the exceptional achievements by an individual or team related to environmental protection and preservation.

Promising Member Award – Rahim Ahmad, P.Eng.
Recognizes exceptional achievements by a professional member in the early stages of his/her career in Saskatchewan.

Friend of the Professions Award – Doug Wakabayashi
Recognizes exceptional achievements or unique contributions by a non-member in the promotion of the professions.

*There is no recipient this year for the Brian Eckel Distinguished Service Award.

Early Life and Education

I primarily grew up in Melville, Saskatchewan with two sisters. I am married and have a daughter who is also married with two daughters of her own. I became a grandma in my early forties which has been an incredible experience as I have the energy to spend quality time and be present with my granddaughters.

Engineering wasn’t really something I thought about in high school. It was a few years after high school that I decided to pursue my engineering degree. I chose it based on the classes I liked and haven’t looked back ever since. My specialty is water and wastewater supply and treatment.

I went to the University of Regina for Regional Environmental Systems Engineering from 1991-1996. My daughter was only six months old when I started, and I took a full load of classes and labs. It was incredibly hard, but I did it! I had a lot of support from my husband, family, and even the professors at the university when I needed it.

Career

I moved to Fort McMurray in 2010 to join EPCOR Utilities and have been very fortunate to stay with the company and move back to Saskatchewan with the Public Private Partnership project construction and operations of the City of Regina’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. I am currently responsible for water and wastewater operations in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and projects in Southern Alberta.

I have held many roles throughout my career. Before my work with EPCOR Utilities over the last 12 years, I was in technical sales and several management roles in the positions of senior engineer at SaskWater, project manager at a consulting firm, and acting director of Roadway Operations at the City of Regina.

“I wanted to try it all, and I think I have! I have been a people manager for about 15 years now and it has helped me grow as a person. The opportunities that I have had involved taking some risks, networking, and not being afraid to try new things. I value the many experiences I’ve had over the years.”

I have had many mentors over. I had one manager in particular, Stella Madsen, during my Co-op work terms at Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation that made a significant impact on my career. She broke through many barriers as a female engineer, and she gave me opportunities, strength, and encouragement to grow into whom I’ve become. Years after my student days, she was instrumental in my work at the City of Regina, which was the start of my management career path.

Interests

I like to spend time with family and friends, and I like to travel when possible. I enjoy dragon boating and have been involved with that sport for many years.

I am extremely honoured to be the President of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) for a year-long term. I have been on the Board of Directors for CWWA representing the Western Canada Water Association since 2017, and I feel like I am making a difference. Water and wastewater are important to work with, and I am grateful that I have a chance to contribute at a higher level. I intend to bring a smaller city perspective to the organization this year.

I encourage those just starting in their careers to volunteer. It not only helps the organizations you’re attached to but also builds your network, and your skills and can lead to opportunities you would not otherwise be exposed to.

The Continuing Professional Development Program requires APEGS members to complete ongoing professional development activities to maintain and improve their competence. To assist members in meeting their professional development goals, APEGS is offering the following online opportunities this spring:

How to Explain Technical Topics to Nontechnical Readers

Presentation date: March 7, 2023
Presentation time: 8:30 am – 11:00 am (CST)

Click here for more information and to register.

The Art and Science of Effective Delegation a.k.a “How Do We Get Things Done Through Others”

Presentation date: March 8, 2023
Presentation time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (CST)

Click here for more information and to register.

21st Century Energy Transition – The Global Challenge of Our Time

Presentation date: March 16, 2023
Presentation time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (CST)

Click here for more information and to register.

Nurturing Motivating Environments a.k.a “Understanding the Issues With Power and Motivation and the Choices a Manger Can Make to Influence the Behaviour of Others”

Presentation date: March 22, 2023
Presentation time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (CST)

Click here for more information and to register.

Time Talks and Space Speaks

Presentation date: March 29, 2023
Presentation time: 8:30 am – 11:30 am (CST)

Click here for more information and to register.

APEGS is committed to doing our part in making the society we live in a better place. We do this by ensuring engineers and geoscientists continue to be trusted professionals who contribute to public wellbeing and economic prosperity.

In 2021, APEGS released a strategic plan for the first time. Recognizing that the environment around us is rapidly changing, we took steps to pivot slightly and refresh the strategic plan for 2023-2025. Our focus as a regulator is a commitment to continuous improvements in our registration processes, member competence and compliance with the act, prohibition efforts for unlicensed practice of the professions, and in other areas of regulation.

The strategic plan also provides a new vision, mission and values. This sets the stage for APEGS and upholds our commitment to shape our future as a progressive regulator by evolving our operations in a way that builds public confidence in all we do. It is not only about what we do, but how we deliver on our purpose—ensuring Saskatchewan remains strong during a time of significant change.

Vision

APEGS is a leader in providing progressive regulation that unites the needs of the public with the practice of its members towards the betterment of society and sustainable professions.

Mission

APEGS regulates the professions of engineering and geoscience in the public interest. APEGS is responsible for registration and compliance, member competence, regulation, and developing professional practice.

Values

Three-Year Goals 2023-2025