Doug Johnson, P.Eng.

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.