The purpose of the Jobs to Grow interview series is to present the journey and dedication to the forest industry of people who started out working in production at Resolute Forest Products and who have now become managers. These managers are proof that the opportunities for growth are enormous in the forest products industry.
Dany Gagnon
CM: Can you tell us about your responsibilities as a maintenance supervisor?
DG: I manage the mechanical team. So, in addition to planning the required workforce and making the schedules, I have to manage the human resources behind it. I also have to make sure that I have the materials required to carry out maintenance work and to provide support when there are various maintenance or renewal projects for our equipment. Of course, I make sure that proper work methods are followed when doing mechanical work (hot work, work at heights, work in confined spaces, etc.) so that everyone is working safely and in the most efficient manner possible.
CM: Can you tell us about your career at Resolu, from production to your current position?
DG: I was a sawmill mechanic from 2003 to 2016. Then, in 2017, I became a mechanical planner for the Normandin sector before coming here to the Saint-Thomas sawmill. When I arrived here as a maintenance supervisor, I became a manager with a work team to manage. In fact, I only did a few months of production, I spent the rest of my time doing mechanical work; both as an hourly employee and as a salaried employee.
CM: Why did you choose to live in Lac-Saint-Jean?
DG: My father worked as a diesel mechanic in La Doré and as a dryer operator (fixed steam machinery) for Résolu, so I always heard good things about the field. It was obvious that I had an attraction for mechanics in the mills, so the mechanic position at Resolu was the perfect choice for me. Moreover, when I started my studies in 2001, there were many possible advancements in this field and it was a trade that was quite sought after, so I wanted to stay in Lac-Saint-Jean to continue working there and to take advantage of all that the forest has to offer. In fact, I really enjoy going to a logging area and seeing that it has already started to grow back, only six years after logging.
CM: What is your connection with the forest?
DG: For me, the forest is important and we must take care of it. We want the trees to regenerate, it's like a garden that is always being cultivated. My hobbies are in the forest; I fish, hunt, walk and ride my motorbike, I really enjoy going to the forest! I've had a cottage for six years and my family and I enjoy it a lot, so it's also important to preserve it.
CM: What would be the best advice to give to someone wanting to pursue a career in the forestry industry?
DG: The forestry field is full of opportunities, especially at Resolu, because you can start out as a labourer or mechanic and move up very quickly to supervisor or manager. There is so much room for advancement and openings in the industry and in the company, you can go into one area and end your career in a completely different area, while staying with the same company. The best advice is to keep an eye out for the doors that open up and not be afraid to seize the different opportunities that are available to you. You go in for one job, but one day there can, and probably will, be new opportunities, so you have to stay open to what the field will offer you.
Interview conducted by Charles Martel, intern at the Saint-Thomas sawmill of Résolu, as part of the Forest Products Association of Canada's Dream Internship program.
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