Douglas Hird, P.Eng.

What is your personal background?

I grew up in Regina’s north central neighbourhood, attending Kitchener School and Scott Collegiate. We learned that making-do was not only a necessity but could also be an art form.  My first car was a 1960 Pontiac that, owing to salvage parts, was labelled Strato Chief on the right front fender, Laurentian on the left front fender, and Parisienne on the trunk.

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

I was always good at objective subjects such as math and physics.  I loved my exposure to drafting in Grade 8 and I enrolled in every drafting class available as an option throughout high school (Thank you, Mr. Bergen). Also, my older brother graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in electrical engineering when I was still in high school, so I received some good career counselling from him.

My work term experience helped me realize that I was best suited to mechanical engineering, especially in heat transfer applications in the oil and gas industry.

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

I started at the University of Regina, not only because of the economics of living at home, but also because the co-op program would help me finance my education.  I quickly learned that the true value of the co-op program was the exposure to hard-working people in the industry and their knowledge gained from experience.  I later learned that a tertiary value of the co-op program was writing those dreaded technical work-term reports, which I credit to developing my skills in report-writing.

I transferred to the University of Saskatchewan for my third year.  My support group was (and still is) the tight-knit group of students with whom I had been in the co-op program.

What are some of the most rewarding or challenging roles you have held as an engineer?

My first job was for SaskPower, supervising construction projects for the Poplar River Power Station. Although it was a rewarding experience to work on this mega project, I realized that a mechanical engineer working for the electrical utility in Saskatchewan would spend too much time choking on coal dust, so I looked to find a way into the gas side of SaskPower.

My opening came when a new department, created to serve natural gas to rural Saskatchewan, posted an opportunity for a Project Scheduler.  I transitioned the position to Project Engineer and participated in the company’s standards development respecting its introduction to polyethylene gas piping, 60,000 kms of which were installed under this 10-year program.

My position as Marketing Engineer within SaskEnergy included the opportunity to mentor a dozen students who produced over two dozen industrial market intelligence reports. My primary focus, though, was to be SaskEnergy’s expert in natural gas vehicles (NGV). The best NGV marketing success stories in Saskatchewan have been ice resurfacers (such as Zamboni’s), many of which are still in service today.

My career culminated in the last 15 years as Senior Engineer, Gas Codes and Standards for SaskPower/TSASK.  I embraced my membership on multiple CSA committees responsible for national gas codes and their adoption in Saskatchewan, keeping pace with rapidly developing fuels and technologies.

Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about?

I have three, all now deceased. Gerry Mengering, P. Eng., was a gas distribution engineer with SaskPower and SaskEnergy. Gerry taught me to seek customer-focused design solutions, even though we were working for a crown utility having a monopoly market position. Gord Williams, P.Eng., a Chief Gas Inspector with SaskPower, taught me to seek industry-focused, collaborative solutions to code compliance, rather than force regulatory requirements on an uncooperative industry. Finally, Phil Holloway, P. Eng., taught me that it was time for me to give back to APEGS as his replacement on the Experience Review Committee, which I chaired during implementation of the on-line reporting system.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

(My wife) Bev and I have embraced photography as an activity that we can enjoy at a leisurely pace under the moniker “One of a Hird!”

The CSA Group, in selecting you for an Award of Merit, has recognized your “exceptional dedication, leadership, and outstanding commitment to the development of standards for fuels and transportation.” Can you tell us what this award means to you, personally and professionally?

Knowing the time and effort that goes into the CSA award nomination process, this award signifies to me that my colleagues and peers have truly valued my unbiased efforts in the interest of public safety.