You could almost say that Martin Boisvert has electricity in his blood. After stints as an electrician and an operator at a hydroelectric power station, he currently works as an Operations Technician for Hydro-Québec. All that experience comes in handy when he's writing technical documents and providing technical support to operators of electrical power plants.


Electromechanical Technologists who specialize in electrodynamics must have an understanding of the mechanics of electricity. Wherever they work - in an automated manufacturing plant, a research lab, or a consulting engineering firm - they generally deal with electricity.

Martin, 29, has worked at Hydro-Québec's Hull facility for the past nine years. "My job involves providing technical support to the operators who control the electrical power plants, such as hydroelectric power stations or transformer plants. I teach them how the various systems work, what the limitations are, and the various network configurations, as well as the options open to them when the power goes out."

Martin prepares technical data sheets - basically, mini-manuals on how to handle each type of problem. "An industrial operations manual is a big thick book that contains detailed installation specifications for electricians or maintenance mechanics." Technical data sheets are specifically designed for operators, to help them solve electrical distribution problems quickly and efficiently.

Martin may also be required to prepare operating instructions for new equipment. For example, if Hydro-Québec decided to install a new battery-charging system to maintain the power supply, Martin would be expected to put together the relevant information, including the configuration of the control panel. The document might include start-up and shutdown procedures, an explanation of the various alarm signals, emergency procedures, and so on.