Renee Pope
Superintendent, Operational Business
Canadian Coast Guard
St. John's, NL
Why did Renee choose this career area?
Renee’s grandfather was an inshore fisherman, and her dad was a master mariner.
She grew up surrounded by nautical careers; and she knew about the excellent salaries,
lifestyles, and schedules. She was also drawn to the untraditional work for women
but not sure the career was the right choice for her.
What’s Renee’s educational background?
Renee decided to earn a degree in business at Memorial University, and she completed
the full co-op program. This gave her valuable computer and management experience.
After five years in university, Renee graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
She could have taken a job on the mainland, but she wanted to make a life in NL.
Renee decided to take the plunge and explore her marine career aspirations. She
and her brother enrolled in the Marine Institute’s Nautical Science program at the
same time and completed the program together.
Renee did her work terms with Canadian Coast Guard, Maersk, and Provincial Ferries,
gaining excellent deck, engine room, and logistical experience.
Renee enjoyed the Nautical Science program and is very happy that she went back
to school. Since graduating, she has also completed a Bachelor of Maritime Studies
degree.
What’s Renee’s job all about?
Renee’s current job blends marine, operational, and financial responsibilities;
so it’s a perfect fit for her unique educational background.
She manages a team of eight employees who all work on the operational plan for Coast
Guard’s fleet of 17 vessels located within the NL region.
With a budget of more than $70 million, there are varied responsibilities. Duties
include managing fuel consumption, assessing program requirements, and meeting client
needs. The challenges are complex, but the work is rewarding.
What are Renee’s working conditions like?
These days, Renee works in a modern St. John’s office located only a 10-minute drive
from her home. She works a 37.5 hour work week, and she has flexibility with regard
to workday start and end times. The work environment is comfortable, supportive,
and professional.
What benefits are associated with Renee’s job?
Renee makes a very good salary. Just as importantly, her position offers the pension,
health, and generous employment benefits that come with a federal government job.
Having worked at sea earlier in her career, Renee is very appreciative of her current
job on shore. While she enjoyed her job at sea and loved the great time off that
came with working on a ship, the land-based job meets her current lifestyle needs.
As it happens, her husband also has a sea-going career and spends significant time
travelling and working on a vessel. Because of Renee’s land-based position, they
are now able to enjoy more time at home together. It works well for both of them.
What’s exciting or cool about Renee’s career area?
Working for a national employer affords Renee opportunities to do lots of training
and travelling. It also means collaborating with her Coast Guard colleagues from
all across Canada.
Renee has monthly travel to meetings, many of which happen in Ottawa. As part of
her job, she has also visited Coast Guard offices in just about every region of
the country.
What advice would Renee give to people considering a marine transportation career?
This is a male-dominated career, but Renee says things are changing quickly. She
suggests women considering a nautical career need to not let themselves be taken
advantage of. At the same time, they should not take themselves too seriously.
To work at sea, it’s critical to get along well with others. Since working on a
ship means colleagues also share living space, good relationships are very important.
As with any job, adaptability and hard work are keys to success.