Places I Would Work - Naikun Wind Energy Group
Friday, March 20th, 2009.
Here begins a new weekly series designed to highlight places in the city that I’d consider ‘hanging my hat’. As recruiters, we get to see the inside of a lot of companies (albeit sometimes limited) and periodically you stumble upon a company/organization that stands apart as a potentially great place to work.
This week I’d like to feature NaiKun Wind Energy Group
About NaiKun:
NaiKun is focused on developing Canada’s first offshore wind energy project off the northwest coast of British Columbia. NaiKun’s project is in response to the government’s BC Energy Plan, which sets a target of electricity self-sufficiency by 2016.
Why would I work at NaiKun?
1. The Alternative Power Industry is ‘Hotting Up’
The alternative energy industry is on the rise and is a very interesting an interesting place to be right now. There is lots of growth in the sector, and there’s a great deal happening on the public policy front.
2. The NaiKun Leadership Team is ‘Brawny’
The leadership team is solid, with proven track records and a wealth of experience – this ensures the viability of the project. Have a look through their roster – I am sure you will recognize a name or two. Company leaders have held senior leadership roles at ICBC, BC Transit, BC Hydro, Vancouver Airport Authority, Duke Energy, The BC Energy Council and Terasen.
3. Beyond “Green Power” to Sustainability
Offshore wind energy projects have the least impact on the environment. Beyond “green power” The NaiKun Wind project offers local benefits to the Haida people and Haida Gwaii including jobs, revenue, and a shared role in environmental stewardship for the project. The islands surrounding the project are the largest off the grid area in the province and they now burn diesel to generate electricity. The emissions from those generators are a real tragedy for such a pristine environment.
4. NaiKun Appears to ‘Have Collective Soul’
Amidst the hustle and bustle of pressing project deadlines they take time to honor their people. A good friend of mine served as a consultant to their team. Due to a very aggressive cancer this friend has become very ill and her time appears to be limited. The NaiKun team went far above and beyond what one would expect to assist this friend, her husband and young family in a time of need. That goes a long way with me.
So, based on what I know, Two Thumbs up for NaiKun.
Disclaimer: It may be that my criteria differs from yours, and to be true, I may be more guttural than the ‘average bear’ but nonetheless, I am officially ‘on the prowl’ to uncover some great places to work. On that note, if you feel you work for a great company I’d love to hear about it – peter [at] smartsavvy.ca (subject line: Places I Would Work).
