Sean Prosser: A varied career in the oil sands

October 2020 – Sean Prosser, a power engineer by trade and a Cenovus Energy employee for over eight years, is constantly amazed and energized by the varied aspects of his role at our Christina Lake operations.

“I’m currently the Acting Field Manager at our Christina Lake operations, which includes managing all aspects of safety, environmental performance, compliance, production, cost performance and staff well-being,” says Sean. “I work with so many different groups, and the opportunity to be involved in so many functions and meet so many people is the most rewarding part of my role.”

Sean and his family are currently based in B.C., and like many oil sands workers, he travels to site for his week-long shifts.

“At Cenovus, I have had the opportunity to develop my career as a power engineer and a site manager, and have been able to maintain my work-life balance,” explains Sean. “I am fortunate to be able to live where my family has put down roots and have the benefit of being 100 percent focused on my family and hobbies during my weeks off.”

In his free time, Sean started aviation training with his son five years ago and became a pilot of small fixed wing aircrafts. Since then, Sean has become a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight East Kootenay, transporting patients to medical appointments in cities that would otherwise only be accessed by lengthy car rides

“I enjoy flying and being a volunteer pilot,” says Sean. “It is a great way to give back to my community and help people who would otherwise struggle to travel to their medical appointments.”

While 2020 has been a challenging year for oil and gas, Sean is optimistic about the industry and hopes people will recognize Canadian oil and gas as one of the most globally responsible producers with high standards and regulations.

“The circumstances of this year really show the commitment and resilience of our people, operations and company, which I’m really proud to be a part of,” says Sean. “As an oil sands worker, I can tell you we have a wealth of knowledge, have very high standards and run a responsible operation. We are family people from across the country and are doing our best to responsibly produce Canadian oil, not only for the environment, but for our families and children.”