Could you tell us about your role and what your job involves?
I am an engineer dedicated to the district heating service (CAD) at Romande Energie Services and develop technical concepts for heat production. My colleagues and I are involved in all stages of the project: identification of needs, development of the concept, setting up the organizational structure of the agents (internal and external mandates), investigation and application for building permits, but also execution of the works, reception and commissioning of the installations. I therefore touch on the technical, organizational and financial aspects. But my role goes beyond that, since we offer contracting for district heating, allowing our customers to access renewable energy without having to resort to a heavy investment. I may also be required to take on the role of team leader for a project, or even take the lead of companies created specifically for certain projects. For example, I recently took over the management of Morges Energies, illustrating our ability to partner with municipalities to develop ambitious district heating projects, providing both the technical expertise and the necessary financial support.
What do you like about your job and what motivates you to go to work in the morning?
The diversity and versatility on a daily basis are very motivating. I also appreciate the distribution between the field and the office, as well as my active involvement in the development of the team. We have the opportunity to participate in the development of the structure, by including adapted tools, a standardized framework and a professionalization of the function. Because it should be noted that our department has undergone a significant transformation in recent years: from two people in 2015, we have grown to seven in 2020, to be today more than sixty employees, all profiles combined. Thus, what was suitable five years ago is no longer, which pushes us to rethink our organization. Growth is an opportunity, but it also presents challenges. What I also like is the freedom to structure our projects according to the skills and sensitivities of each manager. I also appreciate the exchanges and contacts with other departments and colleagues. These good relationships and this mutual assistance create a pleasant working environment, despite the significant pressure.
How is your job useful, or even essential, currently?
My job contributes to the realization of projects that make sense from an energy, financial and human point of view. We support stakeholders in their reflections and the implementation of their projects, bringing tangible benefits to municipalities engaged in the energy transition, to the population who will benefit from the infrastructure for years to come, as well as to the banks for whom a long-term investment is very interesting, but also to the regional companies involved in carrying out the work. We are stimulating an important economic and technical lung, which is not only useful, but very rewarding.
What does Romande Energie bring you?
The company placed its trust in me from the start by giving me significant responsibilities. It must be said that Romande Energie stands out from its competitors by having the necessary resources to invest in large-scale projects. Furthermore, on a technical level, Romande Energie offers advanced industrial concepts. Certain solutions, such as gasification, are even little used in Switzerland. I am gaining experience and skills and this is very valuable to me.
What would you say to someone who is considering doing your job at Romande Energie?
You have to be motivated, versatile, curious and open to constant learning. It is also important to know how to manage stress, to dare to take calculated risks, since you contribute to projects that evolve over the long term due to energy costs, the state of technology or the evolution of neighborhoods and cities. It is a vast profession and at the heart of current transition issues, where each day brings its share of discoveries and stimulating challenges.
