Thomas Furst

Senior Director - Engineering, Reliability and Compliance at Innergex

North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

About

I have a passion for making the world a better place to live. I am working towards this goal by leading a diverse team of technical experts in the field of renewable energy at Innergex. As a professional engineer, I provide innovative, high-quality, fiscally responsible, and reliable solutions to difficult and complex problems. I support project development, construction, and operations, which facilitates an environment of constant learning, adaptation and improvement in the projects in which I'm involved. I have project managed the construction of two hydroelectric facilities, one of which was on time and on budget. The other was ahead of schedule and under budget. I believe clear communication is a pillar of successfully delivering projects with a multitude of participants, whether they be regulators, First Nations partners, consultants or contractors. I foster long-term professional relationships, the benefits of which I continue to see in my career today.

Experience

  • Innergex (14 yrs 8 mos)
    • Senior Director - Engineering, Reliability and Compliance
      Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    • Director - Engineering
      Mar 2018 - Apr 2024 · 6 yrs 2 mos

      Leads a multidisciplinary team of engineers that oversee the design and engineering aspects of wind, solar, hydro and green hydrogen projects. Oversees and conducts engineering studies throughout the project life cycle, from development, through construction and into operations of renewable energy projects, primarily in North America, with periodic support to activities in Europe and Latin America. Manages, mentors, and fosters professional development and career growth of a team of engineers. Develops and leads an innovation framework.  Supports the evaluation and implementation of innovation projects. Administers and oversees Dam Safety for hydroelectric facilities in Western Canada and the USA as the Chief Dam Safety Engineer.  Ensuring regulatory requirements are being met or exceeded.

    • Manager - Hydroelectric Engineering
      Sep 2017 - Mar 2018 · 7 mos

      Supported conceptual design of early stage development projects, and the due diligence of operating projects in Canada, the USA and Latin America. Led special projects, including root-cause analysis, designed and implemented performance improvements for hydroelectric facilities in the Innergex portfolio of projects, primarily in Western Canada. Administered the Dam Safety program for Western Canada operations.

  • Volunteer at Lions Bay Search and Rescue
    Jan 2011 - Present · 15 yrs 6 mos

    Search and Rescue Certifications: Avalanche Skills Training 1 and 2 Organized Avalanche Response Team Leader Ground Search and Rescue

  • Project Engineer at Knight Piesold
    Sep 2004 - Nov 2011 · 7 yrs 3 mos

  • Junior Engineer at Jacques Whitford
    May 2002 - Aug 2003 · 1 yr 4 mos