Building a Career 1 Step at a Time
Les Hayward’s career with Golden Valley Electric Association had an unexpected start. In 2002 after attending college and acquiring technical/mechanical experience, he accepted a position as a janitor at the North Pole Power Plant. However, Hayward knew hard work and focus would lead to more opportunities.
After 3 years with the utility, he applied for the apprenticeship power plant program. Upon completion, he began his career as a journeyman power plant operator/mechanic.
Les is now the senior power plant operator/mechanic at the North Pole, Zehnder, and Delta power plants.
“I have the gray hair to prove it,” he jokingly says. “It was a humble beginning.”
As senior power plant operator/ mechanic, Les works alongside fellow operators/mechanics in the daily operations and maintenance of these 3 plants. Likewise, he helps rebuild most of the gas turbines and generators for the power plants in Fairbanks, North Pole, and Delta under the guidance of experienced contracted engineers.
Les is 1 of GVEA’s longest-serving employees. During his time with the utility, he has had many memorable moments. Some of the highlights include relocating a major generator from Fairbanks to Delta Junction and commissioning the North Pole Expansion Plant.
He remembers helping residents in Healy after a winter storm caused a snow slide that blocked the Parks Highway and took out a major power line.
“Our crew operated a temporary 24-hour, around-the-clock generator for all of the Healy area until power was restored,” Les says. “This emergency really emphasized how important it is for GVEA crews to be ready to supply power to people in outlying areas at any given time.”
Les says crews work hard to make sure power is restored when the plants trip offline, especially in the long, cold winter months. In high-pressure situations, keeping a positive attitude is sometimes challenging; however, he is grateful to work alongside a talented crew that possesses a wide range of real-world experience and skills.
“We have a very good working culture among the North Pole plant crew, and it feels good to be a small part of it,” Les says. Les encourages people to consider a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) starting at a young age. He urges school-age children to go on a free tour at the North Pole power plant if the opportunity arises since it could spark an interest in the career field.
Les is an Alaska Native (Tsimshian/ Tlingit). He and his wife were born and raised in Fairbanks. Outside of work, the couple fosters dogs, an endeavor they started during the pandemic. Eventually, they adopted a dog from the Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Shelter. They continue to foster and enjoy the variety of dogs that come into their home.
Les says he also enjoys Alaska summers, working with his wife in their yard/garden, going camping, fishing for red salmon, and moose hunting with his hunting buddy.
“I’d like to thank GVEA for helping me to make it this far in my career,” Les says. “I’ve gained a lot of experience from those who came before me and with present workmates. Working here has afforded me the opportunity to build a home with my wife, enjoy Alaska’s outdoors, and the chance to help others in different ways.”