Mark Reid is passionate about energy, and with over 30 years’ experience in the power generation sector, that’s no surprise. He even has an off-grid solar power and battery system set up at home, keeping the lights on at his property in Nanango, South East Queensland.

With a wealth of experience working on shutdowns with CS Energy, and a relentless passion to learn new things, when the opportunity arose for a secondment with Asset Management Alliance partner Downer, Mark jumped at the chance.

Since January 2021, Mark has traded his hard hat for a straw hat, working on change management and operations at the Downer operated 100-megawatt Clare Valley Solar Farm in north Queensland.

It’s a chance to learn new skills and strengthen relationships, says Mark, while bringing his extensive knowledge of power generation to the growing future energy sector.

“I wanted to broaden my skillset and look at things from the other side of the fence,” he says.

“And also, to share knowledge. This opportunity became for me like a conduit, so Downer could learn from me, and I could learn from Downer. That cross-pollination of ideas, skills and knowledge is really valuable.”

Knowledge from working with CS Energy has been of huge benefit in Mark’s secondment, with electrical, project management and operational skills gained working on power stations easily transferred to the renewable sector.

Initially engaged to work for six weeks at Clare before moving to another location, Mark’s passion, dedication and vision has seen him work on site for over twelve months. During that time, he’s worked with the team to introduce a range of changes, including improved Operating and Maintenance strategies and procedures, team development and training to new contractor mobilisation guidelines.

Being located in rural north Queensland there’s been a few things to get used to. From snakes and spiders to wasps, the local wildlife is a constant – but they’re in safe hands. Several staff at Clare are trained snake handlers, and it’s all in a day’s work to relocate a reptile or two. 

It's these new experiences that make the secondment experience so exciting, Mark says. You never know where you might end up.

Mark’s advice for other people looking at secondment opportunities in the Asset Management Alliance is to embrace the challenge.

“It’s an opportunity to broaden your horizons. You’ve got to go into a secondment with an open mind, be adaptable and flexible and see opportunities so that you end up in the most suitable role for you and the business.”

“If you get the right people into the right roles at the right time it just works, it really does,” he says.

“I said to the team when I first started that I’m up for a challenge. This is going to be a challenge, but I accept it, and I don’t give up.”