Let us introduce to you Jurgita Mališauskienė, Head of Environmental Protection and Laboratory at Vilnius Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP). Before starting her professional journey in Ignitis Group, Jurgita worked at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and, in the midst of preparing to defend her dissertation, had no intentions to change anything.
“But then there was a Career Days event happening at the university, and after popping in and visiting the Ignitis Group stand, I was unexpectedly offered a job of a laboratory head. That’s how they got me…” Jurgita explains with a smile.
Having started to work in Vilnius CHP in May of 2019, now Jurgita and her team are responsible for the smooth operation of water and fuel laboratories, at the same time making sure the plant follows and complies with all the necessary environmental regulations. “I came to the production sector from academia, so, at first, the entire plant reminded me of a spaceship. Afraid to get lost, I avoided going to the construction sites alone. For almost half a year, everything seemed so foreign and strange to me,” reminisces Jurgita. Today, she knows every nook and cranny of the plant and even acts as a guide for visitors who want to know the inner workings of Vilnius CHP.
What is more, as a participant of #EnergySmartSTART programme, she introduces the energy sector to pupils. “One of the coolest things about working for Ignitis Group is the fact that there’s something new to learn every day. Every time I’m teaching a lesson or giving a tour, I feel so proud of my company and all its activities, and each time this reminds me of all the reasons I’m in love with my job”, says Jurgita. Another great thing that typically happens during the excursions to the plant is the understanding people gain that burning waste is not necessarily a bad thing, as it decreases the size of landfills and creates heat and electricity for us to use.
When asked to pick a favorite thing about her job, Jurgita points out the lack of monotony: “There’s only one event that never changes – the 8-am meeting of the Operations Department, during which we discuss the previous day, our main performance indicators, possible problems and so on. Everything else varies to the maximum – sometimes I spend the whole day on my computer, working on documents, other times there’s a slew of meetings. There are also days when the only thing I do is talk to my co-workers and our tour participants.” If you had to think of one trait that defines Jurgita’s personality that would be responsibility. Not only does she constantly think about environmental issues or assistance to her colleagues, but also stays active even in the times of trouble.
“My job and duties are directly related to environmental protection. I’ve always said that we must lead by example. Yes, I tend to be quite opinionated in this case. And in terms of helping others… That comes naturally to me – if somebody needs help and I can provide it, I will do it or look for somebody who can. I’m a people person – I like to talk to everybody and ask how they’re feeling, I never forget birthdays and hugs that go with them. In our department, I’m the one who will meet the newbie and learn everything there is to know about them,” she explains.
Jurgita urges others to get to know the area of energy as well: “Everybody can discover themselves in the energy sector, you just have to be curious and aspire to change, improve yourself and learn something new. The energy sector needs various specialists – from traditional professionals like automation engineers or electricians, to analysts, IT experts and people who would keep on innovating our field.”
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