Margaret Owens has been performing line work with City Light for 24 years. Currently, she is one of two Transmission Right of Way Crew Chiefs. “My job ranges from vegetation management, lake debris removal, right of way restoration, road building, responding to emergency callouts and providing line worker support” Margaret shared. “My crew and I are the eyes and ears for the 100 miles of transmission line which we take great responsibility in caring for.”
Originally from Iowa, Margaret also lived in Arizona before deciding to start fresh and turn over a new leaf in Washington. She now lives in West Seattle, where she loves the close vicinity to stores, restaurants and the short walks to the water, parks and work. “Most days I enjoy biking to work and I have many friendly neighbors who watch out for me and my dog Lucy- especially when emergency call outs take me away from home.”
In this week’s (spot)Light, Margaret shares about her educational background, her love for the outdoors and her work at City Light.
“Photography was always a love of mine and I actually studied it at a community college in Iowa for a short time. When I got to Washington, I went through the SCL apprenticeship program in linework and gained journey-level status in 2001. I also went to South Seattle College for numerous years while working full time to receive my arborist certification and almost my Associate’s Degree in Landscape Horticulture, with an emphasis in Landscape Sustainability (I still need a math and English course to finish!). I am also a Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist and I am Tree Risk Assessment qualified.”
“I enjoy all types of outdoor activities but gardening definitely tops the list as one of my favorites, especially with native plants. I have even converted my entire yard to a majority of native area plants! I never go by a nursery that I don’t want to stop and visit- the same can be said about wineries.”
“24 years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. As time went on, I realized the wonderful comradery of the workers here in addition to the growth opportunities and ability to make a stable living. I greatly enjoy working with my crew each and every day. They are incredibly talented, knowledgeable and they have a fantastic sense of humor- even through a storm. Every day is different; I never know what the day will bring, but I know with my crew, we can get through it every time. I would also like to give a shout out to the Washington Women in Trades, of which I’m a member, and which accepts memberships from men who support women.”