GAMETI/RAE LAKES
Doreen Arrowmaker knows she has a big job ahead of her. The Gameti resident is the manager of the community's brand new local housing organization office.

Doreen Arrowmaker is the manager of Gameti's new local housing office. - NNSL file photo

"I'm putting everything in order, organizing and all of that stuff," she said. "So I'm doing all of that, setting up the office, trying to make it as efficient as I can possibly have it."

Setting up a new office is more than just hooking up the telephone, Arrowmaker said. As manager, she is not only responsible for determining how much furniture and supplies the office will need, she must also set up budgets, get all legal documents in place and determine future staff requirements, among other duties.

Though it's a lot of work, Arrowmaker said she's excited to be the one who gets to set up the office's base.

"It's interesting and exciting at the same time because however I set up the system, that's how it's going to be," she said.

Arrowmaker received a diploma in business administration from Grande Prairie Regional College in 2009. She then went on to earn a degree in commerce from Athabasca University. She is currently doing supply chain management training.

"I'm working towards that right now," she said.

In the meantime, Arrowmaker is also responsible for the community's public housing units and market rentals.

There are 17 public housing units and nine affordable housing units in Gameti.

She said the diversity of tasks is one of the reasons she enjoys her job.

"It's never the same on any given day," she said.

For anyone looking to enter a similar career path, Arrowmaker said there are some important things to keep in mind.

"If somebody is thinking about entering this type of position, they have to be willing to ask for help," she said. "It's not an easy thing and it's not a one-person show."

When dealing with the public, Arrowmaker said it's important to be dependable and to follow through on your word.

"I haven't been here that long, but that's the model I always go by," she said. "If you hold true to your integrity and do what you say you'll do and always back yourself up, then I think you'll be fine."