My Profile
Amanda Bird
City of Santa Cruz
Born and raised in San Jose, California. Has a BS degree in Environmental Studies from Portland State University. Has a MS degree in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco. She is a Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Operator, a Grade 2 Water Treatment Operator, a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator.
Prior to joining the wastewater industry she completed a year of service with AmeriCorps/California Conservation Corps providing energy efficient upgrades and retrofits for low-income housing on the Central Coast. She has been a wastewater operator at three facilities: City of Watsonville, South County Regional Wastewater Authority, and the City of Santa Cruz. Her experience includes enhanced biological nutrient removal Bardenpho extended aeration, trickling filter/solids contact, Title 22 recycled water, activated sludge, anaerobic digestion systems and cogeneration.
Purpose
The Select Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers (5S) is used by water environment associations (i.e., those working with sewage and sewage treatment) to honour those who have made a particular contribution to the industry.
Pennsylvania started the High Hat Society in 1937 and used the words "Sludge Shovelers Society" in its initiation ceremony. Later, this became known as the Ted Moses Sludge Shovelers Society. The second Chapter of the Five S Society was formed in Arizona in October 1940, the idea being conceived by A.W. "Dusty" Miller and F. Carlyle Roberts, Jr. There are chapters in many of the United States and in Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
5S chapters do not accept applications, but select potential members. Each inductee receives a badge in the form of a gold tie bar in the shape of a round-nosed shovel.
5S recognizes individuals active in protecting the water environment through participation in Local, State, and/or Federal sponsored activities for five years or more.