My Profile
Robert Delgado
Robert Delgado is the Director of Operations and Maintenance at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, with over 20 years of experience in Maintenance, Operations, Water Treatment, and Asset Management. He holds a degree in business administration from Pepperdine University and certifications from the Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), California Water Environment Association (CWEA), and others.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Robert transitioned to the civilian sector, working in Aviation, Petrochemical, and Utilities. He is passionate about giving back to the community, having served as president of the Santa Ana River Basin Section (SARBS) and as a director for CWEA. Robert also volunteers as a trainer for the Mechanical Technologist Certification program, and actively helps students and young professionals find meaningful internships and career opportunities through his network.
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.