Six years ago, SacSewer’s David Barton entirely shifted his career from working in a private laboratory to becoming a wastewater treatment plant operator in the public sector. He now finds his work much more fulfilling and essential for serving his community.
When Barton started working at SacSewer in 2020, the EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility (EchoWater Facility) was still expanding, including its Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Facility and Tertiary Treatment Facility. Located near Elk Grove, the EchoWater Facility treats about 118 million gallons of sewage daily. It’s the second largest water resource recovery facility of its kind in the nation.
“This is a critical job for my community. SacSewer’s EchoWater Facility is producing cleaner water for the environment,” he said. “Whether it is preventing waterborne illnesses through process control and plant operations—or helping the 1.6 million people we serve better understand the work we do every day—it is important to me that I provide these services.”
SacSewer employs more than 800 staff members who are responsible for managing and maintaining the conveyance and treatment systems to safeguard public health and the environment. Barton obtained his Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from the State Water Resources Control Board in May 2022. Additionally, he holds a Mechanical Technician Certification Grade II. He is also an IVES Certified Trainer, which enables him to train SacSewer staff to operate heavy equipment, such as forklifts.
Although he has shifted away from microbiology lab work at a private-sector chemical manufacturing plant, he still finds aspects of his prior professional background useful in his role at SacSewer.
“Dave has a laboratory background that gives him the unique knowledge and skillset to write accurate, helpful procedures that his fellow operators can follow and rely on in their day-to-day work,” said Raymond Hawes, SacSewer Operations Supervisor. “Dave recently developed in-process laboratory calibration and analysis Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) used by operational staff to ensure consistency across shifts.”
Barton has taken the lead on a vital project to develop a “Project Space” for operational staff. This initiative involves planning and designing an authorized area where operators can work on specific projects. Currently, there is no dedicated space for operational staff to manage special projects, significantly limiting their ability to update SOPs, training materials, piping system drawings, and related documents. Barton has collaborated closely with a small team of operators and other departments to design the layout, arrange furniture, and install computers in the new space.
“His proactive approach has been instrumental, and once finished, this project will be a valuable resource for the EchoWater Facility. Given his initiative and motivation, more contributions from Dave are expected in the future,” Hawes said.
As a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Barton primarily monitors and manages flow and chemical treatment processes in the Plant Control Center while referring to laws, regulations, and guidelines, such as safety regulations and requirements from the U.S. Department of Transportation; Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administration; National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit; and EchoWater Facility procedures, manuals, work orders, and job plans.
“I’m extremely grateful that the knowledge I have gained through working at SacSewer is something I can use on a day-to-day basis,” Barton said. “It helps me feel confident that what I am doing as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is making a difference for the public. I believe the importance of providing an unseen service cannot be overstated, and I am grateful to be part of the process.”
Barton, who is relatively new to his role, stated he is happy with his current position. He anticipates moving up to a supervisor role in five to ten years and intends to stay with SacSewer until he retires.
My Profile
