Ted Nierhake is capable of doing everything electrical at the City of Escondido’s 18.2 mgd Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility. That’s probably because of his experience at locations from oil refineries to public works departments to the McMurdo Station in Antarctica, where he worked on runway lighting, instrumentation for research labs, and systems supporting overland traverses to the South Pole.
Nierhake joined the Escondido staff almost three years ago, and “hit the ground running,” according to his supervisor, Emanuel Flores.
Ted Nierhake, EIT4, Electrical Instrumentation, City of Escondido
“He was tasked with essential electrical upgrades at the influent pump station,” says Flores. “The project included designing and installing site lighting, modifying electrical raceways for existing actuators, and rerouting power and control wiring for a knife gate actuator, which operates in tandem with a compactor. This also involved coordinating with vendors for light fixture quotes, verifying dimensions, sizing conduit and fittings, ensuring adequate lumen output, and confirming power requirements.
“Ted meticulously balanced circuit loads, verifying amperage to ensure that circuits did not exceed their maximum capacity,” Flores said.
Flores, who nominated Nierhake as an emerging leader, credits Ted’s extensive research and meticulous planning as he assesses the electrical needs throughout the Escondido facility.
“Recently, Ted successfully installed eight Hach laser turbidity meters in the sand filter process area, a significant undertaking that required detailed planning and coordination with operations staff. Ted’s ability to communicate effectively ensured seamless analyzer programming, configuration, and testing,” Flores says.
“Ted has taken on the responsibility of maintaining and improving the upkeep of our Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) station, which had previously been prone to clutter and disorganization,” Flores adds. “In the past, the LOTO station often became a bottleneck, as sheets tracking lockout tags and locks would fall out of the binder and be misplaced, creating confusion during critical operations. Ted recognized the safety risks associated with this and proactively worked to streamline the process.”
Nierhake’s dedication extends beyond the Hale Avenue facility.
“He has become a valuable resource for other departments,” says Flores, “ including the lab, public works, and parks. When they request our help with troubleshooting electrical equipment they are unfamiliar with, Ted eagerly steps up to assist.
“And he has taken on the responsibility of training our newest technician on a variety of equipment and instruments. Ted’s commitment to training reflects not only his technical expertise but also his dedication to helping others grow within the team, ensuring that new staff are proficient and confident in their responsibilities.”
Nierhake attributes his interest and success in instrumentation to his older brother, who he says encouraged him to apply to IBEW Local 302’s apprenticeship program and get into the trade. “It was interesting work and paid good money,” Nierhake says. “While in school, I worked for a contractor (Contra Costa Electric) and Local 302 paid for my training.”
After all these assignments, locations, and tasks, Nierhake says he doesn’t really want to do anything else—only get better. “I get satisfaction in understanding why something isn’t functioning properly, in using my brain to troubleshoot until something clicks. I get to see the results of my labor—when an instrument reads correctly, or a motor starts spinning,” he says.
“Right now, I’m focused on becoming the best control systems technician I can be.”
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