We are handing over the reins of our social sites, Instagram and Twitter to four accomplished and technically savvy wastewater operators during California Water Professionals Appreciation Week. That’s right, they will give you a first hand look into their lives next week and we can’t wait to go on that ride! Be sure to follow along:
CWEA Instagram: @cweamembers
CWEA Twitter: @cwea
Amanda BirdWastewater Treatment Operator III, MSEM
City of Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility
Certs held: SWRCB Wastewater Operator
Takeover on Instagram Oct. 7- 8
She holds both drinking water treatment and distribution licenses, in addition to her Wastewater Operator Certification Grade V. She is also the Monterey Bay Section Past President and was recently featured by CWEA and CASA as one of our Emerging Leaders.
Devin ValdivaWastewater Systems Operator
Los Osos Water Recycling Facility
Certs held: SWRCB Wastewater Operator
Takeover on Instagram Oct. 9-10
I’ve been in the water industry since 2015 when I began working as an Operator-in-Training (OIT) at the San Luis Obispo Water Resource Recovery Facility.
At the time, I had no idea how many amazing things I’d be a part of. After completing approximately 1,000 hours as an unpaid intern, I was hired bythe County of San Luis Obispo. Today, I have the privilege of working at the brand new Los Osos Water Recycling Facility.
The Los Osos plant is the headquarters for all of the County’s wastewater operations. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn and grow not only at a young and modern facility but also by working within its collection system. We also operate two neighboring communities’ pond systems and their collections systems. I was hired full time January 1, 2018.
I truly believe in what we do. I’m proud to work in this industry and am always looking at different ways to inspire and collaborate with those in our community. I take pride in illustrating that we don’t just shovel you know what all day but instead have multiple layers of skills, awareness, and dedication to reclaim and reuse water.
That’s a really powerful concept and I’m proud to be in the position I’m in.
I work at the Los Osos Water Recycling Facility. Sure, we are a “wastewater treatment plant” but water isn’t waste. Through education and outreach we can help change the stigma of how the communities we serve sees and values the work we do.
I’m really excited about this opportunity to show off our beautiful facilities as well as some of the daily (and unexpected) operations we do.
Senior Inspector
Ojai Valley Sanitary District
Certs held: Collection System Maintenance Grade 3
Takeover on Twitter, Oct. 7- 8
Travis has over 7 years of experience with the Ojai Valley Sanitary District. Travis is the Treasurer and on the Board of Directors for CWEA’s TriCounties Section in Southern California.
He has also been recognized by the Collection System’s Committee with the CWEA PICK award. He won the WEFTEC Ingenuity Award in 2017 and he won the CWEA Gimmicks & Gadgets Award in 2015 & 2016.
Travis is US Navy Veteran, he worked as a HUII Tech, E-4 HT3 in Navy from 1993-1997.
#veteransinwater
Senior Plant Operator
Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Certs held: Grade V Wastewater Operator Certification, High Pressure Steam Boiler Operator
Takeover on Twitter, Oct. 9-10
I am a Grade V certified California Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator with 11 years experience at CentralSan’s wastewater treatment plant. I am a training operator, responsible for teaching our new operators about our complex treatment plant. I am a certified High Pressure Steam Boiler Operator. I grew up in the SF Bay Area and live in a near by community in the CentralSan service area.
I am on the Editorial Advisory Group for the CWEA Clean Water Magazine, as well as Chair of the Communication Committee for the CWEA SF Bay Section. I hold a BA in Communication from the University of the Pacific.
In my free time I enjoy mountain biking, skiing and gardening.
Be sure to follow along next week!
My Profile
