As California’s water, wastewater, irrigation, and regulatory agencies face a wave of retirements, the state’s water associations are on a mission to elevate the profile of water-related careers. In recent years, California water agencies have witnessed a significant portion of their workforce retiring, up to 50% of the workforce at several agencies.
“From finance and customer service representatives to mechanics and welders, there are incredible career opportunities at water and sewer agencies in your own backyard,” said Dave Eggerton, Executive Director of ACWA. “Unfortunately, few Californians know about these careers that offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits and the opportunity to make a difference in your community.”
During California Water Professionals Appreciation Week, which takes place from October 7 to 15, water associations are spotlighting the dedicated individuals and incredible opportunities that keep California’s water systems functioning flawlessly.
“Few Californians think about where tap water comes from, how it gets clean, or where it goes after use. There’s a big team of people behind the scenes taking care of California’s water and they deserve recognition,” said Jenn Jones, the Executive Director and CEO of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA). “The State’s reservoirs are replenished, now it’s time we refill the talent pipeline and get more people interested in working for water. We’ve always been here and water workers are essential to life in California.”
Numerous studies have revealed California’s pipeline of new water workers is drying up, with the aging workforce consistently cited as a top challenge by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).
Choosing a career in water comes with several compelling advantages:
To address the challenges faced by the water workforce, we’re raising the profile of water professionals during Water Week, including:
The California Water Environment Association (CWEA) empowers wastewater professionals as they protect California’s most critical resource: water. Our community of 10,000+ professionals represent all facets of wastewater management and resource recovery, from operators to lab techs to engineers.
CWEA provides technical certifications for over 6,000 wastewater professionals and hosts hundreds of training events across California. Founded in 1928, CWEA proudly unites professionals from throughout the state. We address real-time issues, develop and deliver cutting-edge training, raise awareness of the profession and shape the future of wastewater.
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) is the largest statewide association of public water agencies in the nation, representing more than 470 public agency members. Since its inception in 1910, ACWA has served as a guiding force in California water policy, advancing comprehensive statewide strategies to meet the state’s future water needs.
ACWA’s member agencies are responsible for 90% of the water delivered to California communities, farms and businesses. Together, members play an active role in managing the state’s water resources and creating progress in groundwater management, safe drinking water, water use efficiency, water recycling and desalination.
Interesting people and great visuals are available near you at one of California’s impressive municipal water treatment or water resource recovery facilities.
For background info on water careers or to find a local agency, please contact Heather or Alec:
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