Paul Sestito worked at Vermont Rural Water for over 10 years as a Water Systems Specialist. He recently left the organization because his family moved out of state.
Tell us about your time at Vermont Rural Water.
My time at Vermont Rural Water has flown by! I bumped into Wayne Graham at the St. Johnsbury WWTF in 2014, and he told me about an opening with VRWA. I interviewed for the position and former VRWA executive director Shaun Fielder offered me a job. In my first role, I was able to travel around the entire state providing training and technical assistance to mainly TNC and NTNC water systems, and decentralized wastewater systems. After a few years, a position opened as a water circuit rider, working mainly with municipal water systems and fire districts in the northern half of Vermont. I stepped into that position and remained there until now.
Paul Sestito at Lunenburg Fire District #2
Paul Sestito worked at Vermont Rural Water for over 10 years as a Water Systems Specialist. He recently left the organization because his family moved out of state.
Paul Sestito at Lunenburg Fire District #2
Tell us about your time at Vermont Rural Water.
My time at Vermont Rural Water has flown by! I bumped into Wayne Graham at the St. Johnsbury WWTF in 2014, and he told me about an opening with VRWA. I interviewed for the position and former VRWA executive director Shaun Fielder offered me a job. In my first role, I was able to travel around the entire state providing training and technical assistance to mainly TNC and NTNC water systems, and decentralized wastewater systems. After a few years, a position opened as a water circuit rider, working mainly with municipal water systems and fire districts in the northern half of Vermont. I stepped into that position and remained there until now.
Working at VRWA has been fantastic and I cannot say enough about current executive director Liz Royer, the entire VRWA staff, the board of directors, as well as past VRWA staff and directors. I do not know that I will ever meet a more dedicated and welcoming group of people, and I will miss working with the current VRWA staff tremendously. I have also been so very lucky to work with terrific operators, water system board members, engineers, contractors, State of Vermont and USDA staffers, and other water professionals. All the people that I have had the good fortune to work with have taught me a tremendous amount over the years. It is such a special field filled with the most dedicated people you will find. Thank you to you all for your guidance and friendship over the years.
Do you have a favorite story or memory?
It is hard to pick out one favorite story, there are so many. I really enjoyed being able to catch up with people during the few down times, such as at conferences or appreciation day events. I always enjoyed the collaboration aspect, working with others to address an issue or solve a problem.
I can’t really call it a “favorite” because the impact was devastating, but watching water and wastewater personnel really step up during the flooding events of recent years will always stand out as moments where I was able to witness true selflessness.
Paul Sestito helping out in Waterbury during the July 2023 flooding
What’s your proudest moment?
The thanks that I have received have always made me proud. Even though I experienced a lot of failures and missteps along the way, I always tried my best. The appreciation that water professionals and system representatives have always shown always made me proud to be a part of VRWA.
On a lighter note, I’m very proud that, despite some close calls, I never killed or injured anyone during the VRWA golf tournaments.
Paul Sestito helping out in Waterbury during the July 2023 flooding
Paul Sestito (center), along with Forest Anderson and Geoff Wilson, at the 2024 Water Professionals Appreciation Day disc golf tournament, which Paul organized.
What has been a challenge?
The ebbs and flows of the job have sometimes been challenging. As we all know, summertime is the time to get work done, so it can get hectic. Keeping up with changing regulations has also created some challenges over the years, but I think the DWGPD has been a great help with that through their outreach and training. Luckily, because of the people I worked with and for, the challenges were never too overwhelming.
Paul Sestito (center), along with Forest Anderson and Geoff Wilson, at the 2024 Water Professionals Appreciation Day disc golf tournament, which Paul organized.
How did you get started in the water industry?
I got into the water industry by accident, like many people. While living and working in Massachusetts, a friend/coworker convinced me to take a state wastewater exam. He said that I could maybe need it someday. After living in Vermont for a few years, I needed a job and saw an advertisement for a water/wastewater operator in the local newspaper. I applied and got the job, and the rest is history. I didn’t intend to get into the field, but I have always loved it and I’m glad that it found me.
Do you have any advice for new operators?
Operators are dedicated, passionate individuals. I think that it is a trait that already exists in a person that decides to become an operator. I don’t think that there is a whole lot of advice that I can give other than to not stop learning and growing.
What’s next for you?
I am moving to Connecticut to be closer to family (and a little bit farther from cold). I am going to stay involved in the water industry, and maybe even get back into wastewater a bit. I’m hoping to remain in touch with or affiliated with Rural Water in some capacity.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would like to share a huge thank you to everyone. While I am excited for the next chapter of my life, I am going to miss the friends I have made during my time at VRWA. The outpouring of support has been huge and very much appreciated.
Thank you, Paul, and to all of Vermont’s water and wastewater heroes who perform essential services to protect the health and environment of our communities!
Do you know a Water Hero who should be featured here? Email info@vtruralwater.org