by Allison Smith
This article was published in the fall 2024 issue of our newsletter.
Zach Field is a water and wastewater apprentice with Simon Operation Services, working in Rutland and Windsor counties. He manages the drinking water and wastewater systems in Wallingford, oversees the wastewater system in Bridgewater, and conducts sampling at nine other locations in his region.
Zach Field at the Wallingford Wastewater Treatment Facility.
A typical day for Zach begins at the Wallingford Wastewater Treatment Plant, which processes between 25,000 and 50,000 gallons of influent daily in the summer. His responsibilities include checking the smooth operation of processes, monitoring for alarms, and reading meters. Ensuring that the influent and effluent meet required standards is a crucial part of his role.
Afterwards, he visits the Wallingford wellhouse, which provides the town’s drinking water supply. Here, he checks chlorination levels and tests for residuals, among other parameters. Much of his work involves “walking around and listening.” Zach says that he can often determine the status of equipment by the sounds it makes—or doesn’t make.
As an apprentice, Zach is working toward obtaining his wastewater license. After that, he will pursue his water certification. Zach receives on-the-job training and support from his mentor, Aaron Johnson, and also attends classes taught by Vermont Rural Water.
The Apprenticeship Program is run by Vermont Rural Water in partnership with employers, like Simon Operation Services, to train new workers at drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities. Apprentices receive a salary while working under the guidance of a mentor at the facility and prepare for certification exams through training classes and self-study. Learn more at vtruralwater.org/training/apprentices.
Zach’s path into the water resources industry is somewhat fortuitous. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from the College of St. Joseph in Rutland, he served four years in the U.S. Army as an active-duty airborne military police soldier at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
Upon returning to civilian life, Zach was uncertain about his career path. Zach said, “I remember sitting down at my computer one day to research career opportunities and I typed in something as simple as ‘jobs people don’t know about’ on YouTube.”
He found a video about water and wastewater operators, which led him to apply for the position with Simon Operation Services, a contract operations company with 29 employees who service water and wastewater systems statewide.
Lane Simon, vice president and general manager of Simon Operation Services, said, “[Zach] was a rare find for us. He was exploring water and wastewater for all the right reasons. He is exceeding expectations regularly due to his own drive and his participation in the apprenticeship program.”
Zach finds immense satisfaction in his work as a water and wastewater operator, knowing he serves both people and the environment. He views his role as the first line of defense in protecting public health. He also takes great pride in the quality of effluent released to Otter Creek and the Ottauqueechee River from the wastewater treatment plants he oversees. Zach emphasizes the satisfaction that comes from seeing the tangible results of his efforts.
Outside of work, Zach enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is an avid weightlifter and sport shooter, finding balance and enjoyment in these activities.
Service is a core value for Zach, and it drives him even during challenging times. From military service to his new role as a water and wastewater operator, Zach’s dedication makes him a remarkable asset to Vermont’s water industry.