Name: Chris Robinson
System: Shelburne Wastewater Department
Title: Water Quality Superintendent
Chris Robinson has worked in wastewater for over 25 years. He will be retiring in the spring of 2025.
Tell us about your career in the wastewater industry.
Prior to entering this career field, I worked as an electrician, and eventually a master electrician, for 12 years. In my late 20s I opted for a career change, went to college for environmental science, and landed my first water career position in 1997 when I was hired as an operator for Shelburne. In 2004 I was promoted to the chief operator/superintendent position. My position shifted again in 2015 to a Water Quality Superintendent when I took on the duties of stormwater for Shelburne.
Chris Robinson
In the late 2000s, I joined the Green Mountain Water Environment Association (GMWEA) board of directors, eventually serving as President from 2014–2016. I retired from the board a few years ago.
I also served on New England Water Environment Association’s (NEWEA) Executive Board for three years as the Vermont Director from 2018–2021
Do you have a favorite memory?
My favorite memories were the times I competed in the Water Environment Federation’s Operations Challenge, representing GMWEA and NEWEA. The team was very successful competing on the national level from 2001–2004. The WEF competitions allowed me to travel to Chicago and Los Angeles with some great people.
What is your favorite part of the job? Least favorite?
My favorite part is knowing that every day your work is making a difference, whether it be the water quality aspect or the sustainability of the department for the future. My least favorite part was being on-call. It is a commitment to public service at the cost of lost personal time with family and friends.
Liz Royer and Chris Robinson at the Vermont Statehouse on “Water Day” in 2015.
What’s your proudest moment of your career?
There have been many great moments. I would have to say one of the highlights was addressing the entire Vermont Legislature from the podium in the House chamber on behalf of GMWEA. Liz Royer was also there representing Vermont Rural Water. It was a very exciting day!
It is always a pleasure to be recognized for the efforts you make to leave the town and/or industry in a better place. I have always appreciated the acknowledgement of my peers for these efforts. Thank you!
How have you seen the water industry change over the years?
Many things have changed. The transition from paper bench sheets and reports to computers has been beneficial. It is much more efficient.
I suppose the biggest change has been the regulations. The increased regulations, from nitrogen limits in the Connecticut River watershed to phosphorus limits in Lake Champlain, and PFAS concerns, have placed a spotlight on the water industry. It will be an interesting next 20 years to see how all these issues get resolved.
This can be a hard job that gets little thanks. What has kept you motivated?
The appreciation shown by residents and the town selectboard. I also need to give a shoutout to GMWEA, NEWEA and Vermont Rural Water for keeping the industry players motivated by constantly advocating for the industry and letting operators know how important they are to their communities.
Do you have any advice for new operators?
Get involved! My time spent on the GMWEA board and the NEWEA Executive Board were some of the greatest memories of my career. I made some lifelong friendships along the way.
How do you plan to spend your retirement?
My wife and I are looking to move to the Virginia/Tennessee/North Carolina area so I expect we will be making many trips to these states over the next few years. I also plan to spend a lot of time at my camp in the Adirondacks and a take a few cross-country trips in our camper. Of course, I will be bringing my fly rod along for all of it!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would like to thank Shelburne’s wastewater employees for all their support and friendship. Working with these guys for over 20 years, who are like family, has been an honor.
Chris Robinson with a king salmon on a Lake Ontario tributary.
Thank you, Chris, and to all of Vermont’s water and wastewater heroes who perform essential services to protect the health and environment of our communities!
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