There’s a lot of focus on the water industry’s aging workforce. But it’s not all bad news, as evidenced by all of the new water and wastewater operators featured here. This is the next generation of water professionals, who will serve their communities, protect public health, and tackle new challenges like emerging contaminants and climate change.
Bradley Danforth at Brandon Fire District #1
Bradley Danforth, Operator in Training at Brandon Fire District #1
What drew you to working in water?
It was hands-on work. I was told that no day was really the same. It just sounded like an interesting job.
What is your favorite part of the job? Least favorite?
Favorite part of the job is working on fire hydrants. It’s easy to do. Least favorite part is digging up curb stops in the winter.
What is something that you wish other people your age knew about the water resources field?
It’s a great job to get into especially when you get out of high school or college. You work for a municipality, it comes with good benefits, and there is always something to do.
Monica Brager & Danny Whitaker, Wastewater Apprentices at the City of South Burlington
What drew you to the wastewater field?
Monica: I started as a plumber and this seemed like a logical transition. I’ve always wondered about the water and wastewater fields.
Danny: I retired after 37 years as in maintenance at a local college, and not being of full retirement age, I thought I would try wastewater. It seemed to me to be similar to what plumbing was. Was I wrong, there is lots more to wastewater!
Monica Brager (left) and Danny Whitaker at the Airport Parkway wastewater treatment facility.
What is your favorite part of the job? Least favorite?
Monica: Every day is different, bringing new challenges and knowledge. Least favorite is the pager going off at 2am on a freezing cold night while on call.
Danny: Getting to learn the many tasks associated with wastewater. Never a dull moment in this job! Least favorite is un-plugging a plugged centrifuge. Messy and time-consuming.
What is something that you wished other people knew about the water resources field?
Monica: It’s work that needs to be done, is important for your community, and something you can feel proud to do.
Danny: It is very demanding and takes lots of thinking to ensure all permit requirements are met. Like I tell my neighbors when they complain about their water/wastewater bills, you need to come take a tour and see where your money is going. Once they do, they should see there is lots going on and why we need these funds to keep equipment going to ensure waste does not back up into their homes.
Adam Newton at the Brattleboro Public Works Department
Adam Newton, Apprentice at Brattleboro Public Works Department
What is your favorite part of the job? Least favorite?
The Department gives you a lot of opportunities. Something I don’t really enjoy is all the tests to become qualified—water license, CDL, etc. It’s a lot of work.
What is something that you wish other people your age knew about working in the water resources field?
The benefits are amazing here, along with the work atmosphere. We are always doing something different and you can learn so much with the opportunities that the Water Departments presents you.
Tyler Quinn, Water Distribution Apprentice at Brattleboro Water Department
What drew you to the water/wastewater field?
My dad has been in this field for 30 years, as well as other family members.
What is something that you wish other people knew about working in the water resources field?
You are learning a trade you can have for life. It doesn’t pay as high of a salary, but benefits are very important and overlooked at a young age.
Tyler Quinn at the Brattleboro Public Works Department
Thank you to these new operators 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