Ryan Muratorri at the Poultney wastewater treatment facility.
Ryan Muratorri is a registered wastewater treatment apprentice in the town of Poultney, VT. In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, we asked him a few questions about his experiences as an apprentice.
Learn about Vermont Rural Water’s Apprenticeship Program at vtruralwater.org/training/apprentices/
What is a typical day like for you as a wastewater apprentice?
Typical day starts at 5 am when I wake up because we start at 6 am for 10 hour work days (but will slowly transition to normal hours). I come in and do a lil walk around then I start doing the morning testings and chart changes, making sure everything is set for the day. Some mornings I get the decant right away, some days I have to wait a bit. Depending on the day I will go out and check our pump stations and wells to make sure everything is working. Then usually I just do testing when I get a chance, unless I’m doing highway crew.
What drew you to working in drinking water/wastewater?
When I was a senior in high school, I heard about the water treatment intern position because I already worked for the town. The town manager told me I should try that position out and I ended up liking it. Now I’m at Poultney where they do both wastewater and water treatment.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I think my favorite part of the job is getting to work with the well and testing the chlorine and fluoride.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Definitely the wastewater side and cleaning out the baskets or grates. That is nasty sometimes.
What is something that you wish other people knew about drinking water/wastewater?
That it is a really good career and profession to get into. It may be stressful here and there but it is a good long-term career!
Ryan Muratorri
Thank you, Ryan, 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
Interview has been edited for clarity.