Students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District learned about the science of hydroelectric power during their most recent Innovation LIVE! event. The online lesson, “Water + Wheel = Power!” was led by CVESD’s Hydro Station on December 2.
Students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District learned about the science of hydroelectric power during their most recent Innovation LIVE! event. The online lesson, “Water + Wheel = Power!” was led by CVESD’s Hydro Station on December 2.
The Hydro Station opened nearly four years ago at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility. A unique joint educational partnership between the Sweetwater Authority, the Otay Water District, and CVESD, the Hydro Station was the first program of its kind to to open in California.
Nearly 4,000 students visit the Hydro Station annually and learn about careers and opportunities in the water and wastewater industry through hands-on interactive learning experiences.
The need for future water leaders is great and continues to grow. One-third of the region’s 2,800 water and wastewater professionals will be eligible for retirement in the next few years. The Hydro Station helps play a role to encourage students to consider careers as professionals in the water industry.
“The water industry offers many exciting career opportunities,” said Sweetwater Authority General Manager Carlos Quintero. “Through our partnership with the Hydro Station, we are proud to be helping share these opportunities and inspire the next generation of water professionals.”
CVESD District Innovation Teacher and project leader Christy Bystrak provides a project demonstration for student viewers. Photo: Chula Vista Elementary School District
During the online event, students were invited to build their own water wheel and take on the role of a plant maintenance technician to learn from firsthand experience. All of Hydro Station’s online live event projects can be accomplished with common household materials, such as empty plastic water bottles, scissors, straws, tape, and a bucket of water. These projects can be done individually, with partners, or in groups.
The online events are free and open to all students, parents, and families. Lessons are recorded and become part of an extensive library of instructional videos on CVESD’s Innovation & Instruction YouTube channel.
“Together, we get to learn and explore a variety of topics that are all related to water,” said CVESD District Innovation Teacher and project leader Christy Bystrak. “Today, we want to see how we can use the power of water to make a machine move and create energy.”
As part of the Hydro Station lectures, students learn about the skills needed for water and wastewater industry careers. Photo: Chula Vista Elementary School District
Previous Hydro Station events and topics have included building water pipelines, protecting watersheds, groundwater, and exploring careers in civil engineering.
In addition to water-related topics, CVESD offers interactive lessons on coastal education, health, technology, and clean energy.
“The Hydro Station effort is an essential part of educating our youth about the wide variety of water industry jobs available to them as they prepare for their futures,” said Otay General Manager Jose Martinez. “Because many in the industry are retiring, we continue to recruit and promote water careers. This educational program is an additional resource to help us to increase the talent pool in the industry.”
See their entire lineup of instructional videos on YouTube here.
(Editor’s note: The Otay Water District and the Sweetwater Authority are two of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across San Diego County.)
The Vallecitos Water District honored former staffer and water industry pioneer Dawn McDougle by naming a building in her honor. The McDougle Building, at the Meadowlark Reclamation Facility, celebrates her three decades in the wastewater industry.
McDougle, who retired at the end of 2021, joined district and industry colleagues, friends and family, at a dedication ceremony November 17. Her dog Farley also attended too. Farley was an honorary Vallecitos employee who accompanied her to work each day. The Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors approved the naming of the building in April 2021, but pandemic restrictions delayed a dedication ceremony.
Dawn McDougle stands alongside the plaque naming the administration building at the Meadowlark Reclamation Facility in her honor. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins led the initiative to honor McDougle.
“I’ve worked on a lot of satisfying and interesting projects in my 30 years in the water industry, but getting the building named after Dawn McDougle is probably the best thing I’ve done,” said Robbins.
A plaque featuring native flowers was unveiled at the building during the ceremony. Yellow rose cookies were also included because McDougle planted yellow roses at the plant to add a pleasant scent. Custom cookies featured purple pipes watering flowers, symbolizing the use of reclaimed water from the Meadowlark plan used to irrigate landscapes throughout North San Diego County.
Dawn McDougle’s dog Farley joined in the dedication ceremony. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
McDougle played a major role in the $30 million expansion and upgrade of the Meadowlark Reclamation Facility, extending its lifespan beyond 2030. The facility produces recycled water for golf courses at La Costa and the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad, several school sites, and Legoland California. McDougle kept the existing plant operating while implementing innovations allowing the facility to increase capacity while at the same time reducing chemical and energy costs. The plant successfully reached its output goal of five million gallons per day.
She started at Vallecitos as an industrial waste technician at a time when few women performed that work. She advanced her career by taking classes and earning certifications – and she helped others by mentoring and coaching them along the way. McDougle says she knew from the first day she arrived she wanted to finish her career at Vallecitos.
“For over 30 years, I have had the honor of being Dawn’s coworker, her supervisor, and most importantly … her friend,” said Vallecitos Water District operations manager Ed Pedrazzi. “Today’s dedication of the building to Dawn is well earned and well deserved.”
(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Water and wastewater industry employees can advance their professional careers with a specialty degree to help them achieve their goals. The industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration and information technology.
Water and wastewater industry employees can advance their professional careers with a specialty degree to help them achieve their goals. The industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration and information technology.
The Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) degree with a concentration in Waterworks Management is offered by National University in partnership with Cuyamaca College. Monir Masoud, Director of Community College Pathways at National University, said scholarship opportunities can help reduce the cost of the degree program by as much as 46%.
Masoud said prospective students with an associate’s degree from any California community college can complete the degree using the one course per month format in 17 months, which is ideal for working professionals following a nontraditional educational path.
“We have a support system that we walk step by step with students,” said Masoud. “Students start with an enrollment advisor, then academic financial aid, and faculty.”
Students can also stretch out the courses with breaks when needed and continue to progress toward their degree at their own pace. Three students have completed the degree’s course requirements to date.
Water industry professionals can accelerate their career advancement through higher education. Photo: National University
The waterwork management degree, launched 18 months ago, was developed in collaboration with regional employers and driven by growing demands for skilled career professionals in the water and wastewater industry.
Graduates will be able to address the issues and challenges facing water and wastewater agencies at the state, regional, and local levels, including governing requirements and regulatory compliance, while employing water management best practices.
“I would tell my employees go get schooling because they become a change agent, said Masoud.”Most of our organizations, especially in California, are doing a great job upskilling their employees. And we have this tuition reimbursement ready for them. Employers can retain and maintain their workforce in this tough market we are in.”
California Dept. of Water Resources staff services manager Norma Alvarado talks with students at a water industry career fair showcasing a broad array of options. Photo: Kelly M. Grow/California Department of Water Resources
The water and wastewater industry’s rapidly growing demand for highly skilled professionals shows no signs of slowing in the coming years. Impending retirements will create a need to fill California’s 12,000 to 20,000 water and wastewater jobs. Many of these positions require a bachelor’s degree, such as the National University BPA degree.
As seasoned leaders retire, water and wastewater agencies struggle to fill job vacancies requiring a focused bachelor’s degree. Students earning the new degree will complete National University’s four-course concentration of upper-division courses studying water and waterworks management and leadership, water law and compliance, and human resources and labor law.
National University offers all BPA courses online. Students can begin the BPA program at any time.
The BPA waterworks concentration is particularly well suited for veterans using their GI benefits to further their education. Veterans are eligible to apply their military experience and education toward certifications in the water industry.
When Brian Olney started in the water industry nearly three decades ago, it seemed nobody paid attention to what he and his colleagues were doing.
“The general consensus was: Water fell from the sky, it shows up in our faucet, no one wants to hear anything from the water agencies,” Olney said. “That has changed dramatically.”
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority (Authority) recently launched a new scholarship program to provide funding for people interested in pursuing a career in the water industry. The Work for Water Scholarship is available to anyone living in the Authority’s service area.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College or another accredited college, community college or trade school with a career goal in the water industry.
The Vallecitos Water District received three awards from the California Water Environment Association on January 29. The Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility was named the 2021 Tertiary Recycled Water Plant of the Year, Matt Wiese received the “Operator of the Year” award and the District also received the Community Engagement and Outreach award for Best Use of Social Media.
The Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility was named the 2021 Tertiary Recycled Water Plant of the Year. This award recognizes accomplishments in compliance, innovative practices, cost-effectiveness, and superior plant performance. It is the first year for this new award.
Vallecitos Water District owns and operates the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility, or MRF, in the City of Carlsbad. Through secondary and tertiary treatment at Meadowlark, VWD acts as a wholesale supplier of reclaimed water to the City of Carlsbad and the Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
MRF is undertaking multiple projects to increase efficiencies and implement higher recycled water standards for the district’s two major customers. Additional projects include the planned installation of a Tesla Megapack Battery Energy Storage System as part of the district’s energy resiliency grant program.
The district won recognition for Community Engagement and Outreach for Best Use of Social Media, promoting awareness and understanding of water quality issues through social media campaigns.
Starting in 2019, VWD began using video to document the district’s workforce and infrastructure improvements on its social media platforms. The “Work We Do” series gives the public an opportunity to see crews providing the community with reliable drinking water and wastewater services, protecting the environment, and developing its skilled workforce.
The District also partnered with the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College, which uses the “Work We Do” series to educate students on careers in the water and wastewater industry.
Matt Wiese received the “Operator of the Year” award for outstanding contributions to the operations of wastewater treatment facilities and the application of knowledge to improve plant processes.
As Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor at the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility, Wiese shares a wealth of instrumentation knowledge with Meadowlark staff. He mentors staff on proper procedures to troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on instrumentation, resulting in minimal downtime and emergency repairs.
Wiese also ensures training is up to date and completed, including hazardous materials training and drills in conjunction with North County Regional Fire Department Training. His role in organizing and conducting the training has won statewide recognition for the Vallecitos Water District.
“This is not the first award for the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility, and I am sure it will not be the last,” said Ed Pedrazzi, operations and maintenance manager for the Vallecitos Water District. “Outstanding professionals like Matt Wiese are why the treatment plant operates at peak efficiency every day. You will not find a more dedicated group of individuals protecting the environment and the public health than the team at Meadowlark.”
Wiese was recently promoted to the supervisor position at MRF due to the retirement of Dawn McDougle.
“I was happy to promote him to supervisor of the plant. He has earned it!” said Pedrazzi.
There are more than 20 CWEA award categories. Each one honors exceptional CWEA members and California wastewater professionals, facilities, and agencies. The program seeks to recognize outstanding achievements within the wastewater field, improve the professional status of all personnel working in the wastewater industry and related fields and stimulate public awareness of the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the water environment.
(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and Carlsbad MWD, are three of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Jobs in the water and wastewater industry provide stable employment in meaningful careers, delivering a vital resource families and businesses depend on. With half of all current employees expected to retire in the next 15 years, recruitment efforts hope to fill many of these essential positions.
Family ties provide a positive influence in filling these roles with the next generation of water professionals in several water agencies in San Diego County.
In many professions, exposure to career choices at the dinner table has a statistically significant influence. For more than four decades, the University of Chicago has tracked family and career trends in its General Social Survey. The survey found that younger generations often pursue careers due to early exposure to career paths, how they value certain skills, and even inherited aptitudes for building things or language.
The Rasmussen family – (L to R) Eric, Craig, and Howard – represents a collective 35 years of employment at the Sweetwater Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Three members of the Rasmussen family are currently employed at the Sweetwater Authority.
Howard Rasmussen started 24 years ago after several attempts to land an entry-level job. He was working in construction and looking for a change.
“They’re really great jobs,” said Rasmussen, who is now a Maintenance Lead Worker helping maintain multiple facilities. “It’s quite amazing and pretty gratifying knowing I’m contributing to my community.”
Seven years ago, son Eric Rasmussen followed his father into the profession after working for a decade at a home improvement retailer and pursuing an electrical apprenticeship. His water career started as a Utility Worker, and four years ago he was promoted to Equipment Operator.
“I really do love operating,” said Eric Rasmussen. “To tag along with what my dad said, it’s so awesome. You have a sense of pride. You want to make everything so perfect when it’s in your district. You don’t want to take any shortcuts.”
Eric’s brother Craig became the third Rasmussen to work at Sweetwater Authority after earning a college degree at San Diego State University. He works as a Watershed Caretaker.
Craig Rasmussen said he applied multiple times over five years before he was hired.
“It’s not like I was a shoe-in,” said Craig. “It gave me time to do some schooling. You just don’t want to let the family name down.”
Craig and Eric’s father is proud of his sons and co-workers.
“To have two boys work for the same company, for me it’s been a blessing,” said Howard Rasmussen. “Being here with my kids I hear how they work; I hear about their attitudes. I get complimented all the time what a great job I’ve done with my kids. Not many people experience that firsthand.”
All three Rasmussens encourage others to consider water industry careers.
“My dad taught me, this is your opportunity, you have to take it,” said Eric Rasmussen.
Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother-in-law Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi
Family ties span three generations at four different water agencies in North San Diego County.
Ed Pedrazzi works at the Vallecitos Water District as Operations and Maintenance Manager. His niece, Jessica Sherwood, is a Water Resources Assistant at the Vista Irrigation District. Jessica’s father Jon Sherwood was a Water Operation Supervisor for the Vallecitos Water District. Grandfather Amos Sherwood worked at the San Dieguito Water District from 1960 to 1990, and her uncle Terry worked at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
Ed Pedrazzi was hired to work in the Construction Department at Vallecitos in 1989. After completing courses at Palomar College, he became certified in Water Distribution and Treatment. Until his recent retirement from teaching, Pedrazzi taught modern water technology courses at Palomar to a new generation of professionals.
Vista Irrigation District Water Resources Office Assistant Jessica Sherwood is a third-generation water industry professional. Photo: Courtesy Jessica Sherwood
Jessica Sherwood saw an opening at the Vista Irrigation District in 2012 for a meter reader and jumped at the chance, working her way up to her current position. She said her entire family has been a positive influence on her water industry career.
“My dad is a very open and honest person and sometimes it’s hard to follow in his footsteps, but I know he’s proud of me,” said Sherwood. “My Uncle Terry is a quiet and modest man but had the same outlook as my dad.
“I think my dad and uncle’s strong work ethics stem from my grandpa. Everything they taught me comes from him. He had both working for him at San Dieguito Water District during the summers when they were still in high school. I just have to say, that I’m very proud of these guys and it’s a pretty cool legacy to be a part of.”
Because they are at different agencies, Pedrazzi and Sherwood don’t cross paths during their work hours, but they sometimes see each other at training meetings.
“He’s only a city away or a phone call,” said Sherwood.
Amos Sherwood worked for the San Dieguito Water District from 1960 – 1990 and rose to become superintendent there. Photo: Courtesy Jessica Sherwood
Eric Rasmussen said family ties help, but family lessons learned and applied make the difference.
“With my dad leading the way, you can do nothing but give thanks to him and my mom for what we’ve been blessed with, and the ethics we possess,” said Eric.
Father Howard adds, “You may not think your kids are listening, but they do.”
(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority, Vista Irrigation District, San Dieguito Water District, Vallecitos Water District and the Olivenhain Municipal Water District are five of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Vallecitos Water District Senior Pump and Motor Technician Dale Austin is a strong advocate and one-person recruiting program, encouraging military veterans to consider water and wastewater industry careers. As an eighth-generation military veteran with 20 years of service, he successfully transitioned to his current profession and wants to help others do the same.
“Every job in the military can be transferred into a water agency,” said Austin. “I’m a proud veteran. I will support veterans 110% any way I can, any time of the day.
“One of the things I can tell a veteran preparing for a job or seeking a job within this field is be prepared. Prepare yourself. You’re always training for a deployment or another duty assignment. This job is no different.”
Half of all water and wastewater industry employees are expected to retire in the next 15 years. Many of those workers hold essential positions. The value of these essential workers became especially clear due to the pandemic.
In just the next five years, about 1,400 water and wastewater industry jobs are expected to open across the San Diego region. In addition to engineers and plant operators, the industry relies on technicians, accountants, electricians, mechanics, information technology specialists, and many other occupations.
Austin encourages veterans to explore their options through opportunities available for education and training, such as the certificate and degree programs at Cuyamaca College and Palomar College.
“Seek out volunteer programs. Seek out tours. Call a water agency. There are programs there. Take full advantage of those,” said Austin. “Go to job fairs. Read job postings, even if you don’t know what kind of job you may qualify for.”
Water and wastewater industry jobs allow veterans to continue serving their community by providing safe, sanitary water and ensuring public health and safety. Careers are stable with good salaries and benefits. Water and wastewater professionals serve in communities and agencies of all sizes.
“I want to do the best for the ratepayers. I really take pride in that. I think the military instilled that in me. It’s a team environment here. It’s like a military coalition. I love working with my team. I believe the military helped me achieve that,” said Austin.
Skills acquired from military service translate well to water and wastewater industry jobs. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
San Diego area veterans can learn about career opportunities at a dedicated web portal for veterans, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. New laws in California supported by the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies offer credit for military education and experience when applying for industry jobs.
Austin especially encourages women veterans to consider water industry careers. “I work with great women leaders here [Vallecitos Water District]. Your career choices are endless. You’re focused on doing well. As a veteran, you have a hand up,” said Austin.
Austin said his 11 years working at the Vallecitos Water District feels like working in a military environment in positive ways.
“We take care of each other. Everyone helps everyone else. I love the sense of accomplishment and the sense of satisfaction of doing a job well,” said Austin. “A lot of our jobs are unrecognized by the public. You turn your tap on, you flush your toilet. Everything works. I get a sense of satisfaction with my group knowing we did a job well.”
(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019