Author Archives: Andrew Appell

Jose Martinez firmly believes that military veterans are great candidates for jobs in the water and sewer industries, which sometimes struggle to attract employees. And the general manager of the Otay Water District should know — he’s a United States Navy veteran himself. Granted, Martinez had an easier path than many veterans when he transitioned from the …

Continue reading “A focus on hiring veterans could help ease the industry’s skilled-labor shortage”

Building the water workforce creates multiple benefits for utilities and communities alike. The water sector is facing a high retirement rate and utilities need new water workers to close that gap. Without the next generation of water workers, utilities will struggle to offer the same quality of service. In addressing this challenge, utilities have an …

Continue reading “Building the Water Workforce Webinar”

By Julia LeDoux February 9, 2021 Transitioning service members will no longer have to use their GI Bill funds to attend the Microsoft Systems Academy. “MSAA is now fully funded by Microsoft and is permanently offered online,” said Chris Cortez, vice president of military affairs at Microsoft. “MSSA is one of only a few corporate-sponsored programs that …

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February 25, 2021 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time CAMDEN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–American Water (NYSE: AWK), the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, announced today it has earned the 2021 Military Friendly® Gold Employer, Spouse Employer and Supplier Diversity designations produced by VIQTORY. “American Water remains committed, and takes great pride in creating meaningful opportunities …

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February 24, 2021 Editor’s Note: This feature highlights water utility employees in the San Diego region working during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure a safe, reliable and plentiful water supply. The water industry is among the sectors that are classified as essential. Phil Stevens, Padre Dam Municipal Water District Senior Lab Analyst, is the Water Utility Hero …

Continue reading “Water Utility Hero of the Week, Veteran Phil Stevens, Padre Dam MWD”

This new and exciting program, hosted by the West Basin Municipal Water District and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, is designed to encourage students in 6th grade through community college to explore career options in the water industry. https://www.westbasin.org/community/education/water-industry-careers-and-guest-panel/

November 5, 2020 By Stuart Karasik As we express our profound appreciation and respect to military personnel and veterans this Veterans Day for their contributions and sacrifices to ensure our precious rights and freedoms, I am pleased to introduce you to AWWA member Jose Martinez, general manager of the Otay Water District in Southern California …

Continue reading “Veterans and the water sector: dedicated to community service”