Top Issue

Anthony Rodriguez

Utility Worker 

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?  

Keep on working on certifications and always keep an extra set of clothes in your truck, because you will get wet. 

Michael Divine

Water System Operator 

What is your favorite part about working in water?     

My favorite thing about working in water is getting to problem solve issues that come up. 

Kim Silva

Environmental Programs Manager 

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?  

The advice I would give myself when I first started my career in water would be to learn the basics and build a strong foundation of the importance of water in terms of distribution, treatment, and preservation. Also, to observe the many components that the water industry has to offer. 

Emma Potratz

Environmental Programs Specialist  

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?   

I was attracted to working in public service, and my background in outreach turned out to be a good fit for my city’s stormwater program needs – now I work to spread awareness on issues and resources related to water quality and conservation in local schools and the broader community. 

Justin Giesler 

Utility Crew Member  

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?   

While exiting the military I knew working in the water industry would be a good career choice. I got involved with water through the San Diego County Water Authority internship.  

Jessica Mackey 

Board Secretary 

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?  

Don’t be afraid to ask around for help; the water industry has been around for a long, long time and if you don’t know the answer, someone somewhere will!   

Cynthia Esparza 

Environmental Compliance Inspector 

What is your favorite part about working in water? 

My favorite part of working in the water industry is the amount of technology innovation, and system improvements that continue to constantly change. There are so many intelligent people working in our industry. It is so cool to see how problem solving and tool creation are sometimes invented simply by the focus to continue and complete the task at hand or finish the job.     

J. Dean Garcia 

Assistant Engineer 

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water? 

If I could give myself advice at the start of my career in water, it would be to ask more questions. I’ve learned that staying curious keeps even senior inspectors and engineers on their toes, and there’s a wealth of knowledge to gain from colleagues with years of experience. If you want to excel in this field, the first step is being proactive about learning and not hesitating to seek clarity, even on the basics.    

Megan Thurmond 

Microbiologist 

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?  

With an environmental science degree, I wanted a career where the science meets service. Water work checked every box—hands-on, data-driven, and mission-focused. I entered the field as a lab technician and worked my way up to microbiologist, applying my lab skills to real-world decisions that matter every day for the people and places I care about.    

Vanessa Rivera 

Operations Coordinator

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?  

I came into the water industry by accident, but what drew me in was the opportunity to pivot into a broader, more dynamic role. I was intrigued by the chance to support the operations department and get involved in the many dimensions of water, from infrastructure and compliance to service delivery and environmental impact. Compared to my previous position, this role offered a much wider scope and greater potential for growth, which really appealed to me and has been so rewarding.   

Shane Sullivan 

Water Treatment Operator

What is your favorite part about working in water? 

Being hands on. Every part of the plant we handle here. We are sometimes mechanics, fabricators, repairmen, chemists, microbiologists, investigators, problem solvers, operators of the facility and when the need arises, tour guides.     

Andrea Scott 

Engineering Technician

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?

The challenges that feel overwhelming at first eventually become the ones you’re most proud of solving. Keep asking questions, stay curious, and trust your instincts. They’re often more solid than you think. It’s easy to assume everyone else has it all figured out, but most of the time, everyone is learning together. With time and experience, your confidence will grow. Keep showing up and doing the work.   

Juliana Luengas 

Environmental Compliance Specialist

What is your favorite part about working in water?   

My favorite part about working in water is knowing the work we do directly impacts the community every day. Water is so important, especially in California. I find a sense of purpose in my work, and I like being involved in an industry that ensures the health and safety of the public and the environment.

Jeff Goin 

Senior Disinfection Technician

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?

I went on a school field trip to Helix Water District’s water treatment plant when I was in elementary school. I was fascinated with the treatment plant and how it worked. Years later, I was looking for a career path. I saw an ad in the newspaper for Lakeside Water District. I applied and was the lucky one to get the job as a utility worker, and here I am, a senior disinfection tech at Otay Water District. It’s been a great journey/career path.

Tenille Otero 

Communications Officer

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?

I would give myself advice to do exactly what I did, which was not to fear learning new skills and to take on various and new responsibilities. It helped me learn about the numerous areas in the industry, diversify my skillset and abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of what I might like to do and what I might not like to do. Additional advice I would give myself is to not be afraid to move on when you feel like your career is ready for a change: as a Gen Xer, we tend to stay at a job for many years, so I would tell myself then that it is ok to forge ahead and create new pathways and opportunities. We only live once! 

Daniel Lockhart 

Construction & Maintenance Crew Supervisor

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?

I would advise anyone starting their career in water to work hard, never stop learning, and work on consistently getting a little bit better each and every day. 

Sarah Hargis 

Inspection Supervisor

What is your favorite part about working in water? 

My favorite part about working in water is the variety and challenge each project brings. I love collaborating to find long-lasting solutions that ensure quality infrastructure. It’s incredibly rewarding to now mentor others the way my early mentors supported me. I also enjoy being outdoors and working hands-on with projects that make a tangible difference in the community.  

Peter Houze 

Utility Worker

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?  

Friends in the water industry encouraged me to explore the field, knowing I was looking for a more stable and meaningful career that matched my interests in customer service, mechanical work, and public service. I enrolled in the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College, completed several programs, and began working as a Utility Worker Trainee at Lakeside Water District. I later joined Padre Dam as a Utility Worker and was recently promoted to Valve Technician, where I’m enjoying the challenge and added responsibility. 

Croft Oxley 

Water Utilities Crew Leader

What is your favorite part about working in water?

My favorite part of working in the water industry is the wide variety of work. One day, you might be operating an excavator, and the next, you’re calculating flushing times or testing a meter’s accuracy. Every time you think you have seen it all, some new challenge arises that keeps your days interesting and your mind sharp.

Amjad “MJ” Mohamad 

Wastewater Utilities Crew Leader

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?

Be patient and stay curious. The water industry is incredibly broad, and it takes time to find your niche. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentors, and get involved in fieldwork early. And remember that communication is just as important as technical skill-building relationships with colleagues, regulators, and communities will be just as vital as solving engineering problems.

Carina Garcia 

Customer Service Representative

What is your favorite part about working in water?

My favorite part about working in the water industry is knowing that the work I do directly supports both our community and the environment. I take pride in being a reliable point of contact for our customers and view every interaction as an opportunity to educate, assist, and build trust. Whether it’s helping customers understand their water usage or supporting conservation efforts, I find great fulfillment in knowing my work has a tangible, positive impact. I’m proud to support our mission to provide safe, reliable water to the community we serve.   

Richard Kerouac 

Watershed Caretaker

What is your favorite part about working in water?

My favorite part about working in the water sector is the exhilarating challenge of constant improvement. This field is dynamic, presenting diverse tasks and evolving circumstances that demand ingenuity. I particularly love those moments when I have the opportunity to rethink a system or process; it’s where I feel I can truly leave a lasting impact. My ultimate goal isn’t just to solve immediate issues, but to ignite a lasting drive for excellence and innovation. Knowing that this pursuit directly contributes to something as critical as access to clean water for our communities is why I’m so passionate about what I do.  

Asha Howard 

Senior Human Resources Analyst

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?  

I didn’t originally set out to work in the water industry, but I’ve always been drawn to public service and making a local impact. Water is essential, it connects to nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from the restaurants we dine in, to the splash pads where children play, to the fire hydrants that help protect our neighborhoods.  

Once I entered the industry, I quickly realized how truly vital and far-reaching water is. What really stood out to me was the collaborative nature of the work. The water sector brings together people from all walks of life, each with unique skills and experiences, working across departments toward a shared mission: delivering safe, reliable water to the community. I discovered that my own background and abilities aligned well with supporting this mission, and I’ve found real purpose in helping carry it forward.

Justin Shutt 

Pump / Motor Technician

What is your favorite part about working in water? 

My favorite part about working in the water industry is the technical challenges and problem-solving involved. Every day brings something different, and it’s satisfying to know that my work helps make sure people have safe, reliable water in their homes and communities.

Caitlyn Tran 

Development Services Assistant Engineer

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved?  

I became interested while I was in school for my Civil Engineering degree. Hydraulics and water management and design were a part of the required course work. The more water related classes I took, the more I enjoyed it and wanted to make a career out of. The logistics of transporting water over thousands of miles was interesting. Not only do you need to think how to move the water efficiently, but also how to keep it safe for consumption, and its aesthetics.

Craig Durban

Maintenance Services Worker

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water? 

There will be long days, tough jobs, and unexpected messes—but every line you clear and every system you maintain protects your community. That’s real work with real meaning.

Jeson Nikrasch

Project Manager 

What first attracted you to work in the water industry? How did you get involved? 

Both my parents worked in the water and wastewater industry for a combined 58 years. I grew up observing them provide a positive service to the community they served. Their service provided a stable and positive livelihood that I hoped to find when I entered the workforce. I was fortunate enough to be hired at Valley Center Water at the age of 24 and will reach 19 years of service with Valley Center in September of 2025. 

Brandon Dendy

Electrician: Pumps/ Motors

What is your favorite part about working in water?  

Being a part of our District that gets to deliver such a crucial element of life to our community every day. 

Marlene Martinez

Senior GIS Analyst 

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water? 

I’d remind myself it’s okay not to have all the answers—trust your GIS instincts and don’t hesitate to speak up and ask questions. Staying curious, sharing your perspective, and collaborating openly will build the confidence you’ll rely on throughout your career. Remember, your GIS analyses aren’t just data—they tell stories that influence real-world solutions. 

Del Odavar

Accounting Technician

What is your favorite part about working in water?

My favorite part are the people and its environment. I am so honored and pleased to work with people that come from a diverse background. The admirable credentials and incomparable specialization of all the staff especially here at the Water Authority is very challenging to me, yet it inspires me to thrive more and be competitive.

Monika Wojcik

Senior Management Analyst

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water? 

If I could go back to the beginning of my career in water, I’d tell myself to be patient and curious. At first, it was overwhelming trying to understand all the moving parts of a public agency and the complexity behind water rates and infrastructure planning. But over time, I realized that asking questions, building connections with colleagues in other departments, and learning the “why” behind the numbers made my work in finance much more meaningful. I’d remind myself that even behind spreadsheets, we’re helping ensure a reliable and safe water supply for our region. 

Nicole Spriggs

Administrative Assistant

What first attracted you to work in water/ how did you get involved with water? 

I became interested in working in water after working for the government for 20 years and seeing the amazing things the water industry did for the region and how essential the service of providing clean, reliable water is to the community. I got involved in water after continuously visiting the San Diego County Water Authority website and eventually applying for an administrative assistant position, which turned out to be a rewarding experience. 

Jordan Beane

Principal Public Affairs Representative

What is your favorite part about working in water?    

My favorite part about working in water is how much there is to learn. As someone who thought they knew a lot about policy and government, this has been a fascinating journey of finding out how California and the west operates. 

Katie Zychowicz

Public Affairs Representative & Graphic Designer

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water? 

Learn as much as you can about all of the aspects of water: water resources, engineering, biology, policy and history. It will help so much with your work to understand the bigger picture around water. Everyone is really friendly, ask them about their jobs and get to know what they do.

Marisol Gonzalez

Administrative Assistant

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water? 

The one piece of advice I would have given myself when I first started my career in water is why didn’t I start sooner! 

Efren Lopez

Senior Water Resources Specialist

What is your favorite part about working in water? 

My favorite part about working in water resources is helping ensure a reliable, sustainable supply for our communities. As a Senior Water Resources Specialist at the San Diego County Water Authority, I enjoy planning for future needs, adapting to climate challenges, and educating the region through media and presentations about our supply reliability and the many initiatives that benefit San Diego County. 

Mina Ziaei

Senior Management Analyst

What first attracted you to work in water/ how did you get involved with water?  

My passion for the water industry began early, growing up with a father who is a retired water resources manager and advocate. Inspired by his work, I pursued a master’s in civil and environmental engineering focused on water resources management at Georgia Tech. Since then, I’ve worked with global consulting firms, DWR, and I joined SDCWA in 2022—driven by a deep commitment to solving water challenges. 

Kevan Dykmans

Construction Manager

What is your favorite part about working in water?     

My favorite part about working in water is knowing that the work I do has a direct and lasting impact on the integrity of our aqueduct system, public health, and the environment. Water infrastructure is often out of sight, but it’s absolutely critical and being part of the team that ensures safe, reliable delivery feels meaningful every day. 

I also really enjoy the technical challenges. Whether it’s rehabilitating an aging aqueduct, coordinating complex mechanical installations, or overseeing quality control on coatings and structural work, each project is unique and keeps me learning and engaged. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a system come together, knowing it will serve the community for decades to come. 

David Arthur

Engineer P.E.

What is your favorite part about working in water?   

What I love most about working in water is just how essential it is to our daily lives. Water plays a vital role in everything we do—from baking a loaf of bread to fighting fires and sustaining agriculture. We, quite literally, cannot live without it. Since the San Diego region has such a limited natural water supply, it’s incredibly rewarding to be involved in bringing this critical resource to our communities. Knowing that our region couldn’t thrive without imported water gives me a sense of purpose and pride in the work we do to support the sustainability of our communities. 

Josephina (Phina) Salgado

ROW Technician

What is your favorite part about working in water?   

I truly value the collaborative spirit of the water industry. Whether collaborating with other water agencies, the community, or my team, there is a strong sense of purpose and teamwork that makes even the toughest challenges feel rewarding 

Ron LaMadrid

Senior Information Systems Analyst, Information Security

What is your favorite part about working in water?   

Working at the San Diego County Water Authority means being part of something greater than yourself. In my role, I am fortunate to collaborate with highly skilled professionals as we work to secure our systems and support the Water Authority’s mission to deliver a safe and reliable water supply to the San Diego region. 

Jeff Yen

Senior Information Systems Analyst, Web-Based Applications Development

What is your favorite part about working in water?   

What I appreciate most is that our work can make a real difference and have a positive impact on our customers. I’m privileged to work with teammates who are genuinely committed to doing the right thing — they work hard to create reliable, effective solutions for our colleagues and the communities we serve. We also have the support to focus on high quality, long-term results, which empowers us to plan and build for the future. 

Tommy Clowers

Safety Officer

What is your favorite part about working in water?   

I appreciate the importance of the product we deliver. It takes a team of people to ensure clean and safe water for millions of people. There’s a lot of responsibility in that! 

Angelina Renee

Management Analyst, Admin & Records

What first attracted you to work in water/ how did you get involved with water? 

A coworker encouraged to take a Metropolitan Water District Inspection Trip to get an up close look at our water delivery system. Getting to see firsthand the vastness of the infrastructure and how much work goes in to getting potable water to our taps was eye opening. After that trip I was hooked and applied for the first position in water that opened up at that agency and haven’t looked back. 

Anthony Campbell

SCADA Specialist

What is your favorite part about working in water?

Working with a small community of professionals that support in providing safe, clean and reliable water to millions of people. 

Daniel Ramirez

Asset Management Specialist

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water? 

The advice I would give the younger me is to always keep a safety mindset. It is okay to take a step back and really take everything in during a pipeline inspection or facility condition assessment in hot weather to prevent any injury or illness. Health is wealth, and the most important part of the water industry is the people that help deliver the water. 

Thomas Wooten

SCADA Supervisor

What first attracted you to work in water/ how did you get involved with water?

I got involved in the water industry through hands-on construction and utility work, and quickly discovered how vital this field is to public health and environmental stewardship. What started as field support work—repairing water mains, maintaining valves, and inspecting infrastructure—evolved into a deep commitment to improving the systems that keep our communities running. 

Over time, I moved into SCADA, electrical, and mechanical roles, and later into leadership, where I could make a broader impact on reliability, safety, and efficiency. I was drawn to the complexity and purpose of the work—especially in water and wastewater operations, where every system, valve, or control panel contributes to something bigger. 

What keeps me in this field is the challenge and responsibility of managing critical infrastructure and mentoring teams who care just as much about keeping the water flowing safely and reliably as I do. 

Jeff Cremeans

Maintenance Worker

What is your favorite part about working in water?    

The people I get to work with and the opportunity to educate the homeowners we interact with on a daily basis about where their water actually comes from. 

DeAnna Peterson

Management Analyst

What first attracted you to work in water/ how did you get involved with water?

I became involved with water being hired from the public sector in an administrative support role. I was excited and very honored to work in the public sector overall to contribute directly to improving and consistently maintaining the services for my fellow neighbors and residents. As I learned about the water industry, I became fascinated by the entire water system in California. There is constant career and learning opportunities as well as challenges. As my career and knowledge have grown in the water industry, so has my pride and sense of accomplishment. 

William Tsueng

Senior Asset Management Specialist

What is your favorite part about working in water?    

•Working with fantastic people. 

•Visiting amazing locations throughout San Diego County. 

•Serving the public from a position that does not draw attention. 

•Performing internal pipe inspections. 

•Working with technology. 

Victor DeJesus 

Senior Electrical/Instrumentation Technician

What is your favorite part about working in water?    

As a Senior Electrical Instrumentation Technician my favorite part of is this job is being part of a team working on a variety of systems that support the ability for the Water Authority’s System Operators to perform remote control water delivery safely and accurately throughout San Diego County. Electrical Journeyman by trade, I found the various tasks our team performs every day here unique and interesting. On any given day, our work can range from calibrating electronic flow meters, upgrading programmable logic controllers, troubleshooting cellular and fiber communication networks, maintaining access control software/hardware or the installation of new LED fixtures. Our work is never static! There is always something interesting to do. I like that what my colleagues and I do is enduring.

Ian Quigley  

Maintenance Worker

What is your favorite part about working in water?    

My favorite part about working in water is that it lets you see the complexity of the water systems used by everyone everyday and being a part of maintaining the systems to continue proving the water to the community. It gives a great sense of accomplishment. 

Mike Stansel   

Senior System Operator

What advice would you give yourself when you first started your career in water?

I wish I would have listened to others in the industry when I was a teenager, and started my water career earlier in life. Treat every day like a job interview, your reputation precedes you. Continue your education even if you don’t think you need today, it can open opportunities for you tomorrow.  

Lily Winesett

Corrosion Control Intern

What first attracted you to work in water/ how did you get involved with water? 

I got involved in water through my internship with the corrosion department. What drew me in is getting to see how the water system and infrastructure work behind the scenes. It’s something most people rely on every day without thinking about it, so I think it’s really cool to understand and see the systems that make that possible. I’ve also enjoyed learning how many different departments are needed to complete projects and solve problems. It’s given me a whole new appreciation for how complex maintaining this whole system is.