— from Paul Kamin for Eastsound Water —
Eastsound Water and the San Juan Economic Development Council are offering an introductory course for persons interested in learning about a career as a Certified Water System Operator. The course will be taught by Eastsound Water on Orcas Island. Items to be covered will include such topics as:
- How water systems work
- What water system operators do
- Hands on skills like “hot tapping” a water main, performing water quality tests, making leak repairs
- Working with surface water and groundwater
- Distribution system management
- Tours of multiple Orcas water systems
- Water operator certification testing requirements
- Basic water system operator math
T here is a nation-wide shortage of water system operators. Orcas Island, and other San Juan Islands are experiencing this shortage. Working at a water system can provide stable, full time employment with reasonable benefits, and opportunities for career advancement to both men and women. This course is FREE for residents of San Juan County and is specifically designed to help community members learn more about working in this profession and provide them a “leg up” if they wish to apply for work with a number of local water systems seeking operators.
The course is one of series of trades-focused trainings being offered through the San Juan Economic Development Council. Financial sponsors include Eastsound Water, Doe Bay Water, and Olga Water. Eastsound Water is also offering a paid internship to one of the participants that complete this class.
The course will run from mid-September through mid-November, meeting two evenings a week, with some Saturday field trips to local water systems. The course is being taught by 30-year water system manager Ted Wixom. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. There is a $10 filing fee, but no other course expenses.
Contact Eastsound Water General Manager with course questions and for more information on registration call the EDC office at 360-378-2906 or email EDC Trades Coordinator at glenn@sanjuansedc.org.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
