Created through HB 4005, Oregon's first Water Professionals Appreciation Week runs through October 11th, and recognizes the people who provide safe drinking water, manage wastewater and stormwater, protect public health, and keep essential water infrastructure operating every day.
This week is also an opportunity to increase public awareness about the wide range of meaningful and stable careers within the water sector, including treatment plant operators, environmental science, construction and maintenance, and more. The water workforce will only become more essential as many of Oregon's experienced workers near retirement age, infrastructure ages, and climate change impacts our water resources. A water professional career is a path worth exploring and one that directly supports local communities.
Oregon's highly trained water sector workers aren't thought of very often - people just want their toilet to flush and water to come out of their tap. Professionals in this field are responsible for operating complex infrastructure systems and delivering critical services EVERY SINGLE DAY of the year, 24 hours a day, including holidays. In Jefferson, just 4 people do that (and countless other things!)
Hat's off to the City of Jefferson Public Works Department employees: Jeff, Kyle, Alex, and Terry. #WaterIsLife
