People Behind the Pipes

1. Describe your job.

The Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Programs Administrator is a job that touches every person at the District. The programs I manage include industrial-focused safety programs, like:

• confined space safety or energy controls that center on treatment plant and field operations;
• heat illness prevention for DSRSD harvesters at the dedicated land disposal facility; and
• ergonomic safety for the District's office workers. 

On the environmental side, there are several programs covering hazardous waste, handling, storage, and disposal. EHS tracks permits and gathers data for reporting to regulators. Training is required by most programs and regulations, and EHS coordinates or provides it for the District. There are security and emergency response duties as well. 

2. How did you get into this field?

I was a helicopter crewman and rescue swimmer in the U.S. Navy, where safety is always a top priority. I eventually became the Safety Petty Officer and performed aviation safety duties full time. When I retired from active duty, I was hired as a civilian Safety Specialist by the Navy and located in Naples, Italy. An opportunity came up in Napa, CA and I moved back to the U.S. as the Napa County Safety Officer. This solidified my career path and when the job at DSRSD came open, I jumped at the chance to get back into a more industrial setting.

3. What do you like best about your job?

One of my last assignments on active duty was to take 700 enlisted people and conduct operations in Iraq for nine months. My goal was very simple: go there, get the job done and bring everyone home. I'm proud to say that we were successful. My favorite part of this job is similar: I really enjoy being part of a team that does a difficult - sometimes dangerous - job, provides a service to the community, and helps everyone get home safely.  

4. What is the biggest challenge of your position?

The biggest challenge in this position is the art of negotiation. It is difficult to blend all necessary requirements and regulations into a single program that allows for universally easy compliance; the difficulty grows when the program affects multiple departments that may use different methods to complete a task or address a hazard. The District recently was successful in overcoming this challenge when the Lock Out / Tag Out program was implemented, which establishes safe guidelines when working around electrified equipment.  

5. What is something unique about yourself?

I really enjoy motorcycle touring. Memorable trips include a ride across the U. S. coast to coast, a tour of all the canyons from Washington to Arizona, and a five-country tour of Europe with my 16 year-old grandson. 

6. What do you like to do in your free time?

I am trying to raise bees (which is not as easy as you think!). I like to grow fruit trees and we have a vegetable garden that produces enough to share. I also really enjoy taking RV trips on weekends; every other year we drive it out to the East Coast to see family.