People Behind the Pipes

1. Describe your job.

I spend most of my time collecting and analyzing samples from different parts of DSRSD's treatment process and recycled water program. I conduct microbial, physical and chemical water quality tests and provide crucial data which is used to make adjustments to the treatment and disinfection process. I ensure that the potable and recycled water DSRSD provides to its customers – and the treated wastewater that's discharged out to the bay – complies with the federal, state, and local requirements. 

2. How did you get into this field?

I have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from California State University, East Bay. While I was going to school, I knew that I wanted to apply my educational background to serve my community, so I applied for a college internship with the City of San Leandro's Wastewater Pollution Control Plant laboratory. During my 3.5-year internship, I pursued my degree and learned all the necessary skills required for my current role as a laboratory technician. Although I had no idea what I was getting myself into at the time, I have no regrets! I am overjoyed to say that I have found my calling. Upon graduating I worked as a temporary Laboratory Technician for 7 months at DSRSD and was recently permanently hired by DSRSD in that role.  

3. What do you like best about your job?

No two days are alike at the DSRSD lab. Although lab staff have routine samples that come in daily, we are constantly troubleshooting, working towards improving the quality of our work, collaborating with one another, and striving to meet deadlines. I think it's neat to see how all the data we produce is used to paint a picture of the treatment plant’s health; it's like being a doctor and treating a patient (minus all the human organs and blood work). I enjoy working with a dedicated team of people who share the same passion for public service and environmental protection, and working for a district whose mission is to provide reliable and sustainable water and wastewater services to the community in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. 

4. What is the biggest challenge of your position?

The biggest challenge of my position is staying up to date with new regulations, treatment processes, and the future challenges to be faced in water and wastewater treatment. We work in an ever-changing field, where new technologies and methods are constantly being developed and implemented. At times it can be a bit overwhelming to keep up with all the state and federal regulation changes.

5. What is something unique about yourself?

I’m quite the handy woman! My father and brother are both electrical and mechanical engineers and have shared their passion for tinkering and building things with me from an early age. I'm well-versed in power tools and perform my own car maintenance. I don't trust any other person besides my father and older brother to work on Joli- that's my 2010 VW Jetta. I also study many styles of dance (classical ballet, jazz, hula, Tahitian, modern ballet, and Mexican ballet folklorico).

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

There's a long list of things I like to do in my spare time. Aside from dancing and maintaining my car, collecting and propagating succulents and cacti takes up most of my time in the spring and summer. I love learning and am always picking up new hobbies (even though most don’t stick). I’m proud of my Mexican heritage and try to keep my family traditions alive through my cooking and baking. Most weekends you can find my boyfriend and I in the kitchen along with Slushie, our needy 9-year-old pitbull terrier/sidekick.