By Alec Mackie, Guest writer
After two years of hefty rainfall, our reservoirs are refilling and California’s water outlook is looking better. Our next big water challenge is a shrinking workforce as specialized workers have reached retirement age and are leaving.
California water and wastewater agencies have seen more than half their workforce turn over in recent years as waves of retirees head for the exits, a trend some call the ‘silver tsunami.’
We’re building a healthier, more resilient California water system. Now it’s time to focus on the workforce and get the word out about these stable, well paid, and welcoming and inclusive career opportunities.
Here are some fast facts to know and share about working in water:
- Family sustaining wages and benefits
- Stable employment with a city or municipal water district
- A fast way to $100K with overtime or in specialized, highly in demand trade roles
- No college degree required – community colleges or the Sacramento State Office of Water Programs distance learning classes provide training people need to get their certifications
- The water industry is welcoming and inclusive with California’s leading water agencies offering scholarships, training, and apprenticeship opportunities within disadvantaged communities
- There are over 200 career pathways in the water sector, something for everyone
Who knew? Working in water is a hidden opportunity that no one knows about. This month, California’s water associations are launching the outreach campaign “Your Future is Clear” to spread the word about these golden job opportunities.
What can you do? Ask your local water or wastewater agency about tours, ask them for a speaker for high school or college classes, visit their open houses, and please spread the word.
Details on career pathways, salaries, scholarships, training, and more are available at www.CAWaterJobs.org. Let’s get these job opportunities out there, and refill the talent pipeline of California’s water workers.
Reach Alec Mackie at amackie@cwea.org or visit www.CWEA.org
California Water Environment Association (CWEA)
