![]() ![]() “We generate work orders based on each walk, and our field services team follows up,” says Burchfield. ![]() Knee-deep in the water, the creek walkers look for pipes that are cracked, for pipes that have been bumped by trees washing downstream during high water, or for erosion that might leave pipes unsupported and vulnerable to cracking. They generally walk the creeks during low-flow periods they work two or three at a time for safety. Once a year, the water utility joins with the stormwater utility for a creek-walking event, but the water utility also has a three-person watershed crew that routinely walks creeks known to have issues with sewer pipes that cross them, or other potential problems. The creek walking program was one reason Columbus Water Works won a 2019 Sustainable Utility Award for utility management from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. When you’re walking, you can see how the stream is flowing, and if it looks healthy. We also observe the wildlife, such as frogs, turtles and minnows. It’s like any inspection: You have to know where to look. “We find it very beneficial to routinely walk the creeks,” says Vic Burchfield, senior vice president for the Division of Information, Security, Environmental and Meter Services in Columbus, a Georgia city of nearly 200,000. We will contact you and connect you to liaisons in your area who can give you advice, introduce you to other contacts, and point you to job and training opportunities.Columbus Water Works team members regularly wade upstream in creeks looking for problems such as cracked sewer pipes or erosion that has left pipes unsupported.Ĭolumbus Water Works uses electronic monitoring and other technology to manage its watershed and its water and wastewater treatment, but it also uses more pedestrian methods. Without a doubt, transitioning veterans bring these important values when they join the water/wastewater industry.Ĭonnect to Veterans in the Water Sector like Gwen by filling out and submitting the form below. Organizations in the water industry focus on providing exceptional and efficient public service and ensuring all our decisions are made with the highest level of integrity and ethics. These are the keys to landing that perfect job! Spend time with the military career center to craft your resume, hone your interviewing techniques, and learn the importance of networking. One of the biggest challenges for transitioning veterans is “translating military terminology into civilian language(s)”. These skills and talents are very valuable to many organizations. Advice for Veterans and Transitioning Service Members:Īs a member of the military, you develop valuable skills, competencies and experience wonderful and challenging opportunities, both mentally and physically. Since then, I have served in progressively responsible leadership roles in Human Resources, Customer Service, Accounting and Strategic Planning before being appointed to my current role as Senior Vice-President, Customer Service and Corporate Relations. While a member of the Active Reserves, I served in various roles with the Columbus Consolidated Government (Human Resources and Affirmative Action) and Synovus (Employee Relations) before joining the Columbus Water Works family in 1996 as the Human Resources Manager. I officially retired from the Active Reserves in 2011. McPherson, GA), Chief, Enlisted Career Systems, G1 (Pentagon, Washington, D.C.), Assistant Deputy Director, HRC (Alexandria, VA) and Deputy Director, US Postal Service Agency (Alexandria, VA). I continued to serve in progressively responsible staff and leadership positions, including Staff Officer (Ft Benning, GA), Executive Officer to the G1 (Ft. I served four years on Active Duty before transferring to the Active Reserves. Army in the Adjutant General Corps (Personnel Administration). Background:Īfter graduating from Mercer University in 1981, I was commissioned in the U.S. She has a BS in Biology from Mercer University, an MS in Administration from Columbus State University, and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the Army War College. As a member of the Columbus Water Works’ executive team, she provides Executive support to HR programs and compliance initiatives and has management responsibility for communications, public education, stakeholder relations and educational outreach programs. Gwen Ruff, SPHR, has over thirty-five years of HR and Public Administration experience in the public, private and government sectors. ![]() READ WHY Gwen thinks that Veterans have values that the water and wastewater industry needs! Overview: Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations & Customer Service ![]()
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