In this Q&A, we sit down with a Senior Instrumentation Control Technician, Arup Paul from Dublin San Ramon Services District to explore his journey into the wastewater industry, his passion for environmental sustainability, and his volunteer work with CWEA. With a background in PLC programming and a deep commitment to the water sector, Paul shares insights on the importance of continuous training, the rewarding nature of their work, and advice for aspiring water professionals. Read on to learn how this dedicated professional is making a meaningful impact on both the environment and the community.
What is your current role and how did you get interested in the wastewater industry?
At Dublin San Ramon Services District I currently work as a senior Instrumentation Control Technician also known as a lead E&I Tech.
The consulting firm I worked for in the Caribbean, currently known as Toshiba Water Solutions, provides turnkey solutions to water and wastewater facilities.
As a PLC programmer, my job is to automate the various water and wastewater processes. To do my job efficiently I had to acquire knowledge of the various processes. This generated my interest in water and wastewater fields.
How did you get involved as a CWEA volunteer?
When I was a member of CWEA in 2016, I realized the information for the CWEA E&I certification examination was limited. My involvement as a volunteer subject matter expert was an inspiring way to develop a program that helps E&I candidates better prepare for their certification exams.
The best part of volunteering is the feeling that your contributions are helping someone.
Why is it important we host CWEA training workshops?
I believe it is important for the current workforce and those who would like to join the water and wastewater profession feel confident and knowledgeable about doing their job.
We also need to develop training programs that balance the theory and practices that are standard in the profession. Additionally, we need to impart this knowledge to everyone who needs it at regularly scheduled training intervals.
What do you like most about our industry?
It’s a service to the community as well as to mother nature. Wastewater facilities expedite the waste reduction and filtration process while nature would take a lot longer to generate clean water. I feel proud to be a part of it, helping nature and my community directly.
Working in water and wastewater treatment gives one the opportunity to directly impact the environment by reducing water pollution, energy usage, water consumption, and greenhouse gases.
I feel proud to be associated with such a field, as I am a small part of this noble cause.
What do you recommend to students who want to get into this profession?
Most water and wastewater industries provide a stable job with amazing benefits. As a water and wastewater professional you receive excellent training, a challenging job environment, and the satisfaction that comes with the knowledge that you are directly benefiting your community, ensuring a good quality of life in the present and for generations to come.
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