People Behind the Pipes

1. Describe your job. 

I am a Mechanic II, assigned to take care of the equipment used at DSRSD. I ensure that all equipment is functioning appropriately and safely. I work on District vehicles, camel trucks, generators, dredges, trailers, small motorized equipment, etc. The wide scope of assets we have at the District means that I must familiarize myself with many different systems – such as hydraulic, electrical, light welding and fabricating, and mechanical – and their unique safety aspects.

 2. How did you get into this industry? 

I worked for Peterson Caterpillar Tractor Company for six years. Then, in 2019 an opportunity came up to work at the Livermore Reclamation Plant as a Mechanic. This gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about the wastewater treatment plant process and various equipment used to support wastewater treatment. I joined DSRSD in May 2022, where I had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of equipment and to learn how treatment plants may differ in their approach to wastewater treatment.

3. What do you like best about your job? 

No two days are alike – I love to stay busy, and this job fulfills that aspect. I also love to experience the sense of accomplishment when a piece of equipment leaves the shop better than when it arrives. I get to pinpoint why something failed and then figure out how to repair it.

4. What is the biggest challenge of your job?  

One of the biggest challenges I face is taking the time to look for and locate replacement parts. There are often many different options available, and it’s imperative to take the time to ensure that the part I am ordering is correct, cost-efficient and the most reliable option out there. In an already busy workday, this time-consuming task forces me to balance workload and research time. 

5. What is something unique about yourself?

I enjoy learning new things. Whenever I start researching something, I can spend hours digging into the information. I also love sharing what I have learned with others. I am interested in a variety of topics: Bible teachings, history, nature, DIY, etc. 

6. What are your favorite hobbies?

 I enjoy spending time with my family – some of our favorite activities are hikes, bike rides, beach trips, and Bible study. I also like playing basketball and baseball. Every Sunday morning, I wake up early to play a pick-up game of basketball with some friends before getting ready to meet with our congregation. I also love grilling, especially on game days. Something about the smell of barbecue and watching football... just goes hand in hand.