Meet Our Employees
It’s our people that make the difference! The dedication and passion our employees have for the work they do every day and the communities they serve is what makes us stand out as the leading water and wastewater provider in Ontario.
Allison McGuckin
Occupation:
Process and Compliance Technician, Paris, Ontario
Education:
Bachelor of Science, major in Geography, minor in Biology.
Interests:
“I was always obsessed with environmental and water related issues.”
On the job:
“I do environmental compliance, which means that I make sure what goes out to the rivers meets the strict environmental standards set by the provincial and federal governments. I go out in the field and take samples, and then analyze them in the lab. I get to conduct research, do in-house monitoring of raw sewage and then write standards and process manuals for every process we carry out. And I write all of the quarterly and annual reports. A bonus — I get to use my math skills!”
Best thing about my job:
“I get to use my degree every day!”
Why you should join us:
“Women make great water workers, as they are very detail-oriented, able to prioritize and have great organizational skills that are highly valuable in this industry.”
Sean Beech
Occupation:
Operator/Mechanic, Stratford, Ontario
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Major in Environmental Science, minor in Biology.
Interests:
“I first joined OCWA as a summer student before heading off to university.”
On the job:
“As an operator mechanic, I get to use both my brain and my body. This job sure keeps me fit. One moment I am in the lab testing the water or sitting at my desk writing up a report, and the next I am putting on my gear to go outside and clean a tank, or take water samples. This is a great life. You can always be active and doing something different from morning until evening, and you can find something new every day.”
Best Thing About My Job:
“I can use my organizational skills and yet always be active.”
Why You Should Join Us:
“You can come from any background: science, environment, electrical, mechanical, and be able to apply what you know here. In this job you develop new skills constantly, so if you like to learn, and like to use both your head and your hands, this is a great job.”
Leo Liao
Occupation:
Process and Compliance Technician, South Peel Region
Education:
Degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Protection Technology Diploma
Interests:
“I came to Canada with a background in industrial wastewater treatment and water purification. I have always had a passion for the water treatment industry.”
On the job:
“I manage the water sampling, and review trends in both drinking water and wastewater treatment. My job is varied. There is work both inside at a desk where I write monthly and annual compliance reports, and also outside, where I make sure that samples are properly collected and delivered to the labs for analysis. I am also responsible for the health and safety of the plant workers, making sure that all safety procedures are followed by plant personnel, and that all of these people have proper training.”
Best Thing About My Job:
“I love making sure that the drinking water is safe for public consumption and that the wastewater is safe in order to protect the natural environment. I feel pride in making sure that workers have a safe and healthy workplace.”
Why You Should Join Us:
“You get to work with experienced professionals, who take their responsibilities very seriously. If you are interested in working with great people and with leading-edge technologies, OCWA is a great place to work!”
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