The City of Winlock is looking for volunteers who are interested in training in the water and sewer department. This will be the fifth year offering this training, former Mayor Lonnie Dowell started this program the first year and the program has continued under former Mayor Donald Bradshaw and Mayor Brandon Svenson.
Over the years, volunteers who have graduated from the program are: Sue Parker who is now a licensed water and sewer operator. Heather Luurs has graduated and passed the program but she has not taken her certification. Jessie Weimer has graduated and has passed his water and wastewater certificate. James Agren will graduate in April of 2021. This training will open up opportunities to work in this field. Wages in this field range from $35,000 per year up to $100,000 per year.
You will be getting training in water distribution and wastewater.
The training starts on April 16, 2021. Some of the things you will learn are how to operate the computer system, pump maintenance, process control procedures, lab tech work, infrastructure repair, cross-connections, regulations for DOE and DOH, and much more. There is a study regiment with this program and materials will be checked out to the volunteer.
This is a one-year, unpaid volunteer program, and you will work 4 hours per day. Monday through Friday. Must be 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or a GED. The City will work around your job. If you compare this program to the cost of going to school to learn this field you will see what a great opportunity this is. Rodney Cecil, Superintendent of the Winlock Water and Sewer Department stated, "This is a great opportunity for someone, this line of work typically pays upwards to $100,000 a year along with benefits."
Mayor Brandon Svenson stated, "This is an excellent opportunity for someone in our community to embark on a new career that offers a good income and benefits. This has been a successful program for many years and we look forward to offering it for years to come."
You can pick up a volunteer application at City Hall. You can also call Rodney Cecil at the water sewer department if you have any questions, his number is 360-520-5589 or 360-785-3811. Deadline for applications: March 15, 2021.