When everything is working as it should, most people never think about the miles of water and wastewater infrastructure operating beneath and throughout The Woodlands. But keeping that system running reliably takes a team of people who are constantly inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and improving it.
Matthew is a Senior Maintenance Technician in the Field Services Department for SJRA’s Woodlands Division, and his work takes him throughout the community to maintain the infrastructure residents and businesses depend on every day. Matthew and his team operate and maintain SJRA’s 29 lift stations, respond to water and sewer main breaks, and maintain the collection and distribution systems throughout The Woodlands. Their work includes locating underground lines and maintaining pressure-reducing valves, air-release valves, isolation valves, manholes, and other critical infrastructure. They also take on larger projects, including easement clearing, tree removal and contracted repairs throughout the water and wastewater systems.
No Two Days Are the Same
Matthew’s day typically begins with a morning meeting to review the team’s planned work. From there, he loads the equipment, tools, and materials needed for the job and heads to the work site. The job could be a quick repair followed by several other projects, or it could require the entire day.
And then there are the jobs no one planned for. Emergencies can change the schedule at a moment’s notice. When a water main breaks, for example, the team immediately shifts its focus to isolating the affected line and making repairs as quickly as possible. Customer concerns and service issues are also treated as top priorities. That unpredictability is one of the defining parts of the job.
Matthew may spend part of his day repairing infrastructure in the field and another part locating underground assets or working with other SJRA departments on a project. He works closely with Technical Services to locate and verify field assets for engineering projects and with the GIS team to help build and refine maps of SJRA’s infrastructure. He also works with operations and maintenance teams on repairs throughout the system and at SJRA facilities.
Maintaining Today. Preparing for Tomorrow
Keeping water and wastewater infrastructure reliable isn’t just about responding when something breaks. Preventative maintenance and long-term planning are equally important. SJRA continually invests in its infrastructure and looks for ways to improve efficiency as existing systems age. That includes evaluating processes, incorporating new technology and making improvements designed to extend the life and reliability of the system. That long-term approach helps SJRA continue providing dependable water and wastewater services today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.
SJRA also works with its customers and partners, including Woodlands Water, to help educate the community about where its water comes from and the extensive infrastructure and work required to deliver it.
Making a Difference in the Field
For Matthew, one of the most rewarding parts of working at SJRA is knowing that his work matters. He appreciates knowing that the work he does in the field directly contributes to the organization’s success, and ultimately benefits the customers who rely on SJRA’s water and wastewater systems.
He also values the opportunity to continue learning. SJRA provides employees with opportunities for training and professional development, allowing Matthew to expand his knowledge and stay current in the water and wastewater industry. Much of his work happens out of sight, but its impact is felt every day. Whether responding to an emergency, maintaining a valve, locating a buried line, or helping complete a larger infrastructure project, Matthew and the Field Services team are working behind the scenes to keep The Woodlands’ water and wastewater systems operating reliably.
It’s work that may go unnoticed when everything is running smoothly, and that’s exactly the point.
