Your Next Operator is Out There: Preparing for Retirement Before it Arrives 

by Southwest EFC | Nov 4, 2026 | Workforce Development

Word Search created with Free Word Search Puzzle Generator at www.superteacherworksheets.com  THE PUZZLE For many small and rural utilities, finding a new operator can feel like searching for hidden words in a challenging word-search puzzle.  The letters are...

How Arizona High School Students Are Exploring Water Careers Through Hands-On Learning

by Southwest EFC | Nov 3, 2026 | Wastewater, Workforce Development

Host: Jenelle C. Booker, Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center Guest: Chris Judd, Water Systems Instructor at West-MEC in Surprise, Arizona In this two-part podcast series, The Emerging Role of Career and Technical Education Schools in Certifying the Next...

Future Water Leaders: Water Utility Internships in Action

by Zoë Eisel | Sep 29, 2026 | Small Water Systems, Wastewater, Workforce Development

Future Water Leaders (FWL) is a national workforce development program designed to build the next generation of water professionals. The program introduces high school students to careers in the water sector through a two-pronged approach: equipping educators with...

Growing a Career in Wastewater

by Southwest EFC | Sep 28, 2026 | Wastewater, Workforce Development

Hosts: Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, & Dr. Jason Barrett, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute (MWRRI) Guest: David Karr of Mitchell Technical Services Following their discussion on workforce challenges and opportunities, hosts Anthony Craven, Eric...

Wastewater Workforce Wisdom

by Southwest EFC | Sep 25, 2026 | Wastewater, Workforce Development

In “Wastewater Workforce Wisdom,” hosts Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, and Dr. Jason Barrett welcome wastewater veteran David Karr for a conversation about the people behind the profession. From recruiting and retaining operators to developing future...

Preparing Water Utilities For An Aging Workforce

by Southwest EFC | Sep 24, 2026 | Compliance with Drinking Water Regulations, Utility Management, Water Operator Certification, Workforce Development

Water utilities nationwide are facing a critical workforce challenge as experienced operators, managers, and technicians approach retirement. In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network Podcast, Anthony Craven and Eric Williams of the Mississippi Water...