Rick has nearly 30 years of experience working in Wastewater Treatment and Collection for the Region of Niagara. He has worked as a wastewater operator and an operations manager for Niagara's 11 wastewater treatment facilities. Rick's experience extends beyond wastewater treatment, with knowledge in maintenance, industrial waste inspection, biosolids management, and health and safety.
Rick has been active in the Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) since 1997 as a competitor and judge for the Operations Challenge, and has served as a Director for the past 10 years. He also volunteers for Water Environment Federation (WEF) as a judge for the Operations Challenge at WEFTEC, and a participant in the Operators of the Future Working Group.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
- Water Environment Federation (WEF)
- Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO)
- Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:
- 2009: Awarded the Water Environment Federation's William D. Hatfield Award "In Recognition of Outstanding Performance" on works, operations, management and advancement of knowledge in the field of water pollution control.
- 2005: Chaired WEAO's Operations Challenge Committee
- 2006-2009: Director for the WEAO
- 2009-2016: Chair of the Professional Wastewater Operators Committee (PWO) and representative on WEAO's Board of Directors
- 2009-Present: Member of the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change (MOECC) Operator Certification Working Group