A chance conversation with a family friend resulted in a water industry career for Vallecitos Water District Asset Management Supervisor Lydon Miniter. Nearly two decades later, he has spent almost half his life working in different roles, earning a recent promotion to his current role last November.

Miniter now encourages others to follow him into the water and wastewater industry to take advantage of its job opportunities by sharing his career path story.

Versatility and Curiosity Keys to Career Advancement

Miniter took a temporary role with the Valley Center Municipal Water District while he was pursuing his original goal of becoming a firefighter. But he made the career pivot, and it was a great fit for someone who wanted to contribute to his community.

Miniter applied himself to hands-on fieldwork and had the opportunity to apply his skills in responding to emergencies. With two years of experience, he was hired as a mechanical maintenance technician at the Vallecitos Water District. Miniter worked on everything from repairing fences to pumps and motors, “anything mechanical,” he recalls. Miniter says versatility is the key asset that helped him succeed and still does.

“I’m that utility guy. I have a lot of knowledge about the district and how things all work and how they all integrate together,” said Miniter.

“I like challenges, but I also like troubleshooting. I like trying to figure things out and making sure they work and how they can work together, and how we can improve them. I firmly believe that if you think you know it all, and you think you’re the most efficient you can be, you’re not looking in the right areas,” explained Miniter.

Miniter said a willingness to learn is a key skill for aspiring water and wastewater professionals, especially due to rapid changes in technology. “Are you willing to learn, or are you just willing to do what you know you’re comfortable with and not actually try something new?”

Miniter said he’s never been afraid to ask questions. “A lot of people don’t want to ask questions because they think they’re going to be looked at as unintelligent. It is important to ask those questions and to having that troubleshooting mind really helps in our industry.”

Job Growth Through Taking On Challenges for Miniter

Miniter requested a job shadowing assignment with the district’s inspection department to explore opportunities with hopes of advancing into a leadership role, broadening his skills with new challenges. It turned out to be the right fit. He learned how to read plans and conduct surveys, follow the specs, and work through projects. It led to his new role with the Inspection Department team in 2019.

After spending six years learning all aspects of the role and working as the knowledge bridge between operations and engineering, he was recently promoted to his supervisory role in Asset Management.

Rewards of Public Service In Water Industry Careers

Miniter says he is always aware that he is a public servant.

“It’s not just a job. It’s very rewarding. You’re kind of the unsung hero,” said Miniter. He recalls working around the clock during wildfires and power outages threatening San Marcos and its surrounding areas.

“People always asked, ‘why did you have to work during the fire?’ and I would respond, ‘how are you going to fight a fire without water?’

“We were running generators, moving water, turning valves. It didn’t matter what position you were in. If you had any knowledge of the District and what was needed, you were working. That’s part of the public servant role and putting other people’s needs above your own at that time,” explained Miniter, who called it a rewarding experience.

Miniter said people may not realize the diverse career opportunities in this industry and encouraged job candidates to explore different areas of interest. “You’re going to figure out whether you like it.”

Exploring Water Careers Through Community Colleges and Internships

For those considering a career path in the water and wastewater industry, Miniter emphasized the value of hands-on experience through vocational training. He recommends taking classes at local community college programs, including Palomar College and Cuyamaca College, and participating in internship programs offered by many public utilities.

“We don’t always know what problems are out there. As they come up, and as times change, we have to think outside the box. This is where our brains and critical thinking will come in handy for all of those things,” said Miniter.

Miniter said above all, he enjoys the personal satisfaction of knowing his work contributes to the community and working with a great group of people providing a life-sustaining service.