When Shawn McCoy graduated from American Military University after 20 years of military service, he thought he’d become a park ranger.
With a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and a concentration in fish and wildlife management and sustainability now under his belt, he was fully equipped to head into his new career.
However, after his kids decided they wanted to stay in San Diego County, DOD SkillBridge — a program aimed toward connecting exiting military members with civilian work — redirected McCoy to an internship that satisfied both his family’s wishes and his desire to work in environmental science.
SkillBridge Program Offers Valuable Work Experience To Veterans
After completing 20 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Shawn McCoy sought job training through the SkillBridge program. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
During his 20 years in the service, McCoy worked as a helicopter mechanic for the U.S. Marine Corps and completed two deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. In January 2023, he became a water resources intern for the San Diego County Water Authority, entering a completely different world.
“I was so used to structure, but coming out, there’s obviously a lot more freedom,” said McCoy. “The Water Authority was a good way to reintroduce me to the real world when I got out. Something as simple as, ‘Do I have to check in with you when I go to lunch,’ were all things I had to get used to.”
As a water resources intern, he took on roles that pulled from his environmental science education. In addition to his daily tasks of documenting, screening, and reviewing reports for the department, he went on field visits to monitor vegetation restoration and participated in construction projects.
He also became acquainted with the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant during his time as a Water Authority intern — where he would later spend much of his time.
Water Authority Internship Leads To Water Industry Job
Shawn McCoy now works full-time as an environmental manager for Channelside Water Resources LP at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
After hearing about a job opening at Channelside Water Resources LP, McCoy applied and was hired on as an environmental manager in July 2023, directly after his internship with the Water Authority.
In his current role, McCoy manages day-to-day activities at the Carlsbad plant, including overseeing maintenance and operations and ensuring environmental health and safety.
He credits his time at the Water Authority for his smooth transition into his role with Channelside.
“The Water Authority is where I was first introduced to the water purchase agreement and how it ties to the desal plant,” said McCoy. “So, I got to learn about the desal plant prior to even coming into this role.”
As for the future of his career, McCoy hopes to eventually go back to school to receive his master’s degree and work his way up to the director of operations. Thanks to SkillBridge and the San Diego County Water Authority, McCoy is already on the road to reaching those goals.
