Oh, The Places You'll Go! From Young Mother Wastewater Operator-in-Training to Chemical Safety Specialist, Exploring Opportunities in the Trades and Hazardous Waste!

As a teenaged mother who wanted to find a stable job that combined work on the environment with something "super cool" like firefighting, the description of a "Wastewater Operator" caught her eye. She was able to immediately start working as a trainee for the City of Fresno, juggling motherhood and night classes with work in the daytime - typically as the only woman. Other time - and especially while recovering from a work injury - she pursued other fields and work experiences including hazardous materials and emergency response (serving in the State Guard). Currently, she works as a Chemical Safety Specialist at Children's Hospital, continuing her work in hazardous materials in a position where she interacts with and trains employees and continues to make a difference!

6:10-14:48 Career Path

Being a young female starting out in a highly male-dominated career is challenging as it is difficult to learn and get the job done when people don't let you. Accomplishments and achievements can also be taken away. The physical demands of the job can also lead to injuries, making it difficult to continue working in the field. Finding one's way back can take many years of soul-searching and exploration of other career paths. The environmental health and safety sector is a great option for diversifying one's career, and getting certified can help provide vital resources and knowledge in the field.

14:48-21:02 Challenges Women face male-dominated fields

In this conversation, they discuss the challenges women face in male-dominated fields, particularly in waste management and hazardous material management. They also discuss the importance of mentoring, support, and networking for women in these fields. The conversation ends with a discussion of the value of online groups and the role they have played during the pandemic. The conversation concludes with one of the speakers sharing her experience in the Texas State Guard.

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21:02-27:30 Amanda from Wastewater Management to safety and health management in a hospital setting

The speaker worked in wastewater treatment and hazardous materials management before transitioning to safety and health management in a hospital setting. They emphasize the importance of teamwork and equal treatment in military and hazardous materials work, as well as the need for resource conservation and waste management in healthcare facilities.

27:30-31:56 The impact of COVID-19 on the environmental and hazardous materials industry

The conversation is about the impact of COVID-19 on the environmental and hazardous materials industry, and how it has led to a shortage of workers in the field. The speaker mentions that many people left the industry due to being overwhelmed by the demands of COVID-19, and this has created many vacancies. The conversation also touches on the importance of ensuring a safe working environment for healthcare workers, including those in cleaning and maintenance roles. Finally, the conversation ends with some career advice for those interested in working in the water industry, including the importance of being adaptable and prepared for change.

31:56- 34:56 The importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in male-dominated industries, such as the chemical and construction industries. They also mention the need for properly fitting equipment in other environments, such as work trucks and office chairs. The conversation highlights the efforts of some companies and individuals to design and create PPE and other equipment specifically for women. The speakers emphasize the importance of networking and connecting with others to address these issues and support women in their careers.

34:56-39:10 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

In this section, Amanda and Dr. Cat discussed the importance of child care, lactation rooms, and wasted in creating opportunities for women in industries related to water management. Women face various challenges in these industries, such as safety concerns, PPE issues, and lack of diversity and flexibility. Amanda encouraged everyone to keep exploring and pursuing their dreams, as the water industry is wide open for women to make their mark. The session ended with a request to viewers to share their experiences, questions, and thoughts in the chat, and with the promise of linking resources for those interested in this topic.