Rianna Laughridge owes her start in the wastewater profession to her observations while scuba diving. Now she’s an operator at the Woodland (California) Water Pollution Control Facility.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science at California State University, Sacramento. She started at the Woodland plant as an operator-in-training in 2021 and rose quickly to her current position, earning her Grade V certification (highest) in just two years.
Her influences: My parents instilled the importance of working hard and making a difference. In my scuba diving, I saw how untreated waste was harming the ecosystem; that led to my senior thesis in college. I found wastewater treatment difficult to grasp, so I joined the operator-in-training program to get hands-on experience.
On the job: I operate our facility, ensure permit compliance and interpret data to determine process and control criteria. I also maintain and repair pumps, valves and our UV disinfection, filtration and lab equipment, and train and direct new personnel.
What makes it exciting? Troubleshooting. I enjoy relying on my knowledge and experience to solve problems. I enjoy working on our UV system. It’s satisfying to understand how all the pieces work together and play a role in keeping the system running smoothly.
Sources of pride: I’m proud of becoming a trusted resource to the team, someone my co-workers can rely on. I make myself available to those around me and share knowledge that can make the job easier for future operators. I find ways to make the work smoother for everyone.
Looking ahead: I want to share the importance of our work, highlighting the lasting effect it can have on our communities. Eventually I want to grow into a leadership role where I can support others and push for innovation and efficiency in wastewater treatment.
Advice to young professionals: If you enjoy challenges and are looking for a way to give back, wastewater operations is for you. Start with the OIT program and never look back. It’s a path that offers the chance to make a real and lasting impact.
The boss’s view: Rianna has had a positive impact by motivating our staff and encouraging them to achieve higher certifications and take on more responsibilities, as she has done. I give her more responsibilities; if she doesn’t know, she’ll ask, and no mistakes will be made. She’s an amazing person and an overachiever.
—Josh Viera, senior wastewater supervisor
