Kennedy Arbuckle grew up wanting a career involving the outdoors and science. She found it in the clean-water profession.
After high school in Plymouth, Wisconsin, she earned a degree in environmental health and water quality from Milwaukee Area Technical College and interned at her hometown’s wastewater treatment plant: “I knew right away this career was for me.”
In 2023 she became a lab technician at the Kewaskum Wastewater Treatment Plant (0.75 mgd design). She was recognized as the 2025 Wisconsin Wastewater Operators Association’s Newcomer of the Year.
Her influences: My supervisor, Ben Propson, has taught me a lot and helped me take that step in becoming a wastewater operator. But also everybody here at the village: the DPW, the water utility workers. It’s truly a great group.
On the job: I start my day with lab testing and do a walk-through of the plant to see how operations are going. After that, I handle day-to-day operations and maintenance including checking our five lift stations.
What makes it exciting? Every day is different. You never know what’s going to happen. It’s also about dealing with the process. Flow, weather and chemistry constantly change, and as operators we get to adjust processes, interpret data and troubleshoot in real time.
Sources of pride: It’s knowing that our plant is making a difference. We take dirty water and make it clean. It’s neat to see the difference between what comes in and what goes out to the river. Even small tasks, like making sure the pumps run right can have a big impact on water quality. I was shocked to receive the newcomer award. I’ve worked hard, and the recognition is nice for me and for the village.
Looking ahead: My next goals are to receive my advanced certifications in wastewater, gain more experience, and strengthen my ability to anticipate plant issues by understanding and interpreting the lab data I collect.
Advice to young professionals: Work hard and take all the opportunities you can. Put yourself out there. You never know where life will take you. The community support working for a municipality is outstanding.
The boss’s view: The greatest asset to a small community is a team member with a strong work ethic and desire to succeed. Kennedy exemplifies those qualities and has quickly become a favorite among staff and village residents.”
—Ben Propson, Wastewater Supervisor
