Russell Sargent found similarities between working on nuclear submarines and operating a clean-water plant.
He applies his U.S. Navy training and experience as an operator at the 1.2 mgd Pease Wastewater Treatment Facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Sargent grew up in the small New Hampshire town of Strafford. After high school he worked a few years in a grocery store before joining the Navy. During 10 years of duty, he served on submarines as a nuclear machinist mate and engineering lab technician.
Upon discharge he found a good fit in wastewater treatment: “I always had an interest in environmental protection. It’s a career I already had the skills for, with my knowledge of pumps and mechanical systems and my background in laboratory testing.”
His influences: Phil Boisvert, our chief operator, has been a role model. He has a lot of knowledge. I enjoy working with and learning from all my teammates here at Pease.
On the job: We work on a rotating schedule. Some weeks I’m in the lab. Others I’m operating the dewatering equipment, making plant checks, doing preventive maintenance, working on projects.
What makes it exciting? It’s really great seeing what the influent looks like compared to the quality of water that’s leaving. Also, I really like looking at samples under the microscope and seeing all the microbiology. It’s cool knowing that those tiny bugs do all the treatment.
Sources of pride: I’m proud of getting my licenses and being able to use the experience and expertise from my time in the Navy to support the staff here. I enjoy writing SOPs and creating operator aids to track and chart different portions of the system.
Looking ahead: This year I look forward to taking my Grade 3 license exam and finishing my bachelor’s degree in environmental science. I plan to stay in this career field for the long term and work my way up.
Advice to young professionals: It’s a great jumping off point to start your career. It’s a stable field because people will always need clean water. You can stay in wastewater or move into drinking water. You’ll find something you like doing no matter what. There are always projects to work on, and it’s different every day.
The boss’s view: Russell is an exceptional addition to our staff. He shows excitement at being part of our teams and seeing tasks through to completion. Given our experience with Russell, I would recommend that anyone welcome the skills military veterans can bring.
— Phil Boisvert, chief plant operator
