As part of OCWA’s monthly series highlighting some of our dedicated employees and the important jobs they perform, this month we’re featuring Andy K. from our Accounting Department (Purchasing).  Each month we’re asking a different employee a series of ten questions about his/her background, what he/she does at OCWA and some of the employee’s most interesting work experiences.

1. What is your current position at OCWA?

I am the Buyer for OCWA.

2. What other jobs have you held, both OCWA and non-OCWA positions?

This is my first position at OCWA.  Prior to joining OCWA, I was an operations manager for a fastener distribution company and worked in the insurance industry.

3. When did you join OCWA, and what brought you here? 

I joined OCWA in December 2015.  Working in civil service is sort of a family tradition, so after taking a couple civil service exams I was fortunate enough to land a position with OCWA.

4. What does a typical day at work look like for you?

The main part of my typical work day consists of sourcing and purchasing materials that are required to maintain OCWA’s ability to supply water to our customers.

5. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Working with my colleagues.  I enjoy learning from people who have much more on-the-job knowledge than I do.  I strongly believe in higher education, but there is a lot that can be learned outside the classroom.

6. What has been your favorite project at OCWA?

Setting up and maintaining the personal protective equipment vending machines in our storeroom. These machines provide safety gear to employees 24/7.

7. Before working at OCWA, what was the most interesting/unusual job you’ve ever had?

I would have to say working for a fastener distributor. Selling nuts and bolts sounds simple enough but the complexity and abundance of materials out there really created a “learn something new every day” environment. Quite a bit of what I learned on the job there has helped me at OCWA.

8. What three words best describe you?

Calm, driven, and fair.

9. What is your educational background?

I have a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Marist College and a bachelors degree in Business Administration from SUNY Oswego.

10. Why did you select the career you are in?

It is rewarding, interesting, and provides a great work-life balance.