As part of OCWA’s monthly series highlighting some of our dedicated employees and the important jobs they perform, this month we’re featuring Gloria B. from our Information Technology Department. 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 IT Department’s Data Center Help Desk Operator.
2. What other jobs have you held, both OCWA and non-OCWA position?
This has been my one and only position at OCWA. In former employment, I have been a typist, typesetter, secretary and clerk.
3. When did you join OCWA, and what brought you here?
I joined OCWA in July of 1998. I wanted to work for an organization that makes a difference in the lives of others. OCWA provides water and water sustains life.
4. What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Every workday is different for me. I repair computers, laptops and printers; change toner cartridges; obtain quotes for replacement parts, computers, laptops, printers, toner cartridges, mice, software and licenses; perform Windows updates on computer systems; perform program updates and search engine updates for security; take employee photos for new and current employees for ID badges; recycle used toner cartridges, old and broken cell phones, old computers, printers and monitors; change cracked screens in laptops and replace power supplies and motherboards in computers; install battery backups to protect systems in case of a power outage; tag and inventory new equipment received; crimp network cables for systems and patch panels; monitor network equipment through reports and update programs and equipment; unlock user accounts and reset accounts for user passwords; and setup/move computer equipment.
5. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping my co-workers. I make sure that their computer systems and printers are performing properly. I also train them on programs that they use on a daily basis.
6. What has been your favorite project at OCWA?
My favorite projects have been learning new billing systems and helping train my co-workers how to use the many programs that we utilize.
7. Before working at OCWA, what was the most interesting/unusual job you’ve ever had?
The most interesting/unusual job I’ve ever has was my very first job as a Pool Aide. I was tasked with counting the number of people entering the pool daily in the park. I was also a typesetter for 12 years, creating text for ads, articles, books and billboards.
8. What three words best describe you?
Attentive, conscientious, and persistent.
9. What is your educational background?
I have an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from Onondaga Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY New Paltz.
10. Why did you select the career you are in?
I wanted to help others. When this job offer came in, it was just what I needed. I love working with people and I love fixing and repairing things. It was a perfect fit.