As part of OCWA’s monthly series highlighting some of our dedicated employees and the important jobs they perform, this month we’re featuring Cory M. from our Engineering 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?

Civil Engineer 1

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

Through college I worked at Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District, starting as a Laborer and progressed to a Field Technician. Post-college, I started as an Engineering Technician 1 at the City of Syracuse Water Department. Thereafter, I canvassed for a Civil Engineer 1 position at Onondaga County’s Metropolitan Water Board (MWB), which was the wholesale supplier of Lake Ontario water prior to its consolidation with OCWA .

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

2017 as part of OCWA’s operational consolidation of MWB.

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

I primarily focus on capital improvement projects, including monitoring overall design and construction progress of assigned projects.  I also ensure that projects conform to OCWA’s standard specifications and routinely interface with our consulting engineers and/or contractors.

On any given day, I could be performing project management roles such as: performing site visits/coordinating with project team members on task logistics. In addition, I am likely reviewing submittals for an active project or specifications/drawings for upcoming project design.

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

Seeing a project on paper come to life.

6.  What has been your favorite project at OCWA?

Ontario and Otisco Fluoride Improvements. I took a lot of knowledge away from those projects which have become part of my work process.

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

Westcott and Woodland Reservoir Rehabilitation Projects for the City of Syracuse.

  • Two (32) million-gallon prestressed concrete water storage tanks set within the breached 110 million gallon earthed in reservoir.
  • Ultra-Violet Treatment Facility, which involved a vast secant pile wall next to the 125 million gallon earthed in reservoir and 84” PCCP (for contact time)

8.  What three words best describe you?

Persistent, Dedicated, Caring

9.  What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science, Construction Management Engineering Technology from SUNY Alfred State.

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

It found me.

NOTE:  Cory was recently awarded the Young Professional of the Year Award from the American Water Works Association, New York State Section.  The award recognizes young (ages 21-35) water professionals with outstanding and creative approaches in the New York State water community.