Young Dunedin woman Caitlin Robertson (24) is living life surrounded by water — and loving it.
At an age when many young people are still finding their feet, the University of Otago Pharmacology graduate has already found her dream job — as a water treatment technician based at Dunedin’s Southern Water Treatment plant.
So effective has Miss Robertson been in the role, which she has held for the past 18 months, that she was named Young Operator of the Year at the New Zealand Water Industry Operators Group conference earlier this year.
The win came as a big surprise.
‘‘I had no idea I’d been nominated until they read my name and I had to walk on stage — it was a great surprise,’’ Miss Robertson said.
She credits her success to the support of her fellow water treatment specialists, who have supported her since day one and been willing to share their extensive knowledge with her.
‘‘It reflects back on the guys as well — they’ve put the effort in and given me the opportunity,’’ she said.
Miss Robertson had never considered working in the water treatment field until, after gaining her BSc in pharmacology, she spent time in the laboratory at Mt Grand Water Treatment Plant on work experience.
‘‘It was just something I hadn’t thought about, but I absolutely loved the balance of being in the lab and the field,’’ she said.
So, when the water treatment technician job came up, she applied and was successful.
After a further year of parttime study, Miss Robertson gained her water treatment certificate, completing the assessment at the smaller Outram plant.
‘‘I have so much passion for the Outram plant and, since I have had an intricate knowledge of it from when it was first built, the assessment went well,’’ she said.
Over the past 18 months, Miss Robertson has gained detailed knowledge of Dunedin’s main treatment plants.
She is based at the Southern Water Treatment Plant, in the hills above Kaikorai Valley, but regularly spends time at the Mt Grand, Outram, West Taieri, and Mosgiel plants.
‘‘On any given day, I could be in the laboratory testing water quality, or helping to treat the water, or I could be out on the network taking samples.
‘‘It’s a really varied and interesting job.’’
The city’s water technicians are involved in many aspects of water treatment, from testing for E. coli to monitoring the filtration membranes and adding chlorine, and ensuring the water has the right pH, clarity and taste.
They also monitor the giant UV lamps which are an important part of water treatment in several plants.
Each plant’s water had its own source and its own characteristics, and quality was high across the board, earning Dunedin water an A rating, Miss Robertson said.
‘‘After testing, we always have a swig of the water to test the taste.
‘‘It’s good water, and it’s nice to know that we made it that way.’’
When talking with Miss Robertson, her passion for her work is evident.
‘‘I’m thrilled to be here. Every day is different, and there is always so much to learn.
‘‘My favourite time of the day is driving to work, knowing I’m heading to work and not knowing what the day will hold.’’
As part of winning the Young Operator of the Year title, Miss Robertson will travel to the equivalent Australian water conference, to be held in Bendigo in August.
