The City of Roseville is Preparing the Next Generation of Water Professionals by City of Roseville, Environmental Utilities Aug 5, 2026 Member Submitted News Following approval from the Roseville City Council and Roseville Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees, the City and Roseville Adult School are launching a pilot program that prepares students for careers in water distribution. Through classroom learning, hands-on experience and industry-recognized coursework, students can work toward California certification and entry-level careers while helping meet the growing need for skilled water professionals. “Thriving communities are built by investing in people,” Mayor Krista Bernasconi said. “This partnership opens the door to meaningful careers for our students while developing the workforce that helps keep Roseville’s essential services running. It’s a win for our students and our community.” Water utilities nationwide are preparing for a wave of retirements. The American Water Works Association reports that 21% of utility employees may retire within five years, while vacancy rates average 9%, making workforce partnerships more important than ever. Roseville’s partnership is one way the City is helping meet that challenge. By connecting local students with hands-on training, career preparation and opportunities to work alongside industry professionals, the program is helping build a pipeline of skilled workers who will keep safe, reliable drinking water flowing for the community for years to come. Learn by doing The 16-week Certified Water Distribution Operator Pilot Program begins in fall 2026, combining classroom and hands-on training to prepare students for California’s Grade D2 water distribution operator exam. Students will learn from Environmental Utilities staff, tour City facilities, see equipment demonstrations and may apply for City internships. The first cohort will include up to eight students. “The best partnerships solve real community needs,” Jason Harm, assistant principal at Roseville Adult School, said. “By working with the City of Roseville, we’re creating opportunities for students while helping prepare for the workforce of the future.” The program offers more than classroom instruction. It gives students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, explore careers in public service, and gain practical experience in a field that protects public health every day. The people behind the tap Most residents may never meet a water distribution operator, but rely on their work every day. Roseville’s system includes more than 704 miles of pipeline, 5,542 hydrants, eight water storage tanks, seven groundwater wells and a treatment plant capable of producing up to 100 million gallons of drinking water daily. Operators maintain and repair this critical infrastructure, respond to emergencies and help ensure reliable water for more than 150,000 residents and firefighters when every second counts. “Students won’t just learn how a water system works,” Environmental Utilities Director Sean Bigley said. “They’ll work alongside experienced professionals and see what it takes to deliver safe, reliable drinking water while discovering a career where they can make a lasting impact on the community every day.” The pilot program gives students a first look at meaningful public-utility careers that blend problem-solving, technology, outdoor work and community service. Investing in the future The program builds on Roseville’s broader effort to introduce students to Environmental Utilities careers through the Utility Exploration Center’s Field Day and other educational programs. Together, these efforts connect students with meaningful careers that protect public health, support the environment and keep essential services running. “Communities across California need the next generation of skilled water professionals,” Roseville City Councilmember Bruce Houdesheldt, whose professional career focuses on California water policy and resources, said. “As experienced professionals retire, partnerships like this help prepare the workforce our communities will rely on while creating outstanding career opportunities for local students.” For students, the program can open the door to a rewarding public-service career. For Roseville, it is an investment in the future professionals who will maintain critical infrastructure and protect one of the community’s most vital resources. Learn more Interested in a career that makes a difference every day? Visit roseville.ca.gov/utilitycareers to explore utility career pathways, internships, employee stories and current job opportunities.
