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Great teams are built on diverse experience, and Gonzalo Ortiz is the perfect example of how a strong background creates an exceptional asset for Marina Coast Water District and its customers. Long before he brought his talents to our team, Gonzalo was mastering the worlds of the construction and septic trades. Today, he draws on that expertise in his role as a System Operator II, ensuring our infrastructure runs seamlessly day in and day out. But his dedication didn't stop at his standard duties; Gonzalo stepped up and volunteered to become one of the District’s crucial Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) inspectors. With his deep knowledge of the system, he has become the force behind our growing compliance program.
Gonzalo is also one of four certified CCTV sewer pipe inspectors. He regularly leads the CCTV program, which, with the addition of the new CCTV camera and equipment, has grown by over 300% in the last year in miles of pipe inspected. This data will help drive the capital improvement program for pipeline renewal and replacement projects.
Gonzalo is always one of the first operators to volunteer for special assignments. An example of this was the replacement project for two sewer pump bases and pumps at the Hodges lift station. This challenging work required confined-space entry into a sewer wetwell to remove and fabricate a new pump base, which would then allow the District to replace the old failing sewer pumps with new standardized pumps. This project was completed safely, and has increased the pump stations' reliability to meet customers long-term needs.
Recognized as a hard worker throughout his career, Gonzalo has also obtained the following high-level professional certifications:
- SWRCB Water Distribution Operator, Grade III
- SWRCB Water Treatment Operator, Grade II
- CWEA Collection System Maintenance, Grade III
- NASCO Sewer Pipe Inspection
Arriving each day with a smile, a laugh, and a great attitude that resonates throughout the department, Gonzalo is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the job is completed. It has been a pleasure working with Gonzalo these past five years, and we wish him continued success and thank him for his dedication and service.
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