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City recognizes wastewater operator Justin as regional operator of the year
Summary
The council and guests honored Justin, a wastewater treatment plant operator, who received the Southwest Oregon Operator Section’s 2025 Operator of the Year award and was later selected for an Oregon‑level award.
The city honored Justin, a wastewater treatment plant operator, with the Southwest Oregon Operator Section’s 2025 Operator of the Year award during the June 9 council meeting. Aaron Swan of Public Works introduced Steve Lush of the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA), who presented the award and described Justin as having “a passion for wastewater treatment” and said, “Justin is like a walking textbook.”
Steve Lush, identified as the Oregon region director for PNCWA and past section president, told the council he had toured the city’s wastewater plant in April and praised plant operations. He said Justin was nominated by his supervisor, Jody Gardner, and that the section selected Justin as operator of the year; Lush added Justin was chosen for the Oregon state award and may be recognized at the PNCWA conference.
Jody Gardner, Justin’s supervisor, and colleagues described Justin’s technical knowledge, training contributions and positive workplace attitude during remarks. Justin accepted the recognition and noted he has worked at the facility for nearly a decade and plans to continue his career with the city.
The award presentation was ceremonial and did not require council action or budgetary authorization.
