CSWEA President's Message

January 2026

Building Tommorows Water Workforce

By Timothy Wedin

As a part of our Strategic Planning, CSWEA identified the Water Workforce as a key initiative for the association to focus on. One part of this initiative is the promotion of careers in the Water Workforce, helping people from various communities and age groups see their path to a rewarding career in the industry.

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 AISES National Conference, held in Minneapolis. AISES is, “a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering and math studies and careers.” The conference included a job fair, where attendees were able to meet with employers from across North America to learn about careers in the STEM fields. I was excited to have numerous conversations with future Engineers, Operators, Lab Technicians, and other future water professionals about careers in the water workforce.


The Minnesota Section was able to participate in the Metro Children’s Water Festival St. Paul again this year. This festival is held annually for 4th grade students in the Minneapolis and St Paul metropolitan area and is held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It is an opportunity for children to learn about water resources, and how they can, “help ensure a future where both the quantity and quality of water resources are protected and managed wisely.” Central States members got to work with attendees on various activities related to measuring water quality, the water cycle, collection and treatment of wastewater, the importance of wetlands, and more. This is one of many such festivals that are held, throughout the country, and a great opportunity for CSWEA members to promote careers in the Water Workforce.

CSWEA is also working on other opportunities for members to advance their careers. Attendees at the 2025 Annual Meeting may have seen the Career and Personal Development track. Our Young Professionals put together a high-quality session focused on making connections between Young and Seasoned Professionals, as well as developing Leadership and Productivity skills. These sessions were well received by attendees, and our YPs are working on further developing them for the next Annual Meeting, including a YP Summit.

Developing the Water Workforce can look like many things. You might focus on training individuals to become leaders in the industry. You might focus on volunteering with your State Section to teach students of various grade levels about the water cycle and how they can be a part of providing clean water for future generations. However you participate, I hope that you will continue to help us promote careers in the Water Workforce.