The Nevada Wastewater Department welcomed 18-year-old intern Taiten Olson to its team mid-summer.
Taiten will be a senior at Nevada High School this fall, and his internship at the City’s wastewater treatment facility is happening through Des Moines Area Community College’s “Water in Progress” program, which is designed to introduce a younger generation to the water/wastewater industries due to the increasing number of operators within retirement age. It is hoped this program can aid the ongoing struggle to plan for succession in the field.
Taiten’s goal is to eventually attend DMACC and go through its WET (Water Environmental Technology) program, earning a degree and someday working in this field. Not only is he aware of the opportunities in water and wastewater, but he also knows it’s a career that is needed in the future.
“There will always be a need for water and wastewater services when you are building and maintaining communities,” Taiten said.
His favorite part of the internship so far is unexpected. He likes doing the in-house labs testing, which Nevada’s full-time workers have reminded him, is “science.” With assistance from a full-time employee, Taiten has found it easy to do. “I never thought I’d see myself being a scientist,” he said.
Taiten is ready for high school to be back in session this month. In addition to classes and his internship, he’s part of the high school wrestling team and does weightlifting.
Taiten is the son of Eric and Jennifer Olson. He’s a big fan of the band Five Finger Death Punch and likes to read a little.
This is the first time the City of Nevada has had an intern through the Water in Progress program. Residents can learn more about the program through the following links:
https://www.iawea.org/water-and-wastewater-internship-program-for-high-school-students/
https://sites.google.com/view/waterinprogress/home
–Written by Marlys Barker, City of Nevada
