North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) employee Jerry Allen has worn many hats during his 30 years at the District. He began his career with the District as a research assistant, moving on to Pretreatment Coordinator, Research and Development Manager and Environmental Manager. Eventually, he made his way to his current position, Permitting Manager.
Although these jobs could seem unrelated, there is a common thread that appeals to Allen.
“I like doing different kinds of things, and I like the problem solving and investigating,” he said. “I like coming to work and not knowing exactly what the day will be like.”
His work has taken him across all three service areas of the District at different times. Allen has been involved with investigating the source of toxins entering the wastewater system, securing permits for Bois d’Arc Lake, working with consultants on ozonation at water treatment plants, and researching gas and water migration at the landfill.
However, the work itself is only part of why Allen stays at the District.
“I like the people; the interaction with all the people and the different organizations,” he said. “Because with the job that we do, not only do I get to interact with many of the teams here at the District, but I get to interact with folks at the cities and the different agencies, people at the county, consultants, engineering firms and I get to meet a lot of people.”
Allen says he likes working in a stable career that focuses on public service and recommends anyone searching for a career to look into NTMWD.
“You're doing the job for the betterment of society and the public,” he said. “There is a vast array of opportunities here, depending on what your education or what your desire is. There’s the business unit, then you have all service areas: the water system, the wastewater system, solid waste maintenance, fleet. It's got almost anything you can think of if you're looking for a job.”
Reflecting over the past three decades, he summed up his time at the District so far.
“It’s been a blessing,” he said. “It’s allowed me to raise a family and get my kids to adulthood.”
A 30-year tenure at an organization is a testament to any person’s commitment to their work. But Allen’s dedication to the mission of the District: providing essential water, wastewater and solid waste services and being a good steward of environmental and financial resources, is truly commendable.