Traci, Water Distribution Plumber III

Working (and playing) in the mud.

 

Traci says a strong work ethic is one of the most important qualities in this job.

Traci says a strong work ethic is one of the most important qualities in this job.

Traci works out of EBMUD’s East Area service yard in Walnut Creek. The many duties of her job include installing new services, operating and inspecting large valves, working as a yard investigator, and repairing water main breaks on some of EBMUD’s 4,200 miles of pipe. 

Traci’s favorite kind of leak to repair is a full-circle break on a cast iron pipe. “The water is spraying while you clamp the live main. It’s very fun and will make you feel like a 12-year-old kid.” According to Traci, to be a plumber you have to be ready and willing to do whatever is asked of you. "Having a strong work ethic is one of the most important qualities for this job." 

Traci was accepted into EBMUD’s Pipeline Training Academy six years ago after she decided she needed a career change. EBMUD offers aptitude-based recruitment, meaning that applicants need to demonstrate the ability to learn (versus having the exact skill set) to get a spot in the academy. She loves that she has a job that allows her to “play in the mud.”

 “Every day offers you opportunity and adventure.”