Two of Guernsey Water’s employees have totted-up more than 20 years with the local company.
Catchment Quality Officer Sarah Brown and Water Quality Scientist Jason Jehan have celebrated 21 and 26 years’ service respectively. Both are based at the utility’s Brickfield site and fulfil critical front line roles for the Water Quality Risk Management Department, involving a significant amount of customer liaison, system monitoring and testing, site visits and inspections.
Guernsey Water’s Water Quality Risk Manager, Margaret McGuinness confirmed she was proud of the long service and commitment of both employees: “I think is quite unusual these days to see staff remain with one company for so long and I am genuinely delighted by the loyalty shown. Sarah and Jason have both built up such a wealth of knowledge of not only the company and the industry but of our customers too, which is invaluable. Congratulations to them both and I’d like to thank them for their commitment to the company over the years.”
Sarah joined the company in 2000, initially as a Catchment Technician, with a remit largely based on clearing up pollution, before then developing processes for pollution prevention which is her current role entails today. She most enjoys working with commercial companies that fully understand the requirement to use the wastewater network properly in order to protect the local environment and the Island’s infrastructure.
Sarah is also seen regularly delivering talks to local students in primary schools, spreading the message of what not to flush down the toilet and sinks! Alongside her colleagues she especially enjoys hosting and mentoring work experience students from GWEX, GET and other educational establishments.
Jason was recruited in 1995 by the then States Water Board after graduating with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has previously worked as a Sampling Technician and Water Quality Officer and his current position as Water Quality Scientist includes undertaking a wide range of tasks within the Business Improvement, Biodiversity and Health and Safety Groups. He is able to use his degree in a way that meaningfully impacts and benefits the health of the community.
Jason’s highlights are having been able to resolve numerous pollution incidents such as oil spills, before they affect stored water supplies.
Both Jason and Sarah cite the team spirit and high quality of colleagues at the company as key factors in their own longevity, along with being able to contribute meaningfully in their roles.