Groundworks GRIT Program visits Metro

Members of Groundwork Denver’s Green Infrastructure Training (GRIT) program recently visited our Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility.

It was an opportunity for the group to tour our process areas, learn about careers, and get a first-hand look at operations.  

The visit to Metro Water Recovery began with a welcome and facility tour led by Metro’s Public Information Division.

Following the tour, attendees visited the Technology and Science Building to learn about lab work. The team conducted hands-on experiments with some of the day’s wastewater samples. Conducting the experiments were Laboratory Research Scientists Jeff DeMinter and Tracy Fielder. The lab visit was followed by a presentation that focused on career opportunities and highlighted the perks of working at Metro. 

For Public Information Specialist Maritza Franco, there were three parts of the visit that resonated most. She stated, “I really enjoyed the group’s initial reactions to the influent wastewater channel, the group picture taken at the front of the Grit process building (a nod to the program’s name), and employee’s storytelling about their journeys into their careers. For many of the participants, it was their first exposure to potential career opportunities in wastewater.” 

For Groundwork Denver’s Grit & Urban Resilience Training Manager Shonnie Fisher, the tour offered participants a unique opportunity. “It is good for the participants to see how the components of wastewater treatment relate to cities. I love the connections made, the hands-on opportunities, and how Metro makes it easy for the participants to experience.” 

GRIT empowers young adults to become environmental stewards by equipping them with job skills and introducing them to careers in the green industry.

Groundwork Denver has been working in partnership with Metro since 2024 to spark interest in young adults who might consider a career in wastewater treatment. We’re already looking forward to their next visit.