Season of Impact: Saluting our 2026 Seasonal Employees 

This summer, Metro Water Recovery continued its successful program of hiring seasonal students each year to work in Facilities Maintenance (FM), assisting with grounds and building upkeep during the summer growing season.  

This year, six seasonal employees were new to Metro Water Recovery. Each was paired with a full-time FM Worker and integrated seamlessly with the grounds crew. 

At Metro’s Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility (RWHTF), Maximillion Armstrong, John Berdeaux, and Santiago Quintanilla helped us keep pace with the growing season, supporting mowing, grounds cleanup, and additional building maintenance. 

Their most notable project was assisting with the Boulder Security Project at the plant’s South Gate, installing a vehicle mitigation barrier that both strengthens site security and enhances the visual appearance of the entrance. While there were a few minor adjustments along the way, the program was an overall success, and all three RWHTF seasonals have expressed interest in returning next year, if not joining Metro as full-time employees. Beyond their immediate contributions, the program continues to build a pipeline of strong future candidates. 

At Metro’s Northern Treatment Plant (NTP), first-time seasonal employees Trey Weiland and Dylan Nakata worked alongside the full-time FM team and consistently exceeded expectations. Trey was a familiar face at NTP, having participated in past Take Your Kids to Work Day events, making his return as a team member especially rewarding. Both frequently went beyond their assigned duties, volunteering to clean buildings and assist coworkers after finishing their own tasks. Their standout accomplishment was the revitalization of Elm’s pond area, where an overgrown walking path had become difficult to enjoy.  

Trey and Dylan cleared a wide, weed free path, spread wood chips to prevent regrowth, and trimmed trees. They also helped build a flower garden, transforming the pond into a welcoming space for employees and visitors. Both have expressed interest in returning next year, and the team would welcome them back without hesitation. 

Also, at NTP, Benjamin Coronado joined the team as a first-year seasonal employee after completing a Mechanical Maintenance internship through his high school this spring. Since transitioning into his seasonal role, he has worked alongside HVAC Technician Diego Perez and quickly established himself as an asset to the team.