303: Water Careers

The below content replicates the content of the physical exhibit at CSU Spur. It can be used for reference, language translation, and additional accessibility.

Panel 1: Water Quality Technician

Water quality technicians who work in the field assist with water quality monitoring, respond to emergency threats and environmental contamination, investigate complaints, and research and develop new technologies. Technicians in the lab test for chemicals and bacteria and assist with research and projects.  

To become a water quality technician: Complete an associate’s degree in science, water quality management, or a related field and complete required certifications and licenses. 

Quote: Holding a water sample and knowing what I am testing for and its impact on my community is absolutely amazing! 

Image Credit: Representative photo and quote. Photo courtesy of CSU Spur. 

Panel 2: Welder

Welders are craftspeople who shape, create, and fuse together all types of metals. They use tools that heat metal into liquid to build and repair items made of aluminum, brass, iron, steel, and other materials. Welders work on important structures and systems that collect, treat, deliver, protect, and measure water. 

To become a welder: Complete courses at a welding trade school and those provided by the American Welding Society. 

Quote: I love watching sparks fly when I’m creating and repairing the structures we need for our water.  

Image Credit: Representative photo and quote. Photo courtesy of CSU Spur. 

Panel 3: Government Affairs Liaison

In water, government affairs liaisons work with legislators, government officials, organizations, and lobbyists to develop policies, laws, and regulations about water use and water rights. They track and analyze legislation and work to support an organization’s policy needs. 

To become a government affairs liaison: Complete a bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, public policy, environmental policy, or public administration.  

Quote: My work is all about building personal relationships and connections within government to protect our water future. 

Image Credit: Representative photo and quote. Photo courtesy of CSU Spur. 

Panel 4: GIS Manager

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) managers are experts in analyzing and developing maps and computer applications to better understand water supply and water use. They create interactive maps and models that use a variety of information and sources to help governments and organizations make decisions related to water. A GIS manager is also responsible for overseeing a team and managing different projects. 

To become a GIS manager: Take classes in GIS, computer science, data analysis, geography, and surveying to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

Quote: It’s powerful to see a project grow from a computerized map to something that protects the health of our community. 

Image Credit: Representative photo and quote. Photo courtesy of CSU Spur. 

Panel 5: Engineer

Engineers design, build, and inspect complex things like structures, systems, and machines. They may specialize in construction, civil, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, computer, industrial, or agricultural engineering or dam safety. Water resource engineers, for example, maintain structures like pipes and treatment facilities needed to deliver and clean water. 

To become an engineer: Take classes in math, science, humanities, and other subjects, complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and get a professional engineer license.  

Quote: Engineers are the backbone of water systems. We design and build ways for humans to interact positively with the natural world. 

Image Credit: Representative photo and quote. Photo courtesy of CSU Spur. 

TONY FRANK

Chancellor, CSU System

Dr. Tony Frank is the Chancellor of the CSU System. He previously served for 11 years as the 14th president of CSU in Fort Collins. Dr. Frank earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Wartburg College, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. and residencies in pathology and toxicology at Purdue. Prior to his appointment as CSU’s president in 2008, he served as the University’s provost and executive vice president, vice president for research, chairman of the Pathology Department, and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was appointed to a dual role as Chancellor in 2015 and became full-time System chancellor in July 2019.

Dr. Frank serves on a number of state and national boards, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, and has been honored with state and national awards for his leadership in higher education.

Dr. Frank and his wife, Dr. Patti Helper, have three daughters.

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CSU Spur is turning 2! Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

It’s our anniversary!

It’s our anniversary! CSU Spur has been fully open to the public, sharing hands-on, family-friendly activities around food, water, and health for two years. Join us on Saturday, Jan. 11, for 2nd Saturday activities, including desserts, a mariachi performance, face painters, horses on treadmills, veterinarians in surgery, scientists in labs, and more. The celebration is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and CSU Spur will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; no registration required, all public activities are free.

2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is presented by Canvas Credit Union.

JOCELYN HITTLE

Associate Vice President for CSU Spur, Colorado State University

Jocelyn Hittle is primarily focused on the CSU Spur campus at the National Western Center, and on supporting sustainability goals across CSU’s campuses. She sits on the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Council, on the Advisory Committee for the Coors Western Art Show, and is a technical advisor for the AASHE STARS program.

Prior to joining CSU, Jocelyn was the Associate Director of PlaceMatters, a national urban planning think tank, and worked for the Orton Family Foundation. She has a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton, and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Jocelyn grew up in Colorado and spends her free time in the mountains or exploring Denver.

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We’ll see you Saturday!

2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday (June 14), and we’re hosting a plant and pollinator celebration with all kinds of family-friendly activities, including a plant sale with CSU Extension, cooking with herbs in the Ardent Mills Teaching and Culinary Center, pollinator activities on the green roof, and the inaugural People’s Market at the Center.