FWRJ Reader Profile—Joan I. Fernandez

association to an associate member, based on their assistance to operators and their contribution to the association. S Richard P. Vogh Award – Given to the region judged most progressive during the year.

Please do not fail to attend this joint conference, sponsored by FSAWWA, FWEA, and FWPCOA; it’s a great networking and technical-session event. Additionally, if you are attending, consider volunteering to help with registration or as a moderator. Attendee registration opened on Dec. 1, 2022, so, if you haven’t registered, or reserved your room, get on it!

FWPCOA Meet and Greet

This is an annual event that I would like to see continued; maybe we can alter the name of the event slightly to reflect what actually happens there. Besides being a social event, we want to maintain the quality and initial content of it, and expound on more pronounced exposure of FWPCOA to utility hierarchy and help spread the word for our valuable training programs. The cost of this event should be on the association unless we can drum up some sponsorships or contributions.

I want to thank all the hard-working people in our industry. Thank you for doing all you do every single day! I also want to thank everyone who has helped me in my current role as president; every lil’ thing all of you have done means so much to me!

Don’t forget: it pays to check the rag dumpster!

Let’s keep that water clean! S

Joan I. Fernandez

Arcadis U.S. Inc.

Work title and years of service.

I’m a senior project manager with over 18 years of experience.

What does your job entail?

As a consulting engineer, my job entails helping utilities and communities improve their water sustainability. Whether it’s leading the design team to accommodate growth and respective capacities for their water and wastewater infrastructure, or working with clients to envision, create, and deliver projects that improve the quality of life, this is my passion.

As a project manager, my time is spent leading multiple project teams in the design and delivery of water and wastewater projects—from scope development to construction services and everything in between. I’m also cultivating relationships with clients and partners; connecting with the market to discover new opportunities; and contributing to the industry through involvement in professional associations, such as the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA).

What education and training have you had?

I have a B.S. in environmental engineering sciences from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and a M.S. in environmental engineering from Florida International University (Go Panthers!).

I’m a registered professional engineer in the states of Florida and Maryland. I’m also a certified project manager and a National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) pipeline assessment certification program, manhole assessment certification program, and lateral assessment certification program (PACP/MACP/LACP) certified inspector, in addition to having a certification with the Institute of Asset Management.

What do you like best about your job?

I like that I get to see a project that’s an idea on paper come to life. It brings you great satisfaction as an engineer. I also enjoy getting to know the clients and identify how we can help them improve their existing water and wastewater infrastructure.

What professional organizations do you belong to?

I’m a member of both FWEA and the Chesapeake WEA. Currently, I hold one position in FWEA leadership: secretarytreasurer for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

How have the organizations helped your career?

Both organizations (FWEA and CWEA) have helped me tremendously! When I relocated to the Chesapeake area in 2008, I didn’t know any professionals in the water industry except for a few of my coworkers. I started volunteering in various leadership capacities, which gave me the opportunity to expand my network and build relationships with colleagues and clients who I now call friends.

I moved back to south Florida in 2014 and immediately started volunteering with FWEA’s Collection System Committee and its Southeast Chapter. This helped me reconnect with colleagues and clients.

What do you like best about the industry?

The work that we do as water professionals is essential. Safe and reliable access to drinking water and sanitation improves the social, environmental, and economic landscapes of societies here in south Florida, North America, and around the world. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I came upon a shirt from the Society of Environmental Engineers that stated, “Your No. 2 is our No. 1.” This still rings true.

What do you do when you’re not working?

For the most part, when not working I’m either at the beach doing standup paddle or at the gym doing high-intensity interval training. S