Martin Receives National Rural Water Association’s Waste Water Peer Leadership Award!

Jeff Martin, Wastewater Technician for West Virginia Rural Water Association, received highest honors from his peers when he was named the 2006 Wastewater Technician Peer Leader of the Year.  Peer Leadership Awards were presented at NRWA’s 20^th Annual In-Service Training Seminar held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

The NRWA Peer Leadership Awards program was established to recognize the outstanding efforts of Rural Water Association representatives. Of all the Wastewater Technicians across the Nation, Martin was selected as this year’s winner for his expertise and dedication to assisting so many wastewater professionals within the industry. 

The NRWA Wastewater Program began in 15 states in 1988.  In 1990 the wastewater program expanded to 28 states.  Under the new 2005 Wastewater Proposal and Grant Agreement, all of the wastewater programs are now combined allowing for training to be conducted in every state.    

Martin joined the WVRWA team in March of 1990.  Over 70 of his articles have been published in the association’s magazine.  One of the most popular articles, “Gēs-Powered Weedeaters”, was solicited for reprinting by other associations.   Martin plays a significant role in technology training, particularly in the areas of sewer video inspection and computer spreadsheet development.  It has become his mission to help bring rural systems into the world of 21st century technology.   

He encourages systems to move from manual computation and handwritten reports to using computers to do the job.  After demonstrating how spreadsheets can minimize computational errors and make the reports look more professional, Martin teaches operators how to use spreadsheets in their daily routines.  He currently serves on the state’s Wastewater Exam Review Committee.  Last spring, he was awarded the Water Environment Association’s Quarter Century Operator’s Award.

Martin was raised in Philippi, West Virginia.  He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alderson-Broaddus College.  After graduation, Martin worked for the City of Grafton, WV for nearly 13 years.  He was hired as a laboratory technician and quickly achieved the state’s highest certification, Class IV.  Within five years, he was promoted to superintendent of the 1.5 MGD conventional activated sludge plant supervising 10 employees. 

Martin and his wife, Darlene, have been married for nearly 29 years.  The couple has one daughter, Faith, who was the first recipient of NRWA’s Joe and Jean Palmer Scholarship.  

The National Rural Water Association is a federation of 48 State Rural Water Associations serving over 24,558 water and wastewater utility members in 49 states with additional programs in Honduras and Puerto Rico. 

NRWA members form a solid foundation for Team Rural Water.  Upholding the motto of “Quality On Tap!” Rural Water Associations provide small communities in every state with management and technical resources to supply safe and affordable water.

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Photo:  Jeff Martin (right) receives the 2006 Peer Leadership Award from Steve Capps (left) the 2005 Peer Leadership recipient.