Published in Municipal Water Leader.
“[The PO] certification has helped me tremendously and has allowed me to become a recognized name within the industry for the dedication and hard work that both DC Water and I demonstrate in protecting our community.
Gregory’s Path to the Water Industry
Gregory Stephens, PO, notes that his career is inseparable from the history of the Professional Operator (PO) designation itself. As one of the original six operators in the nation to earn PO certification, Stephens helped establish a new professional standard for water and wastewater operators, one rooted in credibility and public trust.
Stephens’ introduction to the industry started within the family. “What truly inspired me to pursue a career in this field was my brother,” Stephens said. “I am originally from Washington, D.C., and when I was around 16 years old, my brother worked for DC Water. Seeing his dedication and pride in his work left a lasting impression on me.”
This mark led to his first experience in the field just three years later, at age 19, in Kona Village in Hawaii. While at Kona Village, Stephens gained hands-on mentorship that shaped his view of the profession. “When I later had the opportunity at Kona Village to study and work alongside a licensed Level 4 wastewater operator, it deepened my appreciation for the responsibility, sacrifice, and commitment required to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.”
This appreciation would motivate Stephens to pursue his PO certification at a time when the designation was still being created. “During that period, there was no Professional Operator (PO) certification. The only certification available was through ABC, the Association of Boards of Certification,” he explained.
The Beginnings of the Professional Operator Designation
The PO aimed to address the gaps in water and wastewater operator certification across state and country lines. Stephens notes that, “When Hurricane Katrina struck, there were not enough licensed or universally certified operators to staff at pump stations due to federal and state laws and regulations,” he said. “This challenge led Mr. Bishop to develop the concept of a universal Professional Operator certification—one that would allow operators with PO certification to work at multiple utilities under a standardized program.”
Recognizing the significance, Stephens committed fully. “I committed myself fully to preparing for the exam, studying extensively and reviewing manuals from Sacramento State, AWWA, and other industry resources.”
“As a result, I became not only one of the first PO-certified operators, but also one of the first licensed operators at DC Water.” Stephens notes that earning the PO designation allowed him to accelerate in the industry. He advanced from operator to foreman, became DC Water’s liaison to the Water and Wastewater Operator Association (WWOA), and now serves as coach of DC Water’s Operations Challenge team. In 2023, he received the William D. Hatfield Award. He is currently in the process of becoming the General Foreman at DC Water.
Striving for Excellence: Gregory’s Contributions to DC Water
Stephens continues to help raise certification standards across DC Water. “[We are] unique in that our operators are dual certified in both water distribution and wastewater collection, making them highly skilled and versatile,” he said. “I spearheaded this certification program early on to ensure DC Water maintained a strong foundation of certified operators.”
The impact is lasting. “As the first to achieve this distinction, I am now proud to say that we have over 30 licensed PO operators across both the distribution and collection systems—a significant accomplishment that I am extremely proud to be a part of.”
Reflecting, Stephens remains grounded. “Looking back on this journey, I would not change a thing,” he said. “I want to thank the entire team for their unwavering support. Without DC Water and the strong team we have built, none of this would have been possible.”
As one of the original six Professional Operators, Gregory Stephens helped define a designation that continues to elevate operators nationwide, proving that professionalism, leadership, and service are the foundation of a strong water workforce.
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