At the Nevada Rural Water Conference Held in March, Raul Naranjo, Waste Water Operator 3 for the City of West Wendover was recognized and received the Nevada Waste Water Operator of the Year Award.

Raul graduated from high school in California and started his career enlisting in the United States Marine Corp, where he served for four years. After his discharge in 1993 he went to work for an aerospace company in industrial waste operations, which lead him to where he is today.  

Raul moved to West Wendover in 1997 where he went to work for the Casino Industry, for a short time. In 2000 he went to work for the City of West Wendover as an Operator 1 at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant. Through the years he worked for various directors and supervisors progressing in his professional development eventually being promoted to Operator 2.  A few years later Raul was promoted to Operator 3, which is the Supervisor of the Waste Water Plant operations.  With Raul having Waste Water Operator 4, a Distribution Grade 3, and a Quality Analyst 1 certification, it made him the most qualified person for the position, and an easy transition.  His responsibility does not just end at the Waste Water Plant as he also handles quality control issues for the plant and the water systems, being the certified Water Operator with the State of Nevada.

In 2011 the City completed a 10.5 million dollar new Waste Water Treatment Plant. This new facility was a transition from biological aeration process to a membrane filtration process. Raul was one of the construction mangers on the team as it was being built and learned the new process at the same time. In 2012 the new plant went on line under Raul's supervision and he has managed and operated the facility since. 

As exclaimed by his supervisor Director of Public Works Bryce Kimber, "Raul is very much an asset to the City and a valued employee. Keep up the good work!" 

Congratulations Raul, job well done.

Pictured from left:  Council Members Jerry Anderson and Jasie Holm; Mayor Emily Carter; Public Works Director Bryce Kimber; Raul Naranjo (center); Council Members Ismael Gutierrez, Nick Flores and John Hanson