October 1, 2026 — Every day, thousands of people across the region work behind the scenes to provide clean drinking water, treat wastewater, and protect local streams and rivers. This work is often invisible to the public but is integral to maintaining the systems that keep our communities healthy and thriving. 

At Oak Lodge Water Services (OLWS), 37 staff members work together to provide essential water services to roughly 30,000 people in Oak Grove and Jennings Lodge, as well as parts of Milwaukie and Gladstone. 

In March 2026, the state legislature voted to formally recognize Water Professionals Appreciation Week, which will take place this year from Saturday, October 3, through Sunday, October 11. The week is a way to show gratitude for the professionals who support our communities and to inspire the next generation to explore careers in the field. 

It also comes at a time when the field continues to see a wave of retirements and a need to attract the next generation of water professionals. Water careers often offer meaningful work, work-life balance, and excellent benefits. 

Roles in the water field vary widely, from field crews who maintain systems day to day, to engineers who design new infrastructure. This means there are jobs that align with a diverse range of skills and interests. 

We encourage community members interested in learning more about careers in water to reach out to us for a tour of our treatment plant or to explore other resources. You can also learn about open positions at OLWS on our careers page.