MEET COLUMBIA WATER Clem Walker

Clem Walker

How long have you been with the City of Columbia and what do you do?

I have worked at Columbia’s wastewater plant more than 39 years. I have worked for the City of Columbia for over 36 years. I worked for the City of Columbia in 1983 as a plant operator for approximately 2 years. I switched to the maintenance department as an electrician for several years and as an instrumentation tech for several years. In 1991, the City of Columbia hired a private contractor (Wheelabrator EOS) to operate and maintain the plant. I worked for Wheelabrator EOS as an Electrical/Instrumentation tech. In 1994, when City of Columbia did not renew the contract, I was rehired by the City. My job is to diagnose problems and maintain the electrical process instrumentation at the wastewater plant and associated pump lift stations.

What is the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your work bio?

I like history. Learning about the past can sometimes give you a better perspective on the present and the possibilities for the future.

What’s the best experience you’ve had working for the City of Columbia?

I don’t know if I can list just one. In the past 39 years there have been plant expansions, upgrades, new processes, and new technologies to improve the safety, efficiency, and operation of the wastewater plant and lift pump stations. It’s always a good experience when you can learn the new equipment, processes, and technologies well enough to diagnose problems and keep the plant processes and equipment operating properly.

Pizza or Tacos, and why?

Its pizza for me. Cheese.