The New Faces of Tom Burkhart GIS Mapping Specialist Tom joined the staff in May 2020 as MRWA’s GIS Mapping Specialist. Prior to joining the team, he spent 6 years with Taney County PWSD # 2 in Powersite, MO as Taney 2’s GIS Mapping Coordinator and main distribution operator. Tom resides in southwest Missouri and holds a DS-II certification. Contact Tom for more information on MRWA’s GIS Mapping, to schedule mapping for your water or wastewater system, or for continued technical assistance with DiamondMaps. Phone: 417-546-8699 email: tburkhart@moruralwater.org
Jeff Lee Drinking Water Circuit Rider Jeff joined the staff of MRWA in January 2021. He began his career in the industry in 2001 as a meter reader for Alliance Water Resources. As time progressed, so did Jeff ’s advancement and he now holds a DS-III certification. Prior to going to work for the association, Jeff served as Distribution Superintendent for Henry County Water Company in Clinton. Contact Jeff with any questions regarding drinking water. Phone: 660-351-1098 email: jlee@moruralwater.org
Michael Vavruska Wastewater Technician MRWA’s Wastewater Technician Michael Vavruska joined the staff of MRWA in July 2020. Prior to being employed by MRWA, Michael was employed with the city of Marshfield. He began his wastewater career on Marshfield’s “ground floor” in collection system maintenance where his duties included working with the city’s lift stations and working to improve the city’s collection. system I & I. Continuing his employment with the city, Michael acquired his WW-A certification and has worked in every aspect of wastewater from collections to activated sludge treatment. Contact Michael with any questions regarding wastewater issues. Phone: 417-630-8852 email: mvavruska@moruralwater.org
Eric Thurman Drinking Water Circuit Rider Before joining MRWA in January 2021, Eric served the City of Marceline as a wastewater treatment plant operator, distribution operator, and occasionally as an operator at the water treatment plant. From there, Eric moved on to the City of Bucklin where he served as Superintendent of Utilities. Additionally, Eric served as a contract operator for the Lake Nehai Wastewater Treatment Plant and ran his own plumbing business. He currently holds DW-D, DS-II, and WW-C certifications. Contact Eric with any questions regarding drinking water. Phone: 660-375-3025 email: ethurman@moruralwater.org
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