Operations Management and Facilities Services Projects Sweep Industry Awards in Arizona; Showcasing Innovation, Safety, Excellence

Our Operations Management and Facilities Services (OMFS) continues to give us a reason to celebrate!

Showcasing our commitment to excellence and BeyondZero safety, every project within our Arizona OMFS water and wastewater project portfolio  received the prestigious AZ Water Association’s Safety Award this year.

These awards, given annually to recognize continued safety performance, recognize safe operating practices employed in water treatment plants, wastewater treatment or water reclamation plants, water distribution systems or wastewater collection systems.

In addition to our safety awards, four of our teammates also received recognition for their leadership and innovation, demonstrating our commitment to our people and communities we serve. 

"I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of our Arizona projects and our dedicated delivery teams. Receiving the prestigious AZ Water Safety Awards for every project in our Arizona OMFS portfolio is a testament to our steadfast commitment to excellence and more so our safety culture,” praises Vice President and General Manager of Design-Build and OMFS, Greg Fischer. “Additionally, recognition of our employee team members for their leadership and innovation highlights the exceptional talent and dedication within Jacobs. These achievements reflect our ongoing commitment to our people and the communities in which we serve, and where we live."

OMFS projects sweep AZ Water safety awards

In an outstanding display of commitment to safety, our OMFS projects in Arizona swept the AZ Water Association’s Safety Awards, showcasing years of exemplary safety records across various facilities.

• Bisbee Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP): Bisbee WWTP has worked safely for five consecutive years, setting a commendable standard for safety in wastewater treatment.
• Goodyear Surface Water Treatment Facility: With a dedication to safety, Goodyear has operated safely for two consecutive years, ensuring the protection of water resources and the well-being of employees. This facility was designed, built and now operated by Jacobs. Last year it won the AZ Water Project of the Year Award for outstanding engineering excellence and achievement.
• Pima County Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility (WRF): Pima County Agua Nueva WRF has achieved two years of safe operations, reflecting a steadfast commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. This multi-award-winning facility was also designed, built and is operated by Jacobs.
• Prescott Valley Facilities: Across all four facilities (water production, water distribution, wastewater collections and WWTP), safety has been prioritized, resulting in one year of continuous safe operations. This achievement underscores the team’s collective dedication of the team to maintaining a safe working environment.
• Safford Water Reclamation Plant (WRP): Safford WRP has demonstrated a commitment to safety with four consecutive years of safe operations, ensuring the protection of public health and environmental integrity.

Innovating for excellence: Drone program wins Gimmicks & Gadgets award

Furthering our reputation for innovation, Jacobs' groundbreaking drone program at the Prescott Valley facilities, led by Travis Johnson and Rio Naud, has been honored with AZ Water Association’s Gimmicks & Gadgets Award. This accolade recognizes Jacobs' dedication to revolutionizing maintenance, operations and construction within water systems, showcasing inventive creativity and ingenuity in addressing industry challenges by using drones.

Leadership in action: Two supervisors awarded Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor of the Year

Matt Sandberg, a dedicated leader within Jacobs at the Prescott Valley WWTP and wastewater collections, was recognized with AZ Water Association’s esteemed Small Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor of the Year. His exceptional leadership, transformative vision and steadfast dedication to operational excellence have set a new standard for operations within the water industry, earning him well-deserved recognition.

“This award is a testament to the value Matt’s peers place on his leadership and expertise,’ says Project Manager Danny Zamora. “His attention to continuous improvement at the project is impeccable.”

Tim Mason, another exemplary leader, was honored for his outstanding contributions in leadership, innovation, education, sustainability and safety. His dedication and versatility have left a lasting positive impact on the Pima County WRF and the broader industry, earning him AZ Water Association’s Large Treatment Plant Operations Supervisor of the Year award and respect from peers and colleagues alike.

“What Tim has done as a leader to drive success has been recognized since day one,” says Project Manager Ron Abel. “This recognition is a testament to his hard work and expertise.”

Celebrating our achievements

In receiving these prestigious awards, Jacobs reaffirms its position as a trusted partner in water and wastewater management, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of conventional practices and embracing cutting-edge technologies to deliver unparalleled solutions. As we continue to champion innovation, safety and excellence, Jacobs remains at the forefront of transforming challenges into opportunities, driving positive change for clients, communities and the environment.