Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Home MenuMeet TJ Dwyer, Water Operations Manager
After 20 years working at TDPUD, our Water Operations Manager, Earl Smith, recently retired. Stepping into the role is TJ Dwyer. TJ was raised in Truckee and has been on the TDPUD water crew for 10 years. As he takes on this new challenge, we asked TJ to reflect on his time at TDPUD, what he’s looking forward to in his new role and the best advice Earl has shared with him.
What is your favorite memory from the last ten years?
I have so many great memories being in the field, but I would say becoming the Water Operations Manager for Truckee Donner PUD would be at the top of my list. A memory in the field was row-sham-bowing Matt Wellise on a main line leak to see who got wet first while trying to get a clamp on it. Really, when it comes down to it, just working with the different crews and departments has been a great privilege.
What are you most looking forward to as Water Operations Manager?
Continuing to work with the water crew day in and day out, even if it’s in a different manner. Building new relationships and strengthening the working relationships I currently have with the employees that I have worked side-by-side with for the last 10 years. I would not be in the position I currently am without their continued support and the support of the District. I hope that by showing my unwavering commitment and respect for the water department crew, we can continue to do great things as a team for our community.
What is the best advice Earl has given you?
“Always keep doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and keep working hard, good things will happen!”
I’d like to share a message for Earl Smith:
I am truly honored to have had the opportunity and the privilege to have had such a wonderful person, Earl Smith, to mentor me and give me as much knowledge as he could before his exit as Water Operations Manager. He will be greatly missed by all that had the same opportunities of knowing and working with him. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, “thank you and congratulations on your retirement.”