Team Building 
Mank also noted that creating a cohesive and strong Operations Challenge team requires finding the right team members and getting approval from management. Regional managers typically gave recommendations for new and interested candidates and current team members also introduce potential new candidates. Once the team decides on who to add, they seek management approval.

“There is a lot of commitment from the organization and from the different regions,” Mank said. “We make sure that people can be away for half a day [of training] or, sometimes, for couple of days, if they are at a meet or conference.”

Mank also noted how grateful the Jets are for their coworkers’ support and assistance. Operations Challenge participants are required to fulfill their daily work responsibilities, despite the demands of training or competing. While the team is traveling or practicing for competitions, they rely on support and shift coverage from their coworkers.

“We appreciate them very much,” Mank said. “We definitely could not have done this without the support of our colleagues.”

Budget and Administrative Planning
Operations Challenge can be expensive, too. Teams need to prepare, train, and travel. Costs run the gamut from purchasing training equipment to travel expenses to reach WEFTEC. Some teams seek sponsors to help cover costs, others receive full funding from their company or municipality.

In North Richland Hills, Texas, the Pooseidons from the Water Environment Association of Texas, are on the lookout for sponsors. But for now, the team is developing their budget without one, according to coach Robert Burgess. The team receives financial support from the City of North Richland Hills, but the team is responsible for researching and creating the budget.

When the Pooseidons started, another Operations Challenge, the TRA CreWsers, helped them plan and budget. “Year one we had zero idea what we needed. We were very fortunate to have the TRA CreWsers big brother us,” Burgess added. Since then, getting management and administrators involved in the team, and on the pathway to WEFTEC has been instrumental, Burgess and team captain Chris Legg said.

“I think getting administrative support has really helped us tremendously,” Burgess said. The shared goal of competing and succeeding in Operations Challenge at WEFTEC generates a greater sense of camaraderie and teamwork among competitors and management who support the effort. “It’s contagious. From morale to results.”

Cooperation 
Operations Challenge also means listening to fellow team members and being prepared to be overwhelmed.

“A lot of young competitors practice and think they have the greatest time but they’ve never competed,” Mank said. “Until you feel the pressure and see hundreds of people watching, you don’t really understand.”

“We see new teams get discouraged, but we tell them time and time again to not get discouraged,” Mank said. “If you are negative, it becomes a much harder learning environment.”

Former challengers agree that time and energy is needed to be a successful competitor. Experienced challengers are happy to provide advice and help to newcomers. According to Mank, “Start practicing as soon as you can and practice all year.”

He added, “We always remind them not to give up. [Winning] doesn't happen in your first week or in your first year. You must go out and compete and see the intensity at the competition. It takes a year or two to get the team to work together and operate under pressure.”

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WEF’s new line of operator training, Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals, helps operators prepare for the first three levels of certification examinations and is eligible for up to 6 Continuing Education Units

Training for the Operator of the Future