Jacksonville Water Works field technician Nick McPeek might not have worked for the city at all if not for impeccable timing.
Three years ago, McPeek, 23, heard about a job opening with the city water department just a day before the civil service board’s deadline for applications. McPeek had a job at a grocery store in Piedmont, but a family friend had gotten his mind on water treatment earlier that year, and an opening for a technician seemed serendipitous. He rushed out to get an application.
“I turned it in about an hour later,” McPeek said, now approaching his third anniversary with the WWGSB.
His job includes a range of tasks, from routine meter reading and maintenance to complex tasks like programming the meters and repairing leaks. He’s considering getting his journeyman’s plumbing license, which will require some classes and certification, or taking another look at water treatment, though that wouldn’t have the same hands-on appeal, he said.
“I’m a little more unsure about that, because I like the physical, plumbing side of working with water a little bit more,” McPeek said.
Michael Rinker, utility office manager, said McPeek’s value as an employee goes beyond his technical skill, especially when it comes to his work ethic and willingness to tackle tasks as they come.
“Something I never have to worry about with Nick is that he wants to get the job done,” Rinker said. “I’ve told him before that it’s a big burden off of me.”
McPeek took a moment to thank his parents, sister Cheyenne, girlfriend Lauryn, Rinker and Seth Mashburn-Goodwin, the other half of the office’s field technician duo, for their support. Though he lived in Piedmont most his life, McPeek explained, he’s moved to Jacksonville and enjoys living here.
“I love this city,” McPeek said.
