Robert Wilson is passionate about the environment.
That enthusiasm has translated into a major award for environmental leadership.
Wilson, the environmental services supervisor for the city of Petaluma, was chosen as an Emerging Leader by the California Water Environment Association for his outstanding dedication to the community and environmental sustainability.
Wilson received a call this year explaining his name had been shelved and he had been chosen for the 2018 award.
“He has such positive energy and enthusiasm that he transmits to his staff and really promotes positive relationships with people.” As the environmental services supervisor, Wilson is responsible for wastewater discharge, storm water, air quality and biosolids, water conservation, pollution prevention, recycled wastewater and pretreatment.
“It is a great career and I am happy to go to work every day.” Wilson is a respected figure within the environmental profession and is the former chair and current member of the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group, a subcommittee organized under the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies.
The BAPPG is passionate about finding ways to engage with the community in a positive way to enact change.
Wilson and his dedicated team of eight work on programs like the Water-Wise House Call program which is run through the Public Utilities Department.
They also invite homeowners to take advantage of their Mulch Madness program, which sends technicians to replace mulch and provide cardboard, compost and an irrigation conversion kit.
“It would be equally impossible for me to accomplish what I do without the support I receive from the people I report to.”