Michelle Colwell

Water Treatment Technologist
Gippsland Water

Bachelor of Applied Science

"My role combines the theoretical with the practical. The work is never routine."

After holding positions as a Microbiologist in the water and dairy industries in Ballarat and Warrnambool, I moved back to the Latrobe Valley in 1994, taking up the position of Senior Microbiologist with Gippsland Water.

Since 1994, I have undertaken many different technically based roles within Gippsland Water, and now hold the position of Water Treatment Technologist. In this position, I provide scientific and technical support to the operators of Gippsland Water's 16 Water Treatment Plants. My role includes the optimisation of chemical dosing and filtration performance, and combines the theoretical with the practical. The work is never routine. On any particular day, I can be working at any of the 16 Water Treatment Plants, with any number of workmates in a hands-on capacity, or located at Head Office working on another large group of interesting and technically challenging projects related to water treatment.

The biggest challenge in my current role is keeping up with emerging water treatment technologies to ensure that Gippsland Water maintains its technical edge by continually applying best practice treatment principles. I enjoy the opportunity to trouble shoot problems and work through practical solutions as part of the job, and new challenges faced every day.

During my studies at Gippsland there was ample opportunity to interact closely with lecturers and spend the necessary time with them to achieve a thorough appreciation and understanding of the subject matter. I was also able to take advantage of many technically relevant and highly specialised laboratory practical sessions. I have found that the skills learned in this practical environment have been highly regarded by prospective employers.