James Plummer is an environmental analyst at NEIWPCC’s Lowell, Massachusetts office. He works on a variety of projects in the Wastewater and Onsite Programs Division, including the Tracking and Accounting Collaborative (TACo), National State Revolving Fund Workshop, providing administrative oversight for staff in Maine’s Drinking Water Program, and NEIWPCC’s Stormwater Workgroup.
Q: When did you join NEIWPCC, and how has your role changed over time?
James: I started as an intern in the summer of 2016, running our Youth and the Environment Program (YEP). At the time I was a junior at the University of Tampa [Florida], but back home in New Hampshire for the summer. When I graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s in biology, I returned to run YEP again and stayed on as an intern in the Wastewater Division into the fall. After the program ended, a full-time position running our nonpoint source work opened, so I applied and started working in our Water Resource Protection Division.
Q: What initially drew you to NEIWPCC?
James: I was looking for environmental work, and YEP was a great introduction to NEIWPCC and the water industry, so I was interested in continuing my work here. I liked the breadth of work at NEIWPCC; there are always new projects going on, the content is interesting, and the people are all great. Recently, I found a card from the employees here after my first summer, with such nice notes and messages!
Q: Which of your contributions or projects have you enjoyed the most and why?
James: I really enjoyed coordinating the 30th Annual Nonpoint Source Conference in New Hampshire in 2019, working with some fantastic folks at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. It was my first time running a conference from start to finish, and it was very successful, didn’t have a lot of hiccups, and I learned a lot.
Q: What are some important lessons you have learned since starting at NEIWPCC?
James: As far as wastewater goes, no one grows up and says, “I want to work in wastewater,” but we all sort of fall in love with it and then continue working in the water field. I think it’s a testament to the people and the work. There are never any boring moments.
Q: What are some of your favorite things about working for NEIWPCC?
James: Definitely the content of the work. It’s interesting and fulfilling – at the end of the day, we are doing good for the environment and people.
Q: What is your favorite outdoor activity?
James: I really like birding. It’s sort of zen and a moment to stop and reflect, and it requires the use of most of your senses. There are so many facets to birds, between behavioral stuff, their anatomy, and where they live. My favorite birds are Cedar Waxwings.
Q: Tell me a fun fact about yourself!
James: I’m an Eagle Scout, and that’s definitely what gave me a better appreciation for the environment and our relationship with it and fostered my desire to preserve it.