At Boxelder Sanitation District, our mission is simple but essential: protect public health and the environment by safely collecting and treating wastewater for the communities we serve. But carrying out that mission, day in and day out, takes more than infrastructure and equipment. It takes our incredible team.

 

Behind every flush, every manhole cover, every drop of water returned to Boxelder Creek is a dedicated team of just 15 professionals who keep this 78-square-mile district running. Together, our team serves nearly 8,000 customer accounts (meaning taps, not total customers) across portions of Fort Collins, Timnath, Severance, Windsor and surrounding unincorporated areas. And we do it with deep expertise, strong coordination and round-the-clock vigilance.

The Plant Never Sleeps

Wastewater treatment isn’t a 9-to-5 job. It’s a non-stop operation. When you go to bed, the treatment plant keeps working and so does our team. Staff can monitor things from home when on call, keeping eyes on the plant remotely and responding immediately if anything needs attention. Whether it’s a pump issue or a line break, someone is ready to respond, even in the middle of the night.

From the moment wastewater leaves your home to the time it’s treated and safely returned to the environment, multiple teams are involved. Here’s a closer look at the people who make that happen.

Who Does What in Wastewater Treatment?

Office Staff: Finance, Customer Service, Accounting

Our administrative staff handles everything from customer service and billing to HR, budgeting and capital planning. This five-person team keeps operations running behind the scenes—processing payments, supporting staff, coordinating communication and helping plan for long-term financial and service needs.

Engineering

Boxelder’s engineers plan and oversee critical infrastructure projects to ensure the system is prepared for both current and future needs. They review development plans, coordinate with contractors and developers and inspect new builds, all while helping the District stay on time and on budget with capital improvements.

Collections

Boxelder’s collections crew manages 104 miles of gravity-fed sewer lines, over 2,200 manholes, six lift stations and five main interceptors. This team handles routine jetting, camera inspections, root removal and emergency repairs to keep wastewater flowing smoothly. Their preventative approach helps avoid service disruptions and ensures wastewater safely reaches the treatment plant.

Pre-Treatment

Our pre-treatment technician plays a vital role in protecting the system from pollutants and industrial waste. By sampling water from select businesses, reviewing treatment devices, issuing discharge permits and managing our Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program, this position ensures compliance with EPA standards. Our pre-treatment technician safeguards the integrity of the entire treatment process.

Plant Operations

Our plant operator and plant manager oversee the treatment facility to ensure it runs safely, efficiently and in full compliance with state and federal regulations. They monitor equipment, make real-time adjustments and conduct daily testing to ensure the water we return to the river is clean, safe and environmentally sound.

Environmental Regulations

Boxelder’s newest role is helping lead the charge on environmental stewardship. Our new Environmental Regulatory Specialist keeps a pulse on evolving state and federal requirements. This position reviews emerging regulations and ensure that Boxelder is not only compliant but also ahead of the curve. This new role supports our commitment to being proactive and sustainable for the long haul.

What Sets the Team Apart?

What makes the Boxelder team so effective isn’t just how much we do, it’s how we do it. Most employees have state certifications, from operators to collections staff. The team prioritizes preventative work over reactive fixes, maintains a strong safety culture and takes pride in collaboration across departments. The average tenure is six to seven years, and turnover is low—a reflection of a team that’s both skilled and committed.

Why It Matters

The scale of Boxelder’s infrastructure, the pace of growth in the region and the high standards required for safe wastewater treatment mean that every role here carries real weight. This team isn’t just keeping the system running; they’re protecting public health, safeguarding local waterways and planning for the future.

As our region continues to grow, we’re proud to have a team that can grow with it. Because at Boxelder, it’s not about how many people are on the team. It’s about how much we care.