Author: Tata & Howard

Project Engineer, Water/Wastewater – Shelton, CT

We are looking for a qualified and highly motivated Civil / Environmental Engineer with 4-7 years’ experience in water and/or wastewater engineering to address the needs of a growing firm. The selected candidate will support a variety of civil engineering design projects including pipelines and pump stations. The successful candidate will take the lead in project execution, project cost estimates and schedules, project work plans, keeping projects on schedule and within budget, and coordinating/participating in the preparation of plans and specifications, technical reports documenting project activities, findings, and recommendations, with limited supervision. The candidate must be a self-starter with a solid understanding of the consulting engineering industry. Familiarity with Deltek Vision project management system a plus.

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 4 years of experience in the consulting engineering industry involving the design of municipal water and/or wastewater systems.
  • Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Connecticut or the ability to obtain within one year.
  • Candidate must have strong technical skills and history of successful projects.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Candidate must be able to work well independently and in teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Please note that Tata & Howard does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

UPLOAD RESUME

Girl Day: Empowering Female Engineers

Now more than ever, it is important that we encourage young girls and women to enter into the engineering field. The dedication, innovation, and perseverance of our female employee-owners is truly inspiring. By breaking barriers and achieving remarkable feats in engineering, they are not only advancing technology but also paving the way for future generations. They are powerful role models for young girls everywhere and their achievements show them that they too can dream big, believe in their abilities, and pursue their goals fearlessly.

On this Girl Day, learn more about the women at Tata & Howard and their reasoning for becoming engineers and what their beliefs are with regard to women in STEM.

Karen Gracey, Co-President

My passion for engineering stems from my love for math, which naturally led me to pursue a career in civil and environmental engineering. I was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the world and to develop solutions for our ever-changing environment.

During my college years, I faced unique challenges as one of only three women in the civil engineering program. Often, I found myself as the sole woman in my classes, including my differential equations course. This situation could have easily been a source of intimidation, but I chose to see it as an opportunity to empower myself and challenge the gender divide. By embracing this mindset, I not only overcame the obstacles but also excelled academically, achieving one of the highest grades in the class that semester.

This experience reinforced my commitment to engineering and my belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. It taught me the value of resilience and the power of determination, shaping me into the engineer I am today.

Allison Shivers, Project Manager

I decided/was inspired to go into engineering because I felt that engineering could allow me to work on something that I was interested in and also make an impact on the world at the same time. It was exciting to think that I could take part in projects that would ultimately have a direct impact on lives through designing infrastructure and/or helping to find solutions to environmental issues. Also, I think I had a desire to push back on the stereotype that engineering is only for certain people.

I think we can encourage more young girls to choose engineering by exposing them to more women in the industry. If female engineers can be highlighted more, then young girls can see that engineering is not only for men. An example of something small we can do is maybe try to volunteer to speak to elementary school classes about what we do and how we contribute so that at a young age they are not just associating engineering as a male occupation. This would especially be helpful as a female led company, to highlight women in all levels of the field. Another idea is to make a video compilation highlighting women in engineering to be shared somehow for exposure.

Katie Carreira, Project Manager

I chose to pursue engineering in high school. I was always more interested in math and science than anything else, but having a variety of STEM classes available to me in high school, and excelling at those STEM classes, is what gave me the confidence to pursue engineering in college. I had an interest in solving real-life problems, and that inspired my career path. I think having a variety of STEM classes available to me in high school, including smaller advanced classes that were taught by male and female teachers alike was a key factor in pushing me into the engineering field.

I think it’s very important to encourage more young girls to choose engineering so that in time we can have a more diverse and robust engineering field. One thing that may help is more representation – if young girls can see themselves represented in the engineering field, that can inspire them and show them that they can excel at engineering just as much as anyone else. It would be great if young girls had more exposure to examples of women engineers and the cool things we do – whether through TV and films, social media, or through school programs and outreach.

Brianna Sullivan, Senior Project Designer

My inspiration was my first mentor, who was the brightest woman I had ever met, and who taught me how to move forward in this field. I took some additional English and poetry courses in college and wrote this poem, inspired by her:

She doesn’t sketch her dreams in pastel,
but in concrete, CAD, and carbon steel—
a girl who maps the bones of bridges,
whose compass spins for rivers, ridges,
& blueprint lines like veins, alive,
to birth a road, reroute a tide.

She’ll draft her worth in wastewater schemes,
in wind turbines’ spin, solar arrays’ gleam,
in the carbon chains she dares unbind—
a world remade by the force of her mind.

No war but the work, no crown but the cause,
she bends the rules, rewrites the laws,
not to claim a seat, but to build a table
where tomorrow’s girls sketch the impossible.
Her legacy? Clean water, clean air, and this:
A planet that breathes because she insists.

Kimberly Frary, Engineer II

I was inspired to pursue a career in engineering because I grew up hearing about my Mom’s early career as a computer engineer and we were encouraged as kids to explore STEM topics of interest outside of school. My interest in water and environmental concerns was developed in high school by taking STEM electives. Also, having a few friends that took the same classes helped me feel more confident in stepping outside of my comfort zone and we helped each other study.  I think young girls can be inspired to pursue a career in STEM by seeing other women succeed and by having a support network that nurtures their interests.

Check out our last blog post to read more on our amazing team of women here at Tata and Howard.

The Future of STEM: Empowering Women

During Engineers Week (February 16-22), a celebration of the diverse and innovative field of engineering, it’s important to reflect on not only how far we’ve come, but the journey still ahead, particularly when it comes to empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The theme this year, which aligns perfectly with our values at Tata & Howard (T&H), encourages innovation, leadership, and equality. Women in STEM are not just breaking barriers; they’re rewriting the rules. And at T&H, we’re proud to be part of that journey, especially when it comes to water systems engineering.

In a profession that has traditionally been male-dominated, our emphasis on employee ownership, particularly through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), has further helped level the playing field. By offering employees a stake in the company, we empower individuals (particularly women engineers) to shape the future of the firm and the industries we serve. This sense of ownership is essential for innovation and reflects the values of equality and collaboration that define our company culture.

A Legacy of Supporting Women in Engineering Leadership

Over the years, T&H has consistently been at the forefront of promoting gender equality in the workplace, especially within the engineering sector. The leadership team is composed of accomplished women who are shaping the future of water system engineering while also fostering an environment where the next generation of female engineers can grow. These trailblazers not only bring years of technical expertise to the table but also serve as mentors and role models for young engineers aspiring to follow in their footsteps.

At the heart of our engineering teams are women who bring extensive experience, cutting-edge technical skills, and a passion for innovation. These women are not only integral to the success of the company, but are also key players in transforming the water systems of the future, working tirelessly to ensure that the communities we serve have access to safe, reliable water systems.

Women Who Are Driving Change at Tata & Howard

With Girl Day on February 20 during Engineers Week, it’s the perfect moment to highlight some of the incredible women leading the charge here at T&H. These women are not only tackling complex engineering challenges, they’re also inspiring the next generation of engineers, especially young women who are considering their future careers.

Our team is fortunate to have several outstanding women engineers who are leading by example and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the water engineering field.

Karen Gracey, serves as our Co-President with over 27 years of experience. Karen is a standout leader at T&H, specializing in water system design and hydraulic modeling. She is experienced in WaterGems and InfoWater software and her work on the Capital Efficiency Plan methodology has been integral to the development of water systems across New England. As a member of Tata & Howard’s Board of Directors and the NEWWA program committee, Karen is not only an influential figure within T&H but also a respected leader in the broader engineering community. Her ability to balance technical expertise with mentorship and leadership is an inspiration to the entire team.

Jenna Rzasa, our other Co-President, brings over 28 years of engineering experience and a wealth of knowledge in water system design, new water source development, and conducting water audits. As a board member and a leader in her field, Jenna has become a trusted advisor on complex water system projects and is a key driver of our Capital Efficiency Plan initiatives. Her contributions have helped municipalities across New England optimize their water infrastructure, ensuring that communities are served by sustainable and resilient water systems.

Justine Carroll’s expertise in water system hydraulic modeling, design, and construction has been invaluable to T&H’s projects over the last 19 years. With certifications in WaterGEMS and InfoWater modeling software, and her position as Vice President, Justine has also contributed to the development of cutting-edge environmental solutions. Her educational background, including both a BS and MS from Tufts University, has prepared her to tackle complex engineering challenges with both precision and innovation.

Allison Shivers is a standout Project Manager specializing in wastewater engineering who brings over 15 years of experience to our team. Her work evaluating wastewater collection systems and improving wastewater treatment facilities has had a significant impact on the infrastructure of many of our local communities. In addition to her engineering expertise, Allison — like most of our female engineers — is a mother who prioritizes work-life balance, modeling for younger women in the field that it is possible to pursue a fulfilling career while also nurturing a family.

Molly Caruso, with 11 years of engineering experience, brings a unique perspective to the team as a Project Manager. Specializing in water distribution, Molly’s passion for environmental sustainability and her technical expertise help shape T&H’s approach to solving water infrastructure challenges. As a working mother, she exemplifies the flexibility and support that the company provides to ensure women can thrive both professionally and personally.

Kathryn (Katie) Carreira is a Project Manager with laser-level focus on hydraulic modeling, water infrastructure design, and water treatment. Her contributions over the last nine years to our water infrastructure projects have been invaluable, particularly in ensuring the design and safety of critical water systems. As a young engineer, Katie is part of a new wave of female
professionals who are shaping the future of water engineering.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Engineers

Tata & Howard’s commitment to women in STEM is not just about supporting the women who are already leaders in the field but also about inspiring the next generation of engineers. Initiatives like Girl Day offer young girls the opportunity to explore engineering careers and see firsthand the impact that engineers—especially women—can have on the world. Through programs like these, we aim to break down the barriers that may deter young women from pursuing careers in STEM, showing them that there is a place for them at the table.

Our company’s focus on employee ownership through the ESOP program plays a significant role in encouraging women to step into leadership positions. Employee ownership fosters an environment where everyone — regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual preference — has a voice and an opportunity to shape the direction of the company. This sense of ownership helps cultivate not only confidence, but also collaboration and a sense of responsibility for not
just the company’s success but also for shaping the future of the industries we serve.

The Road Ahead

As we celebrate Engineers Week and Girl Day, it’s clear that the future of STEM is bright, particularly for women. At Tata & Howard, we are proud of the progress we have made in fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in engineering, but we know that there is still more work to be done. We remain committed to ensuring that the future of STEM is one where women’s voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and their leadership is celebrated. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of women engineers to achieve their full potential.

Engineer, Water/Wastewater – MA and CT

Tata & Howard has opportunities for entry-level Civil and/or Environmental Engineers with a strong interest in municipal water and/or wastewater design. Experience with AutoCAD a plus. Responsibilities include project design, site investigations and surveys, analysis of data, interaction with clients, and developing engineering reports, models, and calculations related to the design of water/wastewater and stormwater collection/distribution systems. Additional responsibilities include developing familiarity with government, client, and industry local codes, regulations, and standards; health and safety requirements; and environmental concerns.

Requirements

  • Minimum qualifications include Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or related field.
  • Successful candidates will be adept at applying engineering principles to develop effective solutions, and must possess strong technical and business writing skills.
  • Ideal candidates should have some experience with design and development of water and / or wastewater engineering solutions, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Candidates must be able to work well independently and in teams.

Locations

    • Marlborough, MA
    • Shelton, CT

Please note that Tata & Howard does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

UPLOAD RESUME

Project Manager, Water Engineering – Shelton, CT

Job Description

We are looking for a qualified and highly motivated Project Manager, Water Engineering with 10-12 years’ experience in water distribution engineering to join our Shelton, CT office. The selected candidate will work directly with our clients and a team of design engineers in a variety of civil engineering projects including pipelines and pump stations. The successful candidate will have a proven record of meeting project deadlines and budgets.  Other responsibilities include mentoring and training junior engineers, coordinating / participating in the preparation of plans and specifications, technical report writing, and documenting project activities, findings, and recommendations, with limited supervision. This position will also have business development responsibilities including lead identification, prospect meetings, and participation in proposals as appropriate.  The candidate must be a self-starter with a solid understanding of the consulting engineering industry. Familiarity with Deltek Vision project management system a plus.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
  • 10-12 years of experience in the consulting engineering industry involving the design of municipal water systems.
  • Registered Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Connecticut or the ability to obtain through reciprocity.
  • Previous experience working on and managing projects for municipal water clients.
  • Proven history of developing and managing projects from design through construction.
  • Candidate must have strong technical skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Candidate must be able to work well independently and in teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
UPLOAD RESUME

T&H Nominated Sponsor of the Year from NEWWA

Tata & Howard Honored by the New England Water Works Association

Karen L. Gracey accepts Sponsor of the year award from NEWWA.HOLLISTON, Mass. – Tata & Howard recently received the 2022 Sponsor of the Year Award from the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA), the region’s largest and oldest not-for-profit organization of water works professionals.

The Sponsor of the Year Award was established in 1995 to recognize the outstanding efforts of service provider members who support NEWWA through financial contributions, in-kind materials, and volunteer resources.

Tata & Howard has been a NEWWA member since 2004 and is a NEWWA Gold Sponsor. They are Recycle Sponsors at the Spring Conference, consistently sponsor the Annual Golf Tournament, supported the 2021 Virtual Technology Campaign, and have participated as an advertiser in the Source newsletter.

Tata & Howard supports the involvement of their staff in NEWWA as volunteers, including Co-President Karen Gracey, who has been involved with the Program Committee as a campaign manager and moderator for the Spring and Annual Conferences for the last six years.

Tata & Howard was recognized with this award on September 18, 2022, during NEWWA’s 141st Annual Conference in Newport, RI.

Lead and Copper Rule Revision

An EPA mandate under section §141.84 of the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) requires all municipalities to develop and submit for review a lead service line (LSL) inventory plan, including public and private side, by October 16, 2024.

Over time, lead in drinking water builds up in the body, causing damage to the brain, red blood cells, and kidneys. The most significant risk is to young children and pregnant women, as lead in the body can slow the normal mental and physical development of growing bodies.

With the EPA’s October mandate rolling out in 2024, municipalities across America are working on developing or refining an LSL inventory tracking system to quickly identify and replace lead service lines for public and private water connections.

T&H’s Justine Carroll, Vice President, published an article titled “How to Start an LSL Inventory Tracking System,” which provides guidance on the necessary information that should be collected for a complete database. You may review the full article here. 

LSL Blogs and News

LSL Projects

How to Start an LSL Inventory Tracking System

by Justine Carroll, Vice President, Tata & Howard, Inc., October, 2022

For the first time since the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency has mandated all municipalities, under section §141.84 of the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR), to develop and submit for review a lead service line (LSL) inventory plan including both public and private side. Municipalities’ inventories servicing 50,000+ populations must be available on the municipality’s website, allowing residents and business owners to access information online to determine if the line on public or private land contains lead. The EPA administration is encouraging early plan submissions allowing review and revision time to meet the October 16, 2024, deadline.

The following planning structure serves as a guideline for an LSL inventory plan. The shared information provided is not all-encompassing, allowing individual municipalities to customize their inventory plan to their needs.

Start preparing an LSL Inventory

Find and organize internal data such as metered accounts, assessors’ data, record files, service cards, building permit records, work orders, and field excavations. Create a customer survey using mailings or mobile applications to help identify LSL materials for homes or businesses. Develop public education programs to notify private owners and residents through invoicing, email, and notices.

Structuring the database – Categories, Subcategories, and Service Indicators

The next step in developing an LSL plan is to assign categories and subcategories to identify and report quickly. Data fields can include sampling locations, connection material, current and past service line material, installation date, classification, building type, building installation year, plumbing material, and service line replacement status. Template spreadsheets are available at the state level; using them allows for universal fields and drop-down menus for continuous data input.

The inventory will identify services with service lines categorized as lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or lead status unknown; consider installation and home construction dates, service line size, and water-main installation year when actual dates are unavailable.

Base your starting point with the 1986 EPA Lead Ban and local ordinances to determine when lead installations were not allowed in the public water system. Services with unknown materials should be ranked for verification by indicating high priority of lead, medium priority of lead, or low priority of lead.

Create a public LSL replacement program to eliminate known lead service lines and work with private owners to replace necessary lines; often, monetary incentivized programs are available. Next, develop a verification process consisting of customer surveys, home inspections, water quality sampling, or mechanical excavation.

Lastly, internally link the database to a shapefile in your GIS or other mapping software to identify service line materials quickly; data can be made public for communities with more than 50,000 people.

To contact Justine M. Carroll, Vice President, Tata & Howard, Inc.
jcarroll@tataandhoward.com  |  Direct ((508) 219-4018
Let’s Connect on LinkedIn 

Article featured: MWWA H20 Pump Newsletter, October 2022, Edition N0. 224, featured sponsor, page 9.

Salvatore Longo, V.P., Retires

Farewell to a great team member, Sal Longo! Enjoy your retirement Sal!

We wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sal Longo for his many years of service.  Sal has been with Tata & Howard since 2014 when Haestad Engineering was acquired.  Prior to 2014, he spent the entirety of his career at Haestad.  With his easy-going demeanor and superior engineering skills, Sal has been the go to person for many clients in Connecticut because of his expertise in everything water, specifically safe yield analyses and pump station designs.  Not only is he retiring but he is also leaving Connecticut and heading to Maine.  We wish Sal the best of luck in this next chapter and hope that he can relax and enjoy some needed time off.  The entire Tata & Howard team wishes Sal the very best in his retirement!  Wishing you many fun adventures!