Like a lot of our talented employees, Ernie Poling is a man of many skills, both on the job and off.

As an Operator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for almost 24 years, Ernie helps monitor all aspects of the biological treatment process and collects samples from different points in the system for laboratory testing. Operators keep a constant watch on the Plant through monitors, laptops, and iPads. In fact, Ernie kept one eye on his iPad throughout his interview for this story.

The information gathered by Operators is entered into the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which is the heartbeat of the Plant and tracks trends. They also use SCADA to monitor 37 remote sites.

Ernie also rotates helping out with the Dewatering Facility. Biosolids, the residue from the treatment process, are handled by this facility. It is an economical way to recycle our biosolids, which are transported to a company that mixes it with organic materials to produce environmentally-friendly compost.

Ernie and the other Operators also help the Maintenance staff on special projects as needed. For example, during the week of this interview they were installing ammonia analyzers in the clarifiers, which Ernie assisted with throughout the week as his schedule allowed.

Operators are required to go through a rigorous state certification process. Ernie is a Grade 4 (highest) Certified Wastewater Treatment Operator, Certified Land Application Operator, Certified Spray Irrigation Operator, Licensed Public Pesticide Operator, and Licensed Plumbing and Heating Contractor.

Ernie says he not only enjoys the folks he works with at the Plant, but he likes that his “office” is both inside and outside. “I wouldn’t want to work inside all day,” he said, “and I wouldn’t want to work outside all day. So this is a pretty good mix of both.”

Born and raised in Ohio, Ernie ended up in Arizona working in aircraft logistics for Learjet. Arizona is where he met his wife, Sharon. Eventually, they moved back to Sharon’s hometown in Edgecombe County, where Ernie worked for the Edgecombe County School System in maintenance and wastewater treatment. He was with the school system for six years before joining Greenville Utilities when the Wastewater Treatment Plant expanded.

Sharon and Ernie have four children and nine grandchildren, all of whom live in North Carolina. “We have a big time during the holidays getting everyone together,” he said.

In his spare time, Ernie likes to take his boat out and fish (which he’s finally getting Sharon to enjoy). He also enjoys woodworking. “I make all kinds of gadgets like cutting boards, pens, letter openers, wine stoppers, bowls, you name it.” He said that he took up this hobby when the kids were young, and still enjoys it. “I don’t sell it, but do it for fun as gifts for friends and family.”

Favorites:

Author – John Sandford

Movie – Shawshank Redemption

TV Show – Big Bang Theory

Snack – Popcorn

Teams – Cleveland Browns & Ohio State