Dean Roberson, Equipment Operator V, recently retired after 29 years of service with Greenville Utilities’ Water Resources Department. Dean operated equipment like backhoes, excavators, and large hauling trucks for Water maintenance crews, and performed other tasks as needed.  

As an Equipment Operator, Dean had a lot of responsibilities including the safety of crews around the equipment. "I did a lot of different stuff with my job,” he said, “and enjoyed that every day was different. I also enjoyed the people here. We're like one big, happy family. I feel blessed to have been here and learned from a lot of different people over the years. I made a promise to myself that before I retire, I’d have something to leave behind. It’s a good feeling that you can walk out the door and say, ‘look what I’ve done.’"  

Dean also represented GUC in the Eastern Water and Wastewater Network Backhoe Rodeos for many years. This annual event gives equipment operators from Eastern North Carolina the opportunity to show off their talents in operating a variety of excavating equipment like rubber tire backhoes and small trackhoes. It’s also a great way for operators to test their ability in performing tasks safely and quickly. 

Dean and his wife, Janice, have two adult children, Tarrence and Jean, as well as two grandchildren. Dean enjoys a lot of hobbies, but mostly fishing, horseback riding, bike riding with his wife, four wheeling, and riding his Harley. He looks forward to spending more time with his family, his hobbies, and working on things around the house. 

Enjoy retirement, Dean!