Steve Hedgepeth has been with GUC’s Water Department for 32 years. After starting out in Water Resources Distribution as an Equipment Operator and Crew Leader, he is now an Operator III at the Wastewater Treatment Plant where he has been since 1994. As an Operator, Steve is responsible for monitoring all aspects of wastewater treatment operations to ensure they are safe for the environment and our community. Operators check treatment, disinfection, and quality control of the treated wastewater around the clock before it is returned to the Tar River. They also collect samples from different points in the system to be tested in the laboratory. Steve holds both Grade 4 Operator and Grade 2 Maintenance Technician certifications. He is also a member of the Smooth Operators team that recently won 1st and 2nd place competitions at the Water Environment Federation (WEF) Operations Challenge.

Fun Fact! In 2006, Steve became certified in scuba diving. He got into it by cleaning the fish that his buddies caught while spearfishing and decided to try it out himself. He’s been “hooked” ever since! 

What was your very first job?
I worked on my Grandaddy’s tobacco farm. 

What are some of your favorite things about your job?
The people I work with here. After 32 years, I have had several supervisors, past and present, who have been instrumental in my longevity with GUC. Anybody can hold the title of boss, but mine have filled the shoes and made the job easier, along with coworkers. 

How would you describe your job to a child?
When children tour our facility, I like to explain that our treatment process is like throwing a party. Aeration basins are the building where the party takes place. The bugs are the people, the food is the waste coming in, and the music is the mixing and aeration. If any of these are taken away, the party is over. 

What advice do you offer those who are new to the utility industry?
Be true to yourself. 

What would you like us to know about your family?
It’s me and my wife, Stephanie, and our cat, Chloe. Unfortunately, our Yellow Lab, Colt, recently passed away. I also have a sister who lives in Cape Carteret and a brother in Kinston. 

Do you have a favorite family recipe?
My mom’s gravy recipe on hamburger steak with rice. 

What’s your favorite family tradition?
My wife and I started traveling and going on cruises years ago and we try to go somewhere different every year. In fact, I proposed to her on a cruise. 

Who is your hero?
My dad. 

Have you traveled to other countries?
I’ve been to England. 

Do you have a nickname?
Scuba Steve. 

If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
I would probably want to be invisible. 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak. 

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
My wife, beer, and steak. 

Do you collect anything or have any hobbies?
Along with scuba diving, I like to spearfish and catch scallops and lobsters, which we do while diving and snorkeling. I also collect shot glasses on our travels.