As part of our wastewater technical service team, Andrea Petersen provides the in-field service and hands-on support our distribution partners need to bring the latest bioaugmentation solutions to their customers. We’re lucky to have her passion for education and success!
What drew you to Microbial Discovery Group (MDG)?
The biological sciences have always been an area I was interested in pursuing. When I took my first microbiology class in college, I fell in love and knew this was the field for me! When it came time to find a job and I found the listing for a Technical Field Representative at Microbial Discovery Group, I thought to myself, “Andrea, this is it. You’ve found a job that 100% suits YOU!” I applied immediately and the rest is history!
What does your typical day look like?
There are two parts to my job; working in the office and traveling to wastewater treatment facilities to meet with our distribution partners (DPs).
While in the office, my days involve creating educational presentations, application tools, and newsletter content. This content covers a variety of topics and scenarios to ensure our customers have what they need in order to be successful. Additionally, I follow-up with our partners and write proposals, service reports, treatment reports, and case studies.
While in the field, I am in teaching mode. I meet with our DPs and assist them with site visits to wastewater facilities. I act as a resource to help answer questions, take and document measurements, calculate the correct dosing recommendations, and eventually draft treatment proposals and reports. My main goal is to develop confidence within our DPs to make sure they have whatever support they need to be successful.
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I am drafting a presentation and case study summarizing a recent successful treatment. I also just recently returned from an in-field visit with one of our DPs. We visited a municipal collection system that was experiencing high hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations and was getting odor complaints from the local citizens. On our visit, we surveyed the system and formulated a treatment plan to dose upstream of the effected collection pit.
What is the most inspiring or exciting part of your job?
Working with my team and getting to travel and educate our customers is the most exciting part about my job! I love that I can be a part of our DPs learning journey. It is both fun and incredibly fulfilling.
What is your favorite aspect about working at MDG?
I love the support MDG is willing to give to help you align your goals and passion. They don’t just ‘talk the talk’, but actually help me reach my goals. For example, shortly after stepping into this role, I was presented with several teaching opportunities through in-field and remote presentations. My supervisors listen to me and are working hard to keep me on track of my goals while helping to fulfill my passion.
What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
When not at work, I like to take hikes with my trusty boxer lab hound mix, participate in boot camp workout classes, perform with a Slovak ethnic dance group, relax while doing aerial yoga, read (a lot), and spend time with friends and family.
Professional goal for the next 5 years?
I see myself becoming an expert in wastewater bioaugmentation! I’d also like to become exceptional at creating and presenting educational material to a variety of audiences.
Let’s talk about our Technical Support and the unique value it brings our wastewater customers….
The value we bring our customers stems from the passion each member of our team brings to the table. When passion is involved, fear is diminished, expertise develops and thrives, money is made, successes are continuous, relationships are built, and confidence is driven upwards for all parties. We won’t rest until our customers are successful!
