Leadership Opportunities

How do I Join a Division, Council or Standing Committee?

AWWA Councils, Standing Committees, and Divisions have membership openings each year. In order to join, individuals must be appointed to these leadership positions.

Each fall, a list of openings on the 6 Councils, 8 Technical & Educational Divisions, and 6 Standing Committees are posted here. Past AWWA volunteer experience may be required for appointment.

To apply, fill out a volunteer application and specify the opportunity you are applying for. AWWA Staff will follow up with further details on the appointment process.

Learn more about the Volunteer Structure by viewing the Volunteer Structure Chart and by reading the Volunteer FAQ.

Current Division and Council Openings

Volunteer Application Volunteer Structure Volunteer FAQ

Board of Directors

The application process for the AWWA Board of Directors is outlined in the AWWA Bylaws Articles III, IV and V. If you have further questions, please contact Heather Santos at hsantos@awwa.org.

Executive Committee

The application process for the AWWA Executive Committee is outlined in the AWWA Bylaws Articles III, IV and V. If you have further questions, please contact Heather Santos at hsantos@awwa.org.

Board Committees

The application process for the AWWA Board Committees is outlined in the AWWA Bylaws Articles III, IV and V. If you have further questions, please contact Heather Santos at hsantos@awwa.org.

Standing Committees

The application process for the AWWA Standing committees is outlined in the AWWA Bylaws Articles III, IV and V. If you have further questions, please contact Heather Santos at hsantos@awwa.org.

International Council

Commonly referred to as the IC
Shall not exceed 15 members, plus one staff advisor.

Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Governing Documents, statements of policy of the Association, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. 
Experience: Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure. 3 years of experience conducting international business to include international travel. Foreign language capability desired. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association
Term: 3 years; eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 
Description: Develops and coordinates AWWA's international policies and activities, actively promoting Association participation in the global drinking water community, representing the interests of the international members in the governance of AWWA and stimulating participation of international members and organizations within the Association. The council also coordinates with other councils and volunteer units of the Association to enhance international participation and understanding.

Manufacturers/Associates Council

Commonly referred to as the MAC
Shall not exceed 20 members, plus one staff advisor.

Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Governing Documents, statements of policy of the Association, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan.
Experience: Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure.
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application.
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association
Travel: Meet 3 times per year during the spring, fall and annual conference in June. Travel expenses are not reimbursed for MAC members. Ad hoc committees conduct business in between meetings via conference call. Chairs of Councils serve on the Executive Committee and require additional travel.
Term: 3 years
Time commitment: Mid to high

Description: Provides responsible representation for, and involvement of, associate members, which include distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer reps and contractors; develops programs and activities for these members and encourages their membership and participation in AWWA; provides policy input and develops responses and commitment within the framework of AWWA on matters affecting these members.

Public Affairs Council

Commonly referred to as the PAC
Shall not exceed 15 members, plus one staff advisor.

Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA and its Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan, and particular experience in water sector and public affairs-related issues.
Experience: At least five years of professional experience, in addition to a history of work within the AWWA volunteer structure.
Application process: Members-at-large are nominated and appointed. Individuals may self-nominate by completing an application, or nominations can be made on behalf of an individual. The Council Chair is an elected position.
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association
Travel: The Council holds three in-person meetings per year, with conference calls and GoToMeeting occurring as needed. Travel expenses are reimbursable for the spring and fall meetings. Chairs of Councils serve on the Executive Committee and require additional travel.
Term: 3 years
Time commitment: Mid to high

Description: Plans and coordinates public information and public relations programs and assists where applicable in public education and public involvement activities.

Standards Council

Commonly referred to as the Standards Council or SC
Shall not exceed 25 members, plus one staff advisor.Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Governing Documents, statements of policy of the Association, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. Specific expertise on the use and application of AWWA Standards, development procedures and process, and ANSI procedures and principles, is preferred. 
Experience: Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure. Prior participation on an AWWA standards committee is preferred. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application.. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association 
Travel: Meet three times per year; spring, fall and at ACE in June. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the spring and fall meetings if a need is demonstrated. Travel expenses are not reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. Chairs of Councils serve on the Executive Committee and require additional travel. 
Term: 3 years 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Description: Develops standards and manuals according to procedures outlined in the Governing Documents. Standards are documents that serve as a base for contract specifications for purchases of materials and services. Manuals contain useful information, practices and recommendations designed to assist operating personnel as well as purchasers.

Technical & Educational Council

Commonly referred to as the TEC
Shall not exceed 25 members, plus one staff advisor.Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA volunteer units, statements of policy of the Association, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. 
Experience: Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association 
Travel: Meet three times per year; spring, fall and at ACE in June. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the spring and fall meetings if a need is demonstrated. Travel expenses are not reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. Chairs of Councils serve on the Executive Committee and require additional travel and time commitment. 
Term: 3 years with members-at-large eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Description: Coordinates the work of the eight divisions and has responsibility for advancing AWWA activities in design, construction, operation, water quality and management of water utilities except in matters pertaining to standards.

Technical & Educational Council - Divisions

Under the Technical & Educational Council there are eight divisions that collaborate on development of technical manuals, reports, specialty conferences and technical sessions at ACE. Each division has the authority to undertake studies and investigations within its sphere of interest and recommend working committees that document progress through reports under the purview of the Technical & Educational Council, which considers them and recommends further action. 

Distribution and Plant Operations Division 
Commonly referred to as the DPOD
Expertise: Knowledge of AWWA’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Governing Documents, Statements of Policy, and the DPOD Mission. 
Experience: Participation within the national AWWA volunteer structure, preferably as a Committee Chair for a full term of three years, or previous involvement with Section Committees. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application and submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Trustees must be AWWA members in good standing. 
Travel: While the majority of the DPOD’s work is accomplished by phone and electronic correspondence, attendance at its two annual face-to-face meetings is required. The Division meets in the fall and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the fall meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Mission: To advance state-of-the-art knowledge and disseminate information concerning water distribution and treatment plant operations. 

This includes the latest technologies for infrastructure replacement, rehabilitation of treatment plant facilities, customer metering practices, cross-connection control, energy management, water loss control procedures and equipment. Emphasis is placed on the advancement and education of water utility personnel through development of resource web pages, operational manuals, videos, webinars and handbooks as well as workshops and professional sessions covering related topics at ACE and related Specialty Conferences.

Engineering and Construction Division
Commonly referred to as E&C Division 
Expertise: Knowledge of AWWA’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Governing Documents, Statements of Policy, and the E&CD Mission. 
Experience: Participation within the national AWWA volunteer structure, preferably as a Committee Chair for a full term of three years, or previous involvement with Section Committees. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application and submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Trustees must be AWWA members in good standing. 
Travel: While the majority of the E&CD’s work is accomplished by phone and electronic correspondence, attendance at its two annual face-to-face meetings is required. The Division meets in the fall and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the fall meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Mission: To advance and disseminate knowledge of practices, procedures, equipment and materials related to the design, engineering, and construction of water utility facilities. The Division will also establish and maintain communications with appropriate technical and professional associations for the purpose of exchanging knowledge and information. 

Management and Leadership Division
Commonly referred to as M&LD 
Expertise: Knowledge of AWWA’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Governing Documents, Statements of Policy, and the M&LD Mission. 
Experience: Participation within the national AWWA volunteer structure, preferably as a Committee Chair for a full term of three years, or previous involvement with Section Committees. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application and submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Trustees must be AWWA members in good standing. 
Travel: While the majority of the M&LD’s work is accomplished by phone and electronic correspondence, attendance at its two annual face-to-face meetings is required. The Division meets in late winter or early spring and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the late winter/early spring meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Mission: To advance and disseminate knowledge to improve water utility management and leadership practices. 

Small Systems Division 
Commonly referred to as SSD 
Expertise: Knowledge of AWWA’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Governing Documents, Statements of Policy, and the M&LD Mission. 
Experience: Participation within the national AWWA volunteer structure, preferably as a Committee Chair for a full term of three years, or previous involvement with Section Committees. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application and submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Trustees must be AWWA members in good standing. 
Travel: While the majority of the SSD’s work is accomplished by phone and electronic correspondence, attendance at its two annual face-to-face meetings is required. The Division meets in the fall and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the fall meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Mission: To serve as a focal point for all AWWA activities related to small systems and to establish goals and recommend policies to encourage active participation by other councils, committees and sections. To promote membership through programs, services, continuing education, awards and other methods and to evaluate issues being faced by small systems and then prepare recommendations and guidelines for programs, tools and services to be evaluated for implementation by the Association and the sections. 

Water Conservation Division 
Commonly referred to as WCD 
Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA Water Conservation Division volunteer units, statements of policy of the Association, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. 
Experience: 5-10 years; Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure. 
Application process: Trustees are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application and submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association 
Travel: While much of the Division’s work in accomplished by telephone, e-mail and letter correspondence, attendance at its two annual meetings is required. The Division meets in the spring and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the spring meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Description: To increase understanding and practical implementation of water use efficiency. 

Water Quality and Technology Division 
Commonly referred to as WQTD
Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA Water Quality & Technology Division volunteer units, statements of policy of the Association, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. 
Experience: 5-10 years; Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure. 
Application process: Trustees are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application and submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association 
Travel: While much of the Division’s work in accomplished by telephone, e-mail and letter correspondence, attendance at its two annual meetings is required. The Division meets in the fall and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the fall meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term. 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Description: To advance and disseminate knowledge and technology related to achieving the highest-quality water by:

  1. fostering investigations of the physical, chemical, and microbiological contaminants that affect the quality of water and its suitability for use;
  2. promoting the development of water quality monitoring systems and laboratory measurement methods for assessment of water quality from the source to the consumer's tap; 
  3. promoting use of new technologies and evaluation of alternative methods of water treatment to find those that are most effective and economical to use.


Water Resource Sustainability Division
Expertise: Knowledge of AWWA Water Resource Sustainability Division volunteer units, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. 
Experience: 5-10 years; Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure. 
Application process: Trustees are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association 
Travel: While much of the Division’s work in accomplished by telephone, e-mail and letter correspondence, attendance at its two annual meetings is required. The Division meets in the spring and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the spring meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Description: To advance and disseminate knowledge tending to improve practices in the orderly investigation, development, conservation, and protection of surface and groundwaters, which are actual or potential sources of water supplies. 

Water Science and Research Division 
Commonly referred to as Research Division
Expertise: Knowledge and experience with AWWA Water Science & Research Division volunteer units, statements of policy of the Association, Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan. 
Experience: 5-10 years; Proven leadership within the AWWA volunteer structure. 
Application process: Trustees are nominated and appointed. Individuals may apply by completing an application and submitting it before January 31 every year. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association 
Travel: While much of the Division’s work in accomplished by telephone, e-mail and letter correspondence, attendance at its two annual meetings is required. The Division meets in the fall and in June at ACE. Travel expenses are reimbursed for the fall meeting if a need is demonstrated. No travel expenses are reimbursed for the meeting at ACE. 
Term: 3 years with trustees eligible to apply for a second 3-year term. 
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Description: To advance, promote and disseminate scientific and technical research to assure the provision of drinking water of unquestionable quality and sufficient quantity by:

  1. identifying and communicating research needs and results related to water supply, treatment and distribution;
  2. encouraging basic and applied research by water utilities, educational institutions, consultants, manufacturers, government agencies and other appropriate entities; and
  3. advancing programs and opportunities for student members

Water Utility Council

Commonly referred to as the WUC
Shall not exceed 25 members, plus one staff advisor.

Expertise: Knowledge and experience with water or wastewater utility operations and the issues of concern to such utilities. 
Experience: Proven leadership with at least 5 years’ experience within a water or wastewater utility. 
Application process: Positions are nominated and appointed by separate committees of volunteers. Individuals may apply by completing an application. 
AWWA membership: Must be an employee of an AWWA utility member in good standing with the Association 
Travel: Travel expenses are generally reimbursed for two Council meetings a year. Travel to and registration for the Annual Conference and Exposition is also expected and is not reimbursed. Additional work is performed via e-mail and conference call. Chairs of Councils serve on the Executive Committee and require additional travel. 
Term: 3 years with eligibility to apply for a second 3-year term
Time commitment: Mid to high 

Description: The mission of the WUC is to provide leadership and promote sound policy on water issues of importance to utilities and the customers they serve. As such the WUC develops reports, materials, strategies, and tools on priority national legislative and regulatory issues, in order to encourage provision of better water service to the American public. The council also brings to the attention of other councils and committees of the Association policies and procedures that fall within their areas of interest.

Ad Hoc Committees/Task Force Committees

Expertise: Knowledge and experience specific to the task or project
Experience: Varies
Application process: Positions are by invitation.
AWWA membership: Varies
Travel: Varies; In general, work is conducted via email, conference call and GoToMeeting.
Term: Up to two years
Time commitment: Mid to high

Description: Ad Hoc Committees are appointed committee members to complete a specific task or project usually within a two year timeframe. In general, appointments are made by the Board of Directors. Travel and other requirements vary and are based on the needs of the task or project.

Award Committees

Expertise: Knowledge and experience specific to the award area. 
Experience: 5-10 years 
Application process: Positions are recommended by Council Chair for the Executive Committee’s review and final appointment. 
AWWA membership: Member in good standing with the Association. 
Travel: All work is conducted via email and conference call. 
Term: 3 years with individuals eligible to apply for a second 3-year term. 
Time commitment: Low to mid

Description: Awards may be established to recognize activities and accomplishments of Association members in all classes and sections. If deemed necessary, committees may be created to consider and recommend candidates for such awards for Board of Directors’ approval.

Sections

AWWA members are automatically members in one of 43 Sections across the US, Canada and Mexico, making for easy access to information and networking opportunities at a local level. Volunteer opportunities and local engagement are great ways to connect, learn and grow in your career. Contact your Section Services Relationship Manger to learn more about all the ways you can get involved, or connect to your Local Section directly for more information.

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