In this episode of Save Water Santa Fe, host Christine Chavez, Conservation and Sustainability Division Director, sits down with Water Division Director Jonathan Montoya for a conversation about public service, career growth, and the work behind keeping Santa Fe’s water system safe and reliable. Montoya shares how he got his start in utilities straight out of high school and how his path led him to the City of Santa Fe, where he now oversees a wide range of responsibilities, from treatment plants and well fields to engineering, capital improvements, and water resources.
One of the central themes of the conversation is opportunity. Chavez and Montoya discuss the city’s new utility operations career ladder, which is designed to help people enter the field with little or no experience and build long-term careers through training, certification, and advancement. Montoya says the goal is to make the field more accessible while also preparing the next generation of operators, noting, “We will train you,” and emphasizing that the city wants people to “stay at the City of Santa Fe” for years to come.
The episode also gives listeners a closer look at the daily realities of water operations. Montoya explains that the work is demanding, around the clock, and essential to public health, with staff working every hour of every day to protect water quality and keep the system running. Chavez underscores that the operators are the “backs that we all stand on,” reflecting the importance of the often unseen work that keeps homes and businesses supplied with clean water.
Another major topic is the city’s annual Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report. Montoya explains that the report gives residents a detailed snapshot of the previous calendar year’s water testing, including information about sources of supply, regulated contaminants, and ongoing monitoring. He encourages customers to review it, saying it is a helpful first stop for anyone who wants to understand what is in their water, how it is tested, and why those tests matter.
Beyond the technical details, the episode carries a strong message about public service and community trust. Montoya repeatedly returns to the idea that water work is both meaningful and rewarding, and his enthusiasm is clear when he talks about the system, the staff, and the importance of doing the job well. The conversation ends on a note of appreciation, with Montoya thanking his crews for their hard work and Chavez reminding listeners that careers in public utilities offer both stability and purpose.
On Save Water Santa Fe, host Christine Chavez, Conservation & Sustainability Division Director, is joined by Water Division Director Jonathan Montoya to discuss his career path and the vital work of managing the city’s water system. The conversation highlights new job opportunities and a career ladder that allows people to enter the field with little experience and grow into certified, well-paid roles. They also explain the city’s annual water quality report, helping residents understand what’s in their water and how Santa Fe works to keep it safe.
