Marijn - Water System Administrator
An important trait in my work? To be inquisitive. You really need to want to know how the water system works. We don't want wet feet, but at the same time we also need to anticipate dry periods and prevent water shortages. We ensure safe water drainage and enough clean surface water. By seeking the right balance, we work to create a healthy living environment for people, plants, and animals.
‘I want us all to win a little bit’
Link between policy and practice
During my studies in environmental sciences, I quickly realised that I enjoy looking for connections between the different parts of complex systems. It is a challenge to understand every step in the chain and the connections between the water system and water management.
Every watercourse is carefully considered. We have to take various interests into account. It's a matter of finding the right water levels and a form of management that suits the soil, the area, and the interests involved.
I started here as a trainee. Although I never consciously thought about working for a water authority, I found it hugely challenging right away and realised that after five years of studying, I still didn't know it all. After my traineeship, I was able to start in my current job. And because I can continue to grow and learn, it has made me very happy for a number of years now. I find switching between policy, theory, and practice particularly interesting. We can all come up with ideas, but do they work? Together with the water level managers, I check whether what has been devised actually works for water management on site.
Thinking in terms of water and soil as guiding principles is a topical issue at the moment. It helps us to find solutions together. Water management and land use are interlinked. The water system and the soil often reveal whether the right functions have been chosen for a particular area. Ideally, we should identify the challenges in advance. Where could we have agricultural activities, where would be the best place to live and relax, and where should we focus our efforts on nature development?
‘In government, you get time to really look into things thoroughly.’
Seeing through water-tinted glasses
Because I work for the government, I have the time to really look into things thoroughly. And that's necessary, because water is extremely important. For residents, farmers, businesses, and other organisations. The trick is to keep weighing the various interests against each other. I try to do that in such a way that everyone gains a little.
I also always see things through water-tinted glasses. I rethink things and determine what consequences certain decisions will have for the water system and water management. The next question is: do we want that?
We cannot achieve good water management on our own. To do so, we work closely with other organisations and administrative coordination is essential. I really enjoy working with other water managers. For example, in the summer we draw water from the lake IJsselmeer area. At that point, you're not just dealing with your own area, but you work together as a region to distribute the water. I like the fact that my job is so varied."
Will it be water-management work for you too?
We work together to get the water balance just right. But we think a good work-life balance is just as important! When you work for us, you can combine meaningful work with job satisfaction and great terms of employment.
