Marijn - Water System Administrator
An important characteristic for my work? Being curious. 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 sufficient clean surface water. By seeking the right balance, we are working to create a healthy living environment for people, plants, and animals.
‘I want us all to win a little bit’
Switch between policy and practice
During my studies in environmental science, I quickly realized that I enjoy searching for connections between the various components of complex systems. It is a challenge to understand every step in the chain and the interrelationships between the water system and water management.
Every watercourse has been 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 an intern. Although I had never consciously thought about working for a water authority, I found it very challenging right away and realized that after five years of studying, I still didn't know everything. After my internship, I was able to start my current job. And because I can continue to grow and learn, I have been very happy there 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 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 look in advance to see where the challenges lie. Where are agricultural activities possible, where are good places to live and relax, and where should we focus on nature development?
‘In government, you get time to really look into things properly.’
Watching with water glasses
Because I work for the government, I have the time to really look into things properly. And that's necessary, because water is extremely important. For residents, farmers, businesses, and other organizations. The trick is to keep weighing up the various interests. I try to do that in such a way that everyone gains a little.
I also always look at things through water-colored glasses. I rethink things and determine what consequences certain decisions will have for the water system and water management. The question then is: is that desirable?
We cannot achieve good water management on our own. To do so, we work closely with other organizations and administrative coordination is also necessary. I really enjoy working with other water managers. For example, in the summer we draw water from the IJsselmeer area. Of course, you are not only 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 you choose water work too?
We work together to achieve the right water balance. But we believe that a good work-life balance is just as important!Withus, you can combine meaningful work with job satisfaction and good employment conditions.
