Meet one of our newest Champions, Jess Littlejohn

Jess Littlejohn is our Champion at North East Water. She’s a "water bug" with a passion for the outdoors that has seen her reach Everest's Base Camp (what a… champ!). Get to know her here.

LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Growing up in Melbourne, I always loved being in nature and exploring the mountains so I made the move to lovely Bright two years ago. I am a keen snowboarder, mountain biker and hiker and love being in nature. One of my biggest personal achievements was making it to Everest Base Camp.

WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

My current role is Coordinator Property Information within the customer service team. I have been in the role, and at North East Water, for eight months.

WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

I have a background in Environmental Science and have worked in the water industry for my 14-year career. I have previously worked in environmental consulting, on water and river management projects. I majored in freshwater ecology at university and am a water bug nerd! I also spent a year working on water and sanitation aid projects in Vietnam.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY (BUT TO YOUR GRANDMA)?

I manage a team of people responsible for connecting new customers to North East Water’s infrastructure. I also oversee management of our meter fleet, helping customers understand what they can and can’t build around our assets, and I provide general asset information to customers.

WHAT IWN PROGRAMS INTEREST YOU THE MOST AND WHY?

The Data and Analytics and Digital Metering programs interest me the most. I am really excited about the benefits that digital metering can bring to our customers and organisation, and I look forward to helping North East Water on our journey into
this space.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE AN IWN CHAMPION?

I jumped at the opportunity to be an IWN champion to help increase my knowledge of what’s happening in the water industry as well as the opportunity for professional and personal growth. I was also keen to use this experience to get to know North East Water better and to help connect internal contacts to technology trials. It was also an opportunity for me to maintain my passion for technical aspects of water whilst working in a non technical role.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE AS A CHAMPION?

I would like to continue encouraging collaboration and networking within North East Water and the water industry. I’m keen to identify benefits for IWN in non technical areas, such as customer service. I’m also really excited about developing my leadership skills.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

Firstly, the promise of coffee…. then wanting to make a positive contribution to Victorian water resource management as well as contributing to a really positive customer experience. I also love working with people so the opportunity to mentor and facilitate a positive work experience for my team also gets me out of bed.

Jess at Mount Everest’s Base Camp.