At U.S. Water, our success is built on the dedication and expertise of our team members. In our Faces of U.S. Water series, featured in our quarterly client newsletter, we spotlight the employees who work tirelessly to ensure clean, safe water and reliable water and wastewater systems for the clients and communities we serve. This quarter, we’re proud to introduce Jim Stinnett, Sr. Health and Safety Manager for U.S. Water.
Leading Safety Across Every Site
Jim’s home office is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee — but he is rarely there. Most of his time is spent traveling to U.S. Water sites across the country, ensuring teams are working safely and that operations meet the highest health and safety standards.
As Sr. Health and Safety Manager, Jim brings 26 years of industry experience to his role, including four years with U.S. Water following an acquisition and the 10 years prior with the company that later became part of U.S. Water. His tenure has given him deep insight into the operational realities of the water and wastewater industry, along with a strong understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape.
Jim provides health and safety guidance across the organization, overseeing OSHA and EPA compliance, workers’ compensation, industrial operations and maintenance, landfill operations, and construction-related activities. His work helps ensure U.S. Water and its partners operate responsibly, efficiently, and in full compliance with all applicable regulations — protecting both employees and the communities they serve.
A Defining Moment That Shaped a Career
Jim’s passion for safety was shaped early in his career. In 2000, while working as an Assistant Superintendent, he witnessed a fellow employee suffer a serious jobsite injury that required a airlift evacuation. That moment profoundly changed his perspective.
From that day forward, Jim committed himself to preventing workplace injuries and protecting employees from the pain and hardship that incidents can cause, not only for the individual, but also for their families. What began as a reaction to a tragic event grew into a lifelong professional mission.
He began working in the wastewater industry in 2012 and has continued in the field with U.S. Water, building on his experience and expanding his impact. Throughout his career, Jim has remained focused on strengthening safety culture and reinforcing the idea that compliance alone is not enough. True safety, he believes, requires awareness, accountability, and daily commitment from everyone on site.
When asked what he loves most about his job, Jim says it’s the opportunity to help people understand that safety is more than a company policy — it’s a way of life and a responsibility we carry every day. He consistently challenges team members to avoid complacency, encouraging them to stay alert, proactive, and committed to making safe decisions on every job, every day. Through this approach, Jim is helping build a strong, sustainable safety culture at U.S. Water.
Why U.S. Water?
For Jim, the answer is simple: the people. “The employees pour their heart and soul into their profession to provide an invaluable service to the public they may never think about,” he says. Being part of a team that is dedicated to protecting public health and the environment makes his work even more meaningful.
A Note About the “Faces of U.S. Water” Series
At U.S. Water, our success is built on the dedication and expertise of our team members. In the Faces of U.S. Water series, we spotlight the individuals who work tirelessly to ensure clean, safe water and reliable water and wastewater systems for our clients and communities. Each article delves into their personal journeys—what inspired them to enter the water and wastewater industry, what drives their passion, and how they stay committed to the vital work of protecting public health and the environment. Through these stories, we celebrate their contributions and hope to inspire others to join this essential field.
Stay tuned as we highlight more stories from the dedicated team behind U.S. Water!