Sabrina Sims
Sabrina Sims is a seasoned water systems professional with over 20 years of experience in managing and optimizing municipal and industrial water operations. As the Water System Manager for the City of McCall, Idaho, she oversees daily operations, regulatory compliance, project management, and construction oversight. Known for her hands-on leadership style, Sabrina is dedicated to mentoring her team and fostering innovation, resilience, and excellence in municipal water management.
Prior to her role in McCall, Sabrina held key leadership positions, including Director of Operations at Western Area Water Supply, where she coordinated operations across more than 2,000 miles of pipeline and multiple water storage and pumping facilities, and Laboratory Operations Manager for the City of Williston, North Dakota, where she managed certified laboratories and led operations teams. She also founded and operated Wet Works, a company providing certified water operations and design-build services to rural communities. Her career highlights include emergency response projects, such as developing temporary wastewater treatment systems during Hurricane Harvey.
Sabrina earned an Associate of Science in Political Science and Government from the University of Colorado Boulder and completed specialized training in Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management at Casper College. She attributes her success to persistence, creativity, and a passion for solving complex challenges. Outside of work, she values community engagement, mentoring, and time spent outdoors, skiing, and caring for her family and animals on her small farm.
• University of Colorado Boulder - AS
• Casper College
• Williston State College
• Water Environment Federation
• American Water Works Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I specialize in water systems management, with over 20 years of experience optimizing water treatment facilities, designing wastewater systems, and leading operational improvements. As the Water Systems Manager for the City of McCall, I oversee daily operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive innovation within municipal water systems. My career has included serving as Director of Operations for Western Area Water Supply and owning my own company, Wet Works. My journey in the water industry began with a deep interest in problem-solving and environmental stewardship, which guided me toward water treatment and engineering. I later moved from North Dakota to Idaho to pursue a role that aligned with my professional goals while providing a better quality of life for my family. I attribute my success to persistence, creativity, and a passion for finding solutions under pressure, and I take pride in approaching complex challenges with analytical thinking and hands-on expertise such as developing a temporary wastewater treatment system in Houston after Hurricane Harvey, an achievement that required long hours and innovative problem-solving to meet strict water quality standards.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “trust your instincts, keep learning, and never underestimate your impact.” Mentors encouraged me to stay bold and hands-on, even when facing skepticism in a male-dominated industry, and that guidance has shaped the way I approach leadership and problem-solving. I strive to pass this advice along to the women I mentor today, helping them build confidence and embrace opportunities in water systems management and beyond.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the water industry to pursue water systems engineering with confidence and to recognize their analytical and detail-oriented skills as major strengths. The field is full of opportunity, and persistence, curiosity, and courage are essential for breaking barriers. I also encourage women to embrace the valuable perspectives and leadership qualities they bring, which are critical to shaping and advancing this essential industry.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in the water industry today include workforce shortages, aging infrastructure, and increasing regulatory complexity. I see these challenges as opportunities for innovation, particularly through the adoption of smarter technologies, cross-training, and attracting new talent. I often emphasize the importance of leveraging a city’s unique attributes to bring in employees from outside the traditional water workforce, helping to build a more adaptable and resilient team for the future of water management.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are dedication, integrity, and making a positive impact on my community. I prioritize teamwork, continuous learning, and mentoring others, especially women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Outside of work, I value balance, spending time outdoors, skiing, and caring for my family and animals on our small farm.