Staff
The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District is operated by a staff of 18 professionals dedicated to providing efficient and effective services to District customers. For a comprehensive list of staff positions, as well as current job openings with the District, please click here.
Justin Clary, PE General Manager
Justin Clary, appointed by the Board of Commissioners in October 2018, acts as the chief executive officer responsible for managing all District departments, directing day-to-day operations, annual budget preparation, ensuring implementation of the District’s capital improvement programs, and serving as the Board’s chief policy adviser. A licensed professional civil engineer, Mr. Clary has over fifteen years of experience working in the consulting industry, as well as eight years of experience in municipal government service in the roles of public works director and city manager. Mr. Clary’s experience in both the public and private sectors have enabled the formation of productive public/private partnerships, as well as successful completion of large-scale infrastructure projects and planning documents through securing over $50 million in state and federal grants and low interest loans.
Greg Nicoll Engineering Manager/District Engineer
Greg Nicoll joined the District in October 2023 as the Engineering Manager/District Engineer. In this role, Mr. Nicoll is responsible for developing, managing, and executing the capital improvement program; developing and updating the asset management system; and long term planning for maintenance and improvement of the District’s assets. Mr. Nicoll is a licensed professional civil engineer, bringing 7 years of public service in management roles as well as 15 years of practical knowledge in the consulting industry. With his diverse background in various aspects of engineering and construction administration, Mr. Nicoll is able to identify innovative solutions to maintain and improve the District’s sewer and water systems and protect the Lake Whatcom watershed while maintaining cost effective service to the District customers.
Jennifer Signs Finance Manager/Treasurer
Jennifer joined the District in June of 2021 as the Finance Manager/Treasurer. She is responsible for managing the District’s financial planning, utility funds and reserves, investments, debt service obligations, inventory of property valuations, and assists in developing and carrying out fiscal policies set by the Board of Commissioners. As the manager of the Finance Department, Ms. Signs overseas all budgeting processes for capital and operating budgets, preparation of comprehensive financial statements, and directs the District’s accounting, auditing, utility billing, payroll and benefits, and financial reporting systems. Ms. Signs holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration from Adams State University with areas of study in accounting, water law, and property law. Ms. Signs has over 15 years of diversified accounting experience in both the private and governmental sectors.
Jason Dahlstrom Operations & Maintenance Manager
Jason Dahlstrom has worked for the District since 2008 and leads the Operations & Maintenance Department, which is responsible for ensuring that the District provides quality and uninterrupted water and sewer service to our customers. The O&M Department is charged with the operation and maintenance of 55 miles of water transmission and distribution lines, 71 miles of sanitary sewer collection and conveyance lines, eight reservoirs, ten water pump stations, 28 sewer lift station sites, and two water treatment plants. Mr. Dahlstrom was initially hired as a Utility Worker, was then promoted to Maintenance Worker Lead in 2017, and Operation & Maintenance Manager in 2022. With a background in computers and electronics, Mr. Dahlstrom continues to ensure that the District is utilizing technology to maximize the efficiency of the operation & maintenance of District infrastructure.