Operator Certification
Safety
Compliance
Field testing & hands on training
About Dragonetti Training
At Dragonetti Group we have assembled some of our industry's finest leaders—operators, supervisors, and managers—each dedicated to providing state of the art operator training in all areas of public works. We take pride in delivering specialty workshops and courses intended to enhance knowledge of operational best practices while focusing on the practical aspects of construction, operation, and maintenance of assets that make up our public sector systems.
Our programs are interactive, covering the full spectrum of tasks and functions crucial to the success of public works agencies and we can tailor delivery to meet your specific operational needs. We offer in-person courses, delivered at your facilities at any time, either during the work day or after hours. Or, if preferred, most of our programs and workshops are available through virtual training platforms.
If operators require certification in either water and wastewater, all of our training sessions are accredited by the Environmental Operators Certification Program.
At Dragonetti Group we firmly believe that the best way to support our industry’s invaluable operators is to build a solid foundation of knowledge by coming together both in the field and in the classroom to share our collective experiences.
Whether you’re looking for one-day workshops or a more comprehensive week-long session, check out our list of courses to see what is right for you and your organization. We are constantly adding new workshops that keep operators, supervisors, and managers current in these challenging times. We can put together a program to fit your needs, schedule, and budget.
We’d love to hear from you soon!
Our Clients
We have instructed Government and Private groups to help future-proof teams, making water systems accessible.
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Meet the Team
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Darcy Dragonetti
Darcy is the founder and principal instructor/developer of the Dragonetti Group, Public Operations Training and Consulting Services. Having served the public for over 3 decades, Darcy Dragonetti is a highly accomplished industry leader in the area of Public Operations and staff development.
Darcy is well recognized as one of the best instructors the public works industry has to offer. Since the early ‘90s he has been a primary contributor in developing training programs in the field of public works. Other professional accomplishments include:
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Director of Operations, Western Canada Summer Games - Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
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Chair, Board of Examiners - Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC
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Business Continuity Professional - Disaster Recovery Institute of Canada
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Accredited Instructor with the Environmental Operators Certification Program for BC and Yukon
Michael Ippen
Mike has worked in local government operations for over 40 years. He started with the District of North Vancouver Utilities in 1977, working his way up to Deputy Superintendent. In Saanich Mike worked as Waterworks Manager, Human Resources Manager, and Senior Manager, Public Works before moving to the City of Victoria as their Utilities Manager. Since retiring in 2017 Mike has consulted in public works operations across BC and Yukon for local governments and First Nations.
Kevin Ramsay
With the City of Surrey, District of West Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, District of Squamish and the City of Port Moody, Kevin held a total of 19 different local government positions including Waterworks Superintendent, Manager of Safety & Training, Yards Superintendent, Manager of Waterworks, Manager of Streets, Manager of Sanitation, Director of Emergency Management, General Manager of Human Resources, Chief Administrative Officer, and City Manager. In 2016, after 34 years in local government, Kevin retired from the City of Port Moody and incorporated the Innova Strategy Group.
Don Degen
Don has spent over 35 years in the water, wastewater, and solid waste industry. His career with the City of Edmonton and the City of Kelowna included roles as the water treatment Plant Supervisor, Water and Wastewater Superintendent, and Utility Services Manager. Don’s extensive involvement in the water and waste sector includes time as Chair of the City of Kelowna’s Energy Management Committee, Director for the BCWWA and AWWA, Vice President of the AWWA, and President of the BCWWA. He is a current Director with Water for People Canada.
Michael Firlotte
Michael Firlotte has been involved in water quality for nearly 3 decades since graduating from Okanagan university college. He has worked in the field as a certified operator and developed into a leader in the drinking water and wastewater industry. He has held many roles, such as certified plant operator, water resources specialist, utilities manager, and water and waste services manager for the City of Whitehorse. He has also been active in the industry, serving on the EOCP board of directors and reviewing exams for Water Professionals International. Currently, Mike enjoys living in the snowy Yukon.
Yonatan Yohannes
Yonatan Yohannes has been working in municipal water and wastewater for the last three decades, in numerous operator and managerial positions in Ontario and British Columbia. Throughout his career, Yonatan has had opportunities to commission a few treatment plants and implement innovative solutions to treatment and distribution challenges. He has also been involved in developing and delivering training programs to help operators achieve provincial certification in both the water and wastewater fields, in both Ontario and British Columbia.
Currently residing in the lower mainland, Yonatan keeps busy hiking in the forest in his
spare time.
Ronald Enns
Ron started in the public sector in 2002 at the City of Vancouver - Engineering Department working in many positions over the years he began to take an interest in safety and instruction. He soon became the A/Superintendent of OH&S and began teaching part time for BC Water & Waste Association, World Water & Wastewater Solutions. Recently he was part of an instructional team training in the Caribbean with the Belize Water Service through Operators without Borders.
Michelle Heinz
Michelle Heinz has over twenty years experience with local government operations and the private sector in manufacturing and construction. Currently she is the Administration Manager for the City of Victoria’s Engineering and Public Works Department. Prior to that she managed their trades section, responsible for maintenance of public facilities and culturally significant structures. Originally from Vancouver, Michelle specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of custom architectural metalwork.
David Kidd
Dave has a passion for growing others with a focus on increasing organizational leadership capacity at all levels of organizations. He has a B.Sc. and an Associated Certificate in Leadership and has spent over two decades leading and supervising employees in various municipalities. Dave has held several senior managerial roles with various municipalities such as Superintendent of Streets, Superintendent of Operations, Manager of Public Works and Director of Parks and Public Works.
Mike Seymour
Mike Seymour is the owner and principal of MSR solutions with nearly 30 years experience in design and servicing of new developments. He brings extensive knowledge in innovative sewer and water systems which he' s developed since his start in 1985.
Mike continues to be involved in the design, implementation and operation of water and waste water treatment systems throughout BC, Alberta and California. Well established as a leader in our industry, having served as BCWWA president and director, mike is enthusiastic about supporting the ongoing operations of advancing water and wastewater technologies through training and guiding, as system operators learn the intricacies of their system.
