CAPT Derek Chambers, USPHS (Retired)
Derek Chambers, P.E., MPH, was a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service (now retired), and lives on the island of Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (a U.S. Territory). CAPT Chambers was detailed from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to the CNMI Division of Environmental Quality as a technical adviser for environmental programs.
As of 2022, Derek is assisting the National Park Service develop a nation wide water and wastewater operator training program.
Experience
CAPT Chambers was assigned to the CNMI DEQ on Saipan from 2004 - 2018. During that time he has:
From 1991 to 1995 CAPT Chambers was a Field Engineer for the Indian Health Service in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and designed and built water and waste water facilities for tribes in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Prior to being a commissioned officer in the USPHS and working for the Indian Health Service, CAPT Chambers was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya from 1988 to 1990, where he worked on village based water and sanitation projects. In particular he developed a village level training program on maintenance of handpumps.
Education
CAPT Chambers is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Washington, no. 32764.
CNMI Water Distribution Plant Operator - Class 2, no. 1149
CNMI Water Treatment Plant Operator - Class 2, no. 1149
CNMI Wastewater Collection Operator - Class 2, no. 0145
CNMI Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class 2, no. 0145
Deployments
In addition to his normal duties, CAPT Chambers occasionally is deployed to other regions/countries to provide technical assistance or emergency response.
As of 2022, Derek is assisting the National Park Service develop a nation wide water and wastewater operator training program.
Experience
CAPT Chambers was assigned to the CNMI DEQ on Saipan from 2004 - 2018. During that time he has:
- Written and published the CNMI DEQ Safe Drinking Water Regulations (2005, revised 2008 & 2016)
- Initiated the sanitary survey program
- Initiated the water and waste water operator certification programs
- Conducted numerous trainings for water and waste water operators
- Founded the Mariana Islands Water Operator Association
- Conducted studies on groundwater quality
- Provided engineering technical assistance and consultation to 32 Alaska Native Villages in the Interior Region of Alaska in regards to their sanitation facilities
- Supervised one engineer and three water treatment plant "circuit riders" (known in Alaska a Remote Maintenance Workers).
- Developed a 32-hour training course on the "Operational Management" or rural water utilities for the State of Alaska Rural Utility Business Adviser Program.
From 1991 to 1995 CAPT Chambers was a Field Engineer for the Indian Health Service in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and designed and built water and waste water facilities for tribes in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Prior to being a commissioned officer in the USPHS and working for the Indian Health Service, CAPT Chambers was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya from 1988 to 1990, where he worked on village based water and sanitation projects. In particular he developed a village level training program on maintenance of handpumps.
Education
- Master of Public Health, University of Washington, 2003
- Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1988
CAPT Chambers is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Washington, no. 32764.
CNMI Water Distribution Plant Operator - Class 2, no. 1149
CNMI Water Treatment Plant Operator - Class 2, no. 1149
CNMI Wastewater Collection Operator - Class 2, no. 0145
CNMI Wastewater Treatment Operator - Class 2, no. 0145
Deployments
In addition to his normal duties, CAPT Chambers occasionally is deployed to other regions/countries to provide technical assistance or emergency response.
- August 2017 - Guam - Technical assistance on sanitary surveys
- March 2017 - American Samoa - Technical assistance for AS EPA sanitary survey
- April 2015 - Chuuk, FSM - Typhoon Masak damage assessment
- May 2013 - Marshall Islands - Drought response
- December 2011 - Republic of Palau - Technical assistance on drinking water and waste water issues
- March 2009 - Guam - Technical Assistance on sanitary surveys
- September 2006 - Chuuk, FSM - Technical assistance on drinking water
- February 2006 - Pakistan - Earthquake response and recovery
- September 2005 - Marshall Islands - Technical assistance on drinking water
- February 2005 - Sri Lanka - Tsunami response and recovery
- August 2003 - Eritrea/Ethiopia - Drought response
Last modified: 03/03/2023