Meet Ruthann Connors, Inventory Control Specialist!

Learn more about Ruthann's professional background and the importance of accurate inventory management in keeping our facilities running efficiently.

Tell us about your role at Pittsburgh Water and your typical responsibilities.

As Inventory Control Specialist, I’m responsible for managing inventory at our Water Treatment Plant (WTP) storeroom, where we keep components and parts for the successful operation and maintenance of the Plant, our pumping stations, reservoirs and more.

A typical day means making sure the items we need are stocked and ordering additional inventory as needed. I’m also responsible for receiving WTP deliveries and alerting departments that their orders have arrived or stocking the parts appropriately as per our inventory processes. Employees then come into the storeroom, and I issue out the items they need to complete their jobs for the day.

Even though I work behind-the-scenes, the work I do each day plays a key part in our delivery of safe and reliable water services to our customers. Accurate inventory means we can respond quickly to any issues at the WTP or our pumping stations to keep the taps running. Having the right stock ready to deploy improves response time in completing repairs in a timely manner.

How many years have you been working for Pittsburgh Water? What motivates you to stay here?

I’ve been with Pittsburgh Water for 20 years. I’ve seen a lot through those years, and I love how much we’ve evolved in the interest of making water services better, more reliable, and more accessible for our customers. From lead service line replacements, to the Water Reliability Plan: ABC Project, to Pittsburgh Drinks Tap, so many changes have taken place, and I must say for the better. I’m looking forward to being part of what's next.

What are your favorite challenges to tackle?

Successfully running a water utility of our size requires a wide assortment of components and parts – and knowing that these parts are available right when we need them. That’s why, for some years now, I’ve been optimizing and organizing the WTP storeroom so that we can find what we need more efficiently. Still, there are variables out of our control; for example, vendors often discontinue items or have a hard time sourcing them themselves. But I’m always up for that challenge – I will find what we need, or a suitable replacement.

How have you grown with Pittsburgh Water, professionally and/or personally?

Working as an Inventory Control Specialist has strengthened my ability to stay organized. I have become more confident in managing inventory accuracy. Over time I have also strengthened my ability to solve problems quickly to keep operations running smoothly.  

On a personal level, the role has helped me develop discipline and resilience. I’ve learned the importance of consistency and taking ownership of my work, knowing that even small details can have a significant impact on the business and on the services we provide our customers.

What was your first job? Did it teach you anything that still rings true today?

I was a server at Sweet Williams in Squirrel Hill. That job taught me that the server, cooks, hosts, and dishwashers all depend on each other to get their jobs done. Success doesn't come from individuals alone. Teamwork matters, and Pittsburgh Water is far from an exception to that truth. Each of us plays a role in the safe, reliable water services Pittsburghers rely on.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my close-knit family. I especially love our yearly family vacations and making memories together on these trips. I know my family and I will treasure those memories always.  

I also really enjoy cooking. I have my family over every Sunday for dinner. I like to experiment by mixing things up a bit – my family calls those meals Rudy Suprises. All of them are good!  

What’s something you’re planning on doing in the next year that has you excited?

My 15-year-old granddaughter has a map that shows all the places we’ve visited and all the places she wants to visit. If plane fares ever come down, we’d like to go on a trip and add a new location to her map. Nothing set in stone yet, though!