Team & Credentials
Guardian Wastewater Services is built on experienced people who understand onsite and community wastewater systems in Michigan.
Our team includes Michigan certified wastewater operators, a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, and field professionals who work daily with homeowners, community systems, engineers, and regulators. We focus on protecting public health, maintaining reliable system performance, and making regulatory requirements manageable for our clients.
Meet the professionals behind that work.
Leadership
Jason Buck, REHS
Designer, Technician
Registered Environmental Health Specialist – Michigan
Jason brings more than two decades of experience in Michigan onsite wastewater regulation, system evaluation, and alternative wastewater design consultation.
Prior to joining Guardian, Jason spent over 21 years with the Kent County Health Department overseeing onsite wastewater treatment system designs, installations, site assessments, and permitting. That regulatory background gives him practical insight into how local health departments evaluate systems and how to collaborate effectively when addressing challenging site conditions.
As a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, Jason performs site assessments, soil evaluations, failure analysis, and alternative wastewater system consultation throughout Michigan. He works closely with homeowners, excavators, and engineers to develop solutions that align with regulatory expectations while remaining practical and sustainable.
Credentials & Certifications
Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)Over 21 years, Kent County Health Department
Former Environmental Technician, Fishbeck Engineering
Michael Stephens
Operator, Client Development, Training, Regulatory Compliance
Michael provides operational leadership and regulatory oversight across Guardian’s portfolio of residential, community, and commercial wastewater systems in Michigan.
With deep experience in discharge management, system troubleshooting, and permit-related compliance, Michael works closely with clients to ensure systems operate consistently and predictably. He helps translate regulatory expectations into practical operating procedures, giving boards, property owners, and facility managers clarity and confidence.
His background includes hands-on field operations as well as system-level compliance management for community wastewater systems.
Credentials & Certifications
State of Michigan – Municipal Wastewater Operator (Class D, L1, L2, SC)State of Michigan – Industrial/Commercial Wastewater Operator
AdvanTex® Treatment Systems Authorized Service Provider
Eljen GSF Installation & Maintenance
NORWECO Service Provider
Licensed Operators & Field Professionals
Matthew Sawyer
Operator / Technician
Matthew focuses on inspections, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and discharge management for onsite and community wastewater systems throughout Michigan.
He supports both routine maintenance contracts and custom operational contracts where detailed inspection schedules, sampling coordination, and performance monitoring are required. His work helps ensure systems operate in alignment with permit expectations and long-term reliability goals.
Credentials & Certifications
State of Michigan – Municipal Wastewater Operator (Class L1, L2, SC)State of Michigan – Industrial/Commercial Wastewater Operator
AdvanTex® Treatment Systems Authorized Service Provider
Eljen GSF Installation & Maintenance
Kyle Sitarek
Operator / Technician
Kyle provides preventative maintenance, lift station service, troubleshooting, and discharge management support for Michigan onsite wastewater systems.
His background includes municipal treatment plant operations, lab testing, and equipment service, giving him a strong understanding of both mechanical system performance and regulatory compliance expectations.
Credentials & Certifications
State of Michigan – Municipal Wastewater Operator (Class D, SC)State of Michigan Industrial and Commercial Operator (Class A1-g)
E/One Grinder Pump & Panel Certified Confined Space Certification
AdvanTex® Treatment Systems Authorized Service Provider
Eljen GSF Installation & Maintenance
Zac Holwerda
Technician
Zac supports routine maintenance visits, inspections, and sampling activities across Guardian’s service area.
His role helps ensure that onsite wastewater systems continue operating reliably between service intervals. Through consistent field support and attention to detail, Zac contributes to system longevity and compliance documentation for residential and community clients.
Education & Experience
Grand Rapids Community College – General CourseworkExperience in irrigation system setup and customer service
Area of Focus
Preventative maintenanceSampling and inspection support
Al Evink
Operator / Technician
Field Operations Support
Al supports Guardian Wastewater Services as a subcontracted field operations professional, providing additional expertise in pumping systems, lift stations, and confined space environments.
His operational experience strengthens Guardian’s ability to respond to mechanical and system performance issues across a range of onsite and community wastewater systems.
Credentials & Certifications
State of Michigan – Municipal Wastewater Operator (Class SC)State of Michigan – Industrial/Commercial Wastewater Operator
AdvanTex® Treatment Systems Authorized Service Provider
Office & Administrative Support
Guardian’s field team is supported by experienced administrative professionals who ensure responsive communication and organized service coordination.
Janice Genturales
Office Management / Accounting
Experience That Supports Michigan Communities
Guardian Wastewater Services manages, monitors, and maintains:
- Individual residential onsite wastewater systems
- Small community collection and treatment systems
- Manufactured housing communities and campgrounds
- Commercial and retail facilities
- Schools, churches, and camps
- Groundwater and surface discharge systems
Our team works with a wide range of advanced and proprietary treatment technologies used throughout Michigan, ensuring systems are maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements.
Speak with a Licensed Professional
If you are looking for a Michigan certified wastewater operator or a Registered Environmental Health Specialist to support your onsite or community wastewater system, our team is ready to help.
Speak with a licensed professional to discuss your system, compliance requirements, or ongoing maintenance needs.