Freese and Nichols Opens Northern Colorado Office, Expands Water/Wastewater Treatment Services Statewide
Freese and Nichols is expanding its services in Colorado with the hiring of Jen Norlin, a Senior Water/Wastewater Treatment Engineer with over 28 years of experience as Treatment Lead and Senior Project Manager in our new Loveland, Colorado office.
Jen will serve as the region’s senior technical authority for municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment. Her leadership enhances the dedicated treatment expertise available to clients in northern Colorado.
“As a Colorado native with a deep well of treatment experience, Jen understands the region’s unique challenges and opportunities,” said David Bennett, Western U.S. Division Manager. “Her expertise will elevate our capabilities across Colorado and the Mountain West. Jen’s warm, approachable style is something our clients will immediately connect with. She brings the kind of mentoring mindset that strengthens teams from the inside out.”
With the recent Loveland office opening and expanded water and wastewater treatment leadership in the region, Freese and Nichols is increasing its capacity to deliver responsive, high-quality service, while strengthening access to its broader multidisciplinary expertise across Colorado, including utilities planning, civil infrastructure, environmental services and construction phase support.
Bringing 28 years of experience as a senior water/wastewater treatment engineer, Jen has guided municipal and industrial projects through every phase, from feasibility studies and pilot testing to design, construction oversight and long-term optimization. Her work includes complex mining and industrial water challenges such as reclamation, acid mine drainage and uranium-related treatment systems, where she applies specialized process knowledge to help clients mitigate risk and improve treatment efficiency.
Grounded in sound science and real-world expertise, she helps organizations meet strict water quality standards, reduce environmental impacts and operating costs and address water challenges efficiently.
“Colorado’s water challenges are unique,” Jen said. “My background in treatment lets me bring practical, workable solutions to the table, and our new northern Colorado office gives us a great chance to support clients more directly.”
Sustainability plays a central role in her work. As the Founder of The Water Maven, she leads the development of programs, partnerships and initiatives that turn complex water issues into solutions for both industries and the public. In her professional practice, she incorporates water reuse, regenerative design and environmentally responsible strategies that strengthen long‑term resilience.
Beyond project delivery, she mentors engineers and engages community stakeholders. By fostering collaboration and transparency, she strengthens decision-making and drives successful outcomes.
“One of the things I enjoy most is taking complex treatment processes and making them clear and usable for clients,” Jen said. “Good communication and collaboration are just as important as the engineering, and that mix helps communities and industries move forward with confidence.”
Jen earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and petroleum refining from the Colorado School of Mines and a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Washington State University.