Claim OwnershipPublic Works Podcast
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© Copyright Joseph Blackman
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Where you come to hear new innovative ideas in the Public Works arena. Stories, trials and tribulations and more. We highlight those who are working behind-the-scenes to keep our communities in motion.
362 Episodes
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Linnea Rader, Director of Finance and Human Resources at Van Buren County Road Commission, who shared insights into her varied role encompassing financial management and human resources, including union negotiations and recruitment strategies. Linnea Rader discussed Michigan's unique road commission structure, her career progression, and key skill sets for her role, emphasizing the human element in HR and continuous learning. She also detailed the Michigan Public Service Institute (MPSI) leadership program and her personal initiative, "Lead with Lana," both focused on soft skills and leadership development. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Sherri McMahon, the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Administrator for the Public Works Department of Las Vegas, Nevada. Sherri McMahon explained that her role involves managing environmental programs for the City of Las Vegas, ensuring compliance with state and EPA regulations, and that the city faces unique environmental challenges due to stormwater runoff pollution, over 42 million annual visitors, and air quality concerns. Sherri McMahon highlighted the importance of education over penalties in enforcement, shared her extensive career path, and emphasized communication skills, particularly technical writing and public speaking, as crucial for environmental careers, while also discussing issues with "flushable" wipes and recommending Holsteins for burgers in Las Vegas. Give the episdoe a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Lindsay Hughes, founder of Tappedin Public Relations, who shared expertise on strategic communication for utilities, focusing on building trust and managing crises through transparent and empathetic messaging. Lindsay Hughes detailed strategies for multi-channel communication, tailored messaging, internal preparedness, and the importance of proactive community engagement while maintaining brand neutrality. Lindsay Hughes also highlighted leveraging AI for communication and outlined their agency's process for supporting existing communication teams or establishing foundational elements for organizations without one.
Aaron Bergeson, the Public Works Project Manager for the City of Palm Springs, California, to discuss his role, career path, essential skills for public works, and challenges faced. Aaron Bergeson emphasized patience, continuous education, and effective communication, citing an instance where transparent communication was crucial in overcoming a project delay. Aaron Bergeson, along with Charles Wy, the Deputy Director of Public Works, and Alejandra Gonzalez, the Maintenance Supervisor, who are his primary contacts for addressing issues, are dedicated to maintaining city facilities and addressing the challenge of attracting younger generations to public works.
Joseph Blackman introduced Ray Brown, the Drainage and Wastewater System Maintenance Division Director at Seattle Public Utilities, who shared insights into his division's core responsibilities, including maintaining 2,000 miles of pipe, emergency response, and adapting to climate change. Ray Brown also detailed his career path from construction to public service, emphasizing the importance of systems thinking, continuous learning, and building a supportive work culture. The main talking points focused on Ray Brown's role and responsibilities at Seattle Public Utilities, the division's challenges and adaptations, his career journey and leadership philosophy, and his efforts in workforce development and community engagement. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Always a good time with Jeanne so I came back for more. We chatted on her transition from Public to Private, what her new role is with @noxgroup-us and also the state of the Water industry in Arizona. Give the show a listen and keep an ear out for what Nox Group is doing to humanize thos in our beloved construction industry.
Joseph Blackman introduced Victor Vasquez, the Water Quality Specialist for the City of Morgan Hill, who discussed his broad role covering water quality, sampling, and compliance within the city's growing water distribution system, which includes 16 wells and 13 reservoirs. Victor Vasquez shared his career progression in the water industry, emphasizing continuous learning, adaptability, and the importance of public works careers. He also provided advice on home water filters, cautioning against whole-house carbon filters, and stressed the significance of personal health and well-being. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Joseph Blackman introduced Randy Pitz, who discussed CPWA board term changes, the Manitoba chapter's membership challenges and initiatives, and strategies for engaging members and public works operators. Randy Pitz also detailed his national board activities, career path, and the importance of public perception and mentorship in the public works sector. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Joseph Blackman introduced Joshua Mair, Director of Public Works for Converse, Texas, who shared insights into his department's structure, daily operations, and unique challenges like managing moving subgrades and bulk waste collection. Joshua Mair emphasized the importance of communication, continuous improvement through networking, and fostering employee satisfaction for talent retention, highlighting his non-traditional career path and the value of associations like APWA for professional development. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Joseph Blackman welcomed Lily Lopez, the External Affairs and Sustainability Director for Walnut Valley Water District, to the Public Works Podcast, where Lily Lopez detailed her extensive role, emphasizing community outreach, legislative affairs, and internal communications, while also highlighting the success of their high school internship program in attracting young talent to the water industry. Lily Lopez and Joseph Blackman discussed the critical importance of public relations and storytelling for government entities to proactively manage their narratives and build public trust. Key talking points included effective community outreach strategies, diligent legislative tracking, comprehensive internal communication efforts, and the professional challenges and personal growth Lily Lopez experienced in her career path. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Joseph Blackman welcomed Sheree Hernandez to the Public Works Podcast, where Sheree Hernandez shared her journey from EMT to CDLA truck driver and mechanic at Moulten Niguel Water District. Sheree Hernandez detailed the challenges and experiences gained in truck driving, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean record and continuous learning through certifications and classes. The discussion covered advice for women entering blue-collar industries, the transition to a mechanic role, and prioritizing safety and self-care in demanding professions. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Jason Zumwalt, an engineering technician for the City of Egan's utilities, detailed their role in coordinating capital improvement projects, managing cross-connection programs, and assisting administrative operations, emphasizing the shift from field to office work for a more consistent schedule and reduced physical toll. Jason highlighted adaptability, critical thinking, and communication as essential skills for an engineering technician, while also addressing the public's misconceptions about the administrative side of public works and the challenge of an aging workforce. Jason concluded by advising individuals to embrace uncomfortable situations and pursue continuous learning for career advancement. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Mike Wagar, Operations Supervisor at Bay Area Water Treatment Plant, shared insights into the plant's operations, staff responsibilities, and challenges, including the unique 12-hour shift schedule, difficulties in hiring and training, and handling chemical non-compliance. Mike Wagar also detailed his daily responsibilities as a supervisor, emphasizing the importance of patience and people skills, and discussed the plant's continuous improvement efforts, public transparency, and future concerns about water storage. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Daniel shared his career journey and insights on leadership, professional development, and addressing workforce challenges in the water industry. Daniel Parish emphasized the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and involvement in organizations like AWWA to advance careers and build a stronger workforce. The discussion also covered strategies for knowledge transfer through video and AI chatbots like PDUB, and community outreach to attract new talent and promote the water industry's image. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Matthew Junker, the Public Relations Specialist at the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, outlined his role in communicating with the public and elected officials, administering the website, monitoring legislation, and volunteering with associations to keep superiors informed. Matthew emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner, an effective listener, and engaging in proactive outreach, while also highlighting his career progression and the stability of the water industry. Matthew shared successful legislative interventions through the American Water Works Association (AWWA), discussed public trust and communication strategies, and provided advice on information gathering, navigating political landscapes, addressing misconceptions about the water industry, and the importance of continuous investment in infrastructure. Matthew concluded by sharing inspirational advice from mentors and inviting water industry communicators to join a "community of practice" within the AWWA to collaborate and support each other. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Austin is the President of Hunter Crown. We ctalked about his executive search firm focused on the water and wastewater industry, his entrepreneurial journey, and perspectives on hiring practices. Austin Meyermann discussed various aspects of recruiting, including the limitations of job boards, generational differences, challenges with HR software, advice for job seekers and companies, and the importance of networking. Austin Meyermann also touched upon topics like industry conferences, triggers for seeking recruiters, misconceptions about recruiters, and strategies for different career stages entering the water and wastewater sector. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Bradley Northup and Shane Silsby joined Joseph Blackman on the public works podcast to discuss government fleet management, highlighting the importance of fleet modernization strategies driven by data and legislation. Bradley Northup detailed their career path in fleet, the benefits of professional associations, and the specifics of an Acquisitions Fleet Manager role, while Shane Silsby emphasized long-term cost savings and safety improvements from fleet modernization. They also explored the significant challenges and legislative context surrounding the adoption of electric vehicles in public works fleets, underscoring the need for thorough fleet and infrastructure understanding alongside technological solutions like telematics. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Sabrina Sims, the Water Systems Manager for the City of McCall, Idaho, shared insights into her role, which encompasses water treatment, distribution, and a portion of utility billing, all unified under a "productions and operations" team approach. She discussed McCall's unique water usage challenges as a resort town, with dramatic seasonal variations, and the difficulties in staffing due to the community's rapid growth and high cost of living. Sabrina emphasized her passion for water, developed over 20 years in the industry, and detailed her innovative workforce development strategies for McCall, which include increased salaries, advanced technology, and hiring individuals with transferable skills. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Robert French, the Operations Manager for the Capital and Maintenance Division in Elk Grove, who discussed his responsibilities managing capital improvement projects, ADA enhancements, and smaller maintenance tasks, emphasizing their in-house approach to project management and the city's growth. Robert French shared his career path in public works, his move to Elk Grove for long-term maintenance planning, and his insights on effective operations management, including staff development, project planning, and community communication. Robert French highlighted the complexities of public works beyond immediate fixes and offered recommendations for dining in Elk Grove. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
Jeff Taylor, SCADA System Supervisor for the City of Riverside's regional water quality control plant, to understand his role, daily responsibilities, and career path. Jeff Taylor described his work as maintaining the automation system of the wastewater plant, which includes servers, PLCs, communication infrastructure, and various devices, with a 50/50 split between office and field work. He also shared insights on essential skills, a major system outage experience, continuous upskilling, leadership, and cybersecurity in the SCADA field. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
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