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.