Public Works Podcast - Joseph Blackman

Latest Episodes:

Jamel Wofford: Water Treatment Plant Operator @ Bargersville Water Plant, north plant, IN Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Jamel is the Water Treatment Plant Operator at Bargersvilles North Water Plant in Indiana. In this episode we chat about how he made his way into Water Treatment and all the skills he picked up on the way. We also dive into Apprenticeship and what it can look like for aspiring operators. We also covered topics like Faith, the ability to learn and misconceptions. Jamel wants us all to "Be a river not a resevior." Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Caroline Barlow: Capacity, Management, Operations and Maintenance (CMOM) Section Manager at Seattle Public Utilities, City of Seattle, WA Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Caroline is the Capacity, Management, Operations and Maintenance (CMOM) Section Manager at Seattle Public Utilities at the City of Seattle in Washington State. In this episode we chat about all of the different tasks she is over any given day. We also chat about her career path and the leaps she has made in her career. Her Billboard statement would read: "Be mindful and respectful of operations crews". Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Shahad Mohammed: Assistant Director of Public Works, Transportation, & Capital Development @ City of Duncanville, TX Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Shahad is the Assistant Director of Public Works, Transportation, & Capital Development at the City of Duncanville in Texas. In this episode we chat about how she chose her career despite societal and familial expectations. The 3 skillsets Shahad recommends one possess for success are: Problem solving, communication and patience. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Natalie Galgano: Senior Manager at Municipal Accounts & Consulting, AZ Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Natalie Galgano is the Senior Manager at Municipal Accounts & Consulting in Arizona. In this episode we chat about what problems she solves at MAC and what the common issues special districts have in regards to Accounting. We also chat about regulations and the struggle of keeping clients informed on State and Federal changes. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
For more about Natalie: https://municipalaccounts.com/

Mark Harris: Operations and Maintenance Manager @ West County Wastewater District, Richmond CA Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Mark is the Operations and Maintenance Manager at West County Wastewater District in Richmond California. In this episode we talk about Mark's career in Wastewater and the route he took to get to where he currently is. We talk about WCWD's area of service and how it was decied. Mark wants us to know that its ok to "specialize" and also the concept of "Toilet to Tap." Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Travis Fisher: Wastewater Collections Supervisor @ City of Simi Valley, CA Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Travis Fisher is the Wastewater Collections Supervisor at The City of Simi Valley in California. In this episode we chat about betting on oneself and having grit as a skillset in this industry. We also cover topics like CWEA and adopting new technologies as a Supervisor. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professional.

Travis Walbeck: Assistant Director for Training and Outreach for NCAT located @ Auburn University. Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Travis Walbeck is the Assistant Director for Training and Outreach for NCAT located at Auburn University. In this episode we talk about what NCAT is and what thier mission is about. We talk about the state of the Asphalt industry and where is may be going. We alse cover topics like Research, Testing and Training. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.
For more info go to: https://eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/ncat/about/index.html

Phillip Brown: Water/Wastewater/Stormwater Superintendent @ City of Jacksonville Beach, Florida Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Phillip Brown: Water/Wastewater/Stormwater Superintendent at The City of Jacksonville Beach in Florida. In this episode we chat about his love for travel and where he would see himself operating overseas. Also we cover topics like Legislation and Rulemaking in the water field. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Rob Pluta: Sewer Foreman @ City of Highland Park, Illinois Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Rob Pluta is the Sewer Foreman at City of Highland Park, Illinois. In this episode Rob and I chat about how he handles generational differences within his department and also how they find new talent in the industry. We also cover topics like Being Patient and Seeking Feedback. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Margaret Medellin: Chief Public Works Officer for City & County of Denver Deputy Manager For DOT & Infrastructure at City & County of Denver Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Margaret is the Chief Public Works Officer for City and County of Denver Deputy Manager For Department of Transportation and Infrastructure at City and County of Denver. In this episode we chat about her career path and how she became Chief Public Works Officer with 12,000 employees. We also chat about APWA and its Emerging Leaders Academy. Margaret wants us all to "Get involved and Communicate." Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.