Public Works Podcast - Joseph Blackman

Latest Episodes:

Matthew Junker: Public Relations Specialist @ Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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 Meyermann: President of Hunter Crown Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

Public Works Fleet episode with Bradley Northup and Shane Silsby Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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: Water Systems Manager @ City of McCall, Idaho Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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: Operations Manager for the Capital Maintenance Division @ City of Elk Grove, CA Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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 @ City of Riverside's Regional Water Quality Control Plant Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

Shane Silsby's Government Wrap-up May 30, 2025

Show notes

Shane stops by and updates us on all-things Legislation.

Jamie Tuccolo: DPW Director Town of Salisbury, MA May 29, 2025

Show notes

Jamie is Salisbury's Director of Public Works, who detailed the town's seasonal population fluctuations and the DPW's responsibilities across water, sewer, highway, and beach departments, including summer preparations for increased visitors and maintaining beach area infrastructure. Jamie also shared his career journey in municipal government, essential skills for public works directors, his focus on continuous improvement through technology and team building, and addressed common misconceptions about public works while highlighting the importance of community safety regarding DPW crews. Jamie Tuccolo expressed gratitude for mentors and offered advice to fellow DPW leaders. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Chris Caro: Sewer Condition Assessment Section Manager @ WSSC Water May 20, 2025

Show notes

Chris is the Sewer Condition Assessment Section Manager at WSSC Water and we chat about his role as the sewer condition assessment section manager, the scope and condition of WSSC Water's infrastructure, and challenges such as aging infrastructure and workforce knowledge transfer. Chris shared insights into his career path, management philosophy, and addressed misconceptions about his position, emphasizing the importance of proper wastewater disposal and acknowledging mentors for guidance. The discussion covered WSSC Water's service area, Chris Caro's daily tasks, concerns about meeting performance expectations, and strategies for professional development. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Terrell Hughes: Director Of Public Works @ Henrico County, Richmond VA May 20, 2025

Show notes

Terrell is the Public Works Director for Henrico County, who detailed the county's extensive road system and the department's diverse responsibilities. Terrell discussed his typical workday, the award-winning pedestrian safety outreach program, and the early influences and career path that led him to his current role. Key talking points included the importance of communication for a public works director, lessons learned from past experiences, strategies for continuous learning, and addressing misconceptions about the profession, all while emphasizing community service and mentorship. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.