DWM Hosts Volunteer Creek Cleanup to Kickoff American Wetlands Month |
DWM recently partnered with the South River Watershed Alliance (SRWA), and the Joyland and High Point Estates neighborhoods for a volunteer creek clean-up at McDaniel Branch Ponds and Wetlands, and adjacent Arthur Langford, Jr. Park. The volunteer effort was organized to commemorate American Wetlands Month, which is observed each May and celebrates one of nature's most productive ecosystems.
Councilmember Joyce Shepherd, along with nearly a dozen volunteers, collected approximately 30 bags of trash, as well as six tires, and even a couple of scooters from the two DWM-owned properties. Cleaning litter and debris from the McDaniel Branch Ponds and Wetlands is vital to our ecosystem. Wetlands are known as the “kidneys” of a watershed because of their effectiveness at improving water quality. They also help enhance water supply, reduce flooding, and provide critical habitats for plants, fish, and wildlife. DWM is fortunate to have partners who view wetlands as productive and valuable resources worthy of protection and restoration.
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Chattahoochee River Patrol
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Robert Thomson, Kelly Rudell, and Dean Williams with the Office of Watershed Protection inspect the raw water intake during their river patrol on the north section of the Chattahoochee River. |
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Four Ways to be a Stellar DWM Next Generation Leader and Water Professional |
The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is currently working to address the challenges of an aging workforce. Recently, the Water Resource Foundation reported that water utilities will lose 30 to 50 percent of their workforce within the next decade.
The Workforce Development priority in the Strategic Plan 2022, highlights the importance of having a skilled and professional workforce that meets the demands of the organization. Currently, DWM has approximately 1,441 employees, and by year 2022, approximately 347 employees will be eligible for retirement. As millennials and Gen Z enter the workforce at a rapid rate, it is imperative that DWM continues to groom young professionals and prepare them for the future of the water and wastewater industry.
Here are four strategies to become a stellar next generation leader at DWM:
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1. Become a subject matter expert
In order to excel in your career at DWM, it is important that you become a subject matter expert. Take the time to learn about DWM’s history, important processes and procedures, and all things water and wastewater. This will put you ahead of the learning curve and set you apart from your peers. In addition, young professional should take the time to become very knowledgeable about Strategic Plan 2022 and each strategic priority. This will help you understand the projection of DWM’s future climate in the industry.
With customer service being a key aspect in everyone’s job, learn to create a customer experience that will leave a lasting impact on internal and external customer base. In your free time, familiarize yourself with DWM’s leadership and org charts. This will allow you to understand the culture of the organization and study how current leaders are paving the way.
Lastly, learn important terminology and stay up-to-date with industry trends by doing research and connecting with seasoned professionals.
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2. Enhance Your Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills will enhance your personal and professional career development. In order to be an outstanding next generation leader, develop and practice communications skills such as public speaking and listening, as well as presentation skills and writing.
To really take your career to the next level, invest in conflict management resolution. Learning conflict management skills will help you resolve workplace issues in the most effective way and build healthy relationships with your peers. Remember that teamwork is imperative, and it allows you to work with likeminded individuals to reach your organizations goal.
Lastly, leadership skills will help build your influence and become allow you to become eligible for new opportunities.
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3. Utilize Professional Development and Training/Certification Opportunities
In order to take your career to the next level, professional development, training and certifications can help you become a well-rounded professional. Join and participate with organizations such as American Water Works Association, and the Georgia Association of Water Professionals to network with professionals just like you.
YLF
Rakiya Lee, President
GAWP
GAWP Young Professionals Committee
AWWA and AWWA Young Professionals
Currently, DWM offers a host of training opportunities such as but not limited to DWM University, Watershed Toastmasters, Young Leaders Forum and the Work Class Customer Service Experience training. In addition, DWM offers certifications opportunities such as but not limited to project management certification, CDL certifications and environmental awareness certifications.
Training
Talent LMS
4. Find a mentor
It is important to find a mentor to teach you and help build your confidence in the workplace. Your mentor should be a someone that will work to build a mutual beneficial relationship with you in the most relatable way. Your mentor should be someone who invests in you and supports your growth in the organization. Mentoring is a powerful relationship-building tool that can help you advance quickly in your office.
Becoming a next generation leader at DWM takes time, dedication, and commitment. Utilizing available resources, young professionals can create a pipeline of opportunities to showcase their unique talents and personal contributions to the organization.
Put yourself in position to catch the wave. You may be next!
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Do you hear a knock at your door? It could be opportunity!
DWM has various positions available – from entry level to executive - that are waiting for you or someone you know to fill:
OLIO
- Watershed Construction Maintenance Worker I
- Purchasing Specialist
- Wastewater Collection Operator III
- Watershed Director II (Technical Services)
- Watershed Director II (Distribution)
OWP
- Watershed Director I
- Watershed Manager I
- Watershed Manager I
- Pollution Control Monitor
- Laboratory Aide
- Civil Engineer, Sr
- Pollution Control Monitor, Sr
- Water Quality Control Specialist
- Pollution Control Monitor, Sr
- Pollution Control Monitor, Sr
- Pollution Control Monitor
- Project Manager I
- Construction Project Manager II
OWTR
- Watershed Plant Operator Class, I
- Watershed Plant Operator Class, II
- Watershed Plant Operator Class, III
- Watershed Plant Operator Supervisor
- Plant Maintenance Mechanic Sr
- Electrician Sr
OSSEM
- Emergency Response Analyst
- Data/Reporting Analyst, Sr
- Investigator
- Video Integration Center Monitor
Facilities Management
- Water Contract Supervisor
- Watershed Inspector, Sr
DWM Information Systems
- Server Administrator
- IT Director
- Network Engineer
- Watershed Director I
- Programmer Analyst, Sr
- IT Project Manager, Sr
DWM Office of Communications and Community Relations
- Communications Coordinator
If you, or someone you know that exemplifies our core values of Teamwork, Integrity, Customer Centric, Accountability and Employee Commitment, please access the City of Atlanta job portal at atlantaga.jobs.net/ to learn more about the open positions in DWM.
You won’t know if opportunity is knocking if you don’t answer the door!
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MONTHLY EMPLOYEE GIVEAWAY |
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Be sure to read the Commissioner’s Water Cooler every month to play trivia and participate in other contests for a chance to win prizes! Winners will be contacted by the Office of Communications and will be featured in the next month’s issue of the Commissioner’s Water Cooler newsletter! |
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Trivia Question
Name the international publication where Commissioner Browning discusses how DWM dramatically reduced stormwater issues in three Atlanta neighborhoods after installing permeable pavers.
Hint: It was shared in the Water Drops newsletter and posted on DWM social media pages.
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The first Team Watershed employee to email the correct answer to [email protected] will win a Water Bottle Bluetooth Speaker! Good luck Team Watershed!
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People with purpose, goals, and visions have no time for drama. They invest their energy in creativity and focus on living a positive life. |
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