Join us for a two-part virtual training series focused on workforce challenges and opportunities across Rhode Island’s water sector. Workforce development is a cross-cutting issue that impacts a wide range of roles, from drinking water and wastewater operations to green infrastructure maintenance and local governments. These interactive sessions will highlight examples from Rhode Island and the broader New England region, showcasing partnerships, practical tools, and ideas to recruit, retain, and support the next generation of professionals.

Description: A strong workforce starts with retaining the people you already have. This session explores practical strategies to improve employee retention, strengthen workplace dynamics, and prepare for staff retirements and other workforce transitions. Participants will learn how succession planning, knowledge transfer, professional development, and a supportive workplace culture can help organizations and municipalities maintain continuity and build long-term resilience.

Register for Part 2: Messaging for Workforce Recruitment and Leadership Support Here

Learning Objectives:

• Define workforce retention and understand how to calculate retention rates
• Identify key factors that influence employee retention and workplace satisfaction
• Understand how workplace dynamics and personality types can influence team effectiveness and retention
• Learn the purpose and benefits of succession planning for operational continuity
• Explore tools for documenting institutional knowledge and supporting knowledge transfer

Instructors: Averi Davis, Program Manager; and Susan McGrattan, PE, Technical Specialist, Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center

Guest Speaker: Stephanie Moniz, Training and Education Coordinator, Groundwork Rhode Island

Certificates: This training has been submitted for pre-approval of continuing education credits though we cannot guarantee it. Regardless, we will provide attendees with a Certificate of Attendance for their personal record. 

Who Should Attend: Local governments, DPWs, water and wastewater utilities, Tribal utilities and community partners, green infrastructure practitioners, workforce development organizations, community-based organizations, regional planners, and training and technical assistance providers.

Hosted by the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center in partnership with the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Network and the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN)