Running a small system can be challenging. Along with meeting regulatory obligations and satisfying customer expectations, you may have issues with aging infrastructure, limited financial resources, and a lack of staff capacity. Partnership-building and workforce development strategies can help you identify collaboration opportunities to benefit your system while also ensuring that you attract and retain a strong internal team.   These strategies can also provide a basis for better utility management and planning.

In this workshop, we will discuss approaches to system collaboration and workforce planning including:

• Personnel sharing
• Leveraging shared purchasing power
• How to prepare your utility for knowledge or technology transfer
• Analyzing gaps in your current workforce
• Maintaining a workplace culture that attracts qualified applicants and partners
• Recruiting and working with younger generations
• Preparing for retirements with succession planning tips

Cost: Complimentary.  Meals will be the responsibility of the participant.

This training is approved for 5.5 TCHs (Drinking Water) by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: Course ID # DWT-2019-41 

Trainer: Khris Dodson – Associate Director, Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center, and Hayley Hajic, Research Scientist, Southwest Environmental Finance Center at the University of New Mexico

Who Should Attend:
• Managers, owners, and operators of small water systems serving less than 10,000 people, including local government systems and tribal systems, as well as all other types of water systems, such as: homeowners associations, mobile home parks, resorts/campgrounds, schools, prisons, and more
• Decision-makers for water utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks
• Consultants and technical assistance providers serving water systems

Contact: Jes Eckerlin, jeschn01@syr.edu