WA Training | Workforce: Managing Your Most Important Asset
Cost: Free
Location: Green River College Auburn Center (Room #240); 1221 D ST NE, Auburn, WA 98002
Description: This workshop will address the critical workforce challenges facing the water and wastewater industry today. Topics will include succession planning strategies, establishing internship programs, recruiting and retaining qualified operators, promoting work/life balance, and ensuring competitive wages.
Representatives from the State of Washington will present on State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding opportunities, operator certification requirements, and technical assistance success stories.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a succession plan to prepare for workforce transitions and retirements
- Identify strategies for establishing internship programs and building a pipeline of future operators
- Apply effective recruitment and retention techniques for qualified operators
- Recognize the importance of work/life balance and competitive wages in reducing staff turnover
- Understand SRF funding opportunities available through the State of Washington
- Navigate operator certification requirements
Trainer: Shannon Hazelton, Program Manager, Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University
CEUs: This training is pre-approved for 0.5 Drinking Water Continuing Education Units in Washington state.
Who Should Attend:
- Managers, owners, and operators of water systems serving less than 10,000 people
- 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
- Workforce partners, correctional programs, educators, veterans’ organizations, and others interested in water careers.
Partners:
Organizer
Program Associate at the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center