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Home My WebLink About12.b. Receive report on Central San's Virtual Externship Program Page 1 of 17 Item 12.b. CENTRALSAN jdf A- hom CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT May 26, 2022 TO: HONORABLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM: CHRISTINA GEE, MANAGEMENT ANALYST REVIEWED BY: TEJI O'MALLEY HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ROGER S. BAILEY, GENERAL MANAGER SUBJECT: RECEIVE REPORT ON CENTRAL SAN'S VIRTUAL EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM Please see the attached memo. The Administration Committee received this update at its May 3, 2022 meeting. Strategic Plan Tie-In GOAL FOUR: Workforce Development Strategy 1—Proactively plan for future operational staffing needs, Strategy 3— Inspire employee engagement ATTACHMENTS: 1. Memorandum 2. Presentation May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 466 of 532 Page 2 of 17 ' Attachment 1 ,dd CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA SANITARY DISTRICT May 26, 2022 TO: HONORABLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS VIA: TEJI O'MALLEY, HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ROGER S. BAILEY, GENERAL MANAGER FROM: CHRISTINA GEE, MANAGEMENT ANALYST SUBJECT: CENTRAL SAN'S EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM Last year, Central San developed and implemented its first Externship Program to offer students and recent graduates an insider look at multiple career paths in the wastewater industry. Due to the pandemic, the first program was launched in a virtual format in March 2021. Each of the five three-hour virtual sessions was an engaging and interactive introduction to Central San's divisions and the range of careers within each workgroup. The launch exceeded expectations, with a total of 45 externs from all over the country and internationally attending at least one session of the program, 20 of whom attended all five sessions. In total, Central San received 103 sign-ups for the inaugural 2021 program, plus an additional 40 people who initially applied for the program but did not officially register. Following the same format as last year, Central San recently hosted its second Externship Program. From March 14 to 18, 2022, the online program gave 22 externs a convenient and no-cost opportunity to interact with wastewater professionals and discover potential careers. As with last year's program, staff from various walks of life gave the externs a glimpse into a typical day in their lives, what they enjoy about their jobs, how they came to Central San, and examples of projects recently completed. The externs were engaged and interested in the prospect of a career at an organization like Central San. 2022 CURRICULUM • Day 1 — Mon. 3/14 — About Central San • Day 2 — Tue. 3/15 — Operations • Day 3 — Wed. 3/16 — Engineering • Day 4 — Thurs. 3/17 —Administration and Resource Recovery • Day 5 — Fri. 3/18 — Environmental Protection and Career Resources In addition to informative and interesting PowerPoints, presentations included a show and tell of Collection System Operations (CSO)'s trucks and tools, a virtual tour of the May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 467 of 532 Page 3 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 2 of 10 treatment plant using Central San's 75t" Anniversary website, a live site tour of the active Filter Plant and Clearwell Improvements construction project, a virtual tour of the new Tertiary Membrane Filtration Pilot tent, and a Toilet Paper (TP) and Non-TP group activity. Central-San-produced YouTube videos were also screened, such as the Wipes Fail "Flushable" Test, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility Tour, and Maintaining a Reliable Infrastructure videos. Staff also delivered motivating and lively verbal presentations, simply speaking candidly about their career path and offering general advice for those considering a career in wastewater. Some screenshots of the program are provided below, though these are just a few of the creative and interactive presentations given by staff. Lead Maintenance Crew Member Kevin Kirby providing a look at a CSO rodding truck (Day 2) f A4L I/ d Q May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 468 of 532 Page 4 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 3 of 10 Machine Shop Maintenance Supervisor Bill Bowers explaining a slide with typical job duties, accompanied by demonstrative pictures (Day 2) MACHINE SHOP • Team of 2 Machinists,a Painter,and a Supervisor_ • Fabricate and machine parts for equipment repairs,modifications.and improvements. • Perform maintenance and repairs on machinery, equipment,and tools. _ • Often receive requests to design and create ` R specialized solutions—from panels for clarifier I tanks to plexiglass barriers for COVID-19 • ��' ' prevention. ` VD K U AS r Chathu Abeyrathna, Associate Engineer (behind the camera in the bottom left screen) providing a tour of his construction site at the Filter Plant and Clearwell Improvements, including a look inside one of the recently constructed tanks (Day 3) y � I MS h• May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 469 of 532 Page 5 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 4 of 10 Amanda Cauble, Associate Engineer, with support from Dan Frost, Senior Engineer, narrating a 360-degree view inside the new Tertiary Membrane Filtration Pilot site l , Ben Lavender, Community Affairs Representative, leading a group activity which demonstrates how toilet paper dissolves in water, while other paper does not. H5 GK r � I -"r 4 May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 470 of 532 Page 6 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 5 of 10 2022 EXTERNS A total of 22 externs from colleges all over the country and internationally attended at least one session of the Spring 2022 program, and 10 externs attended all five sessions. Below is more information on program attendance: # of Sessions # of % of Attended Attendees Total Attendees Date # of Attendees 1 3 14% 3/14 20 2 1 5% 3/15 17 3 2 9% 3/16 19 4 6 27% 3/17 15 5 10 45% 3/18 16 The following describes the 22 attendees: Regional Breakdown • 68% from West Coast (CA and WA) (59% from CA) • 9% from Northeast (NJ) • 9% from Southwest (TX) • 5% from Midwest (MN) • 9% from other countries (Ivory Coast and Peru) 5 States Represented (number next to state indicates number of externs) • CA (13) • MN (1) • NJ (2) • TX (2) • WA (2) 3 Countries Represented (number next to country indicates number of externs) • Ivory Coast (1) • Peru (1) • USA (20) May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 471 of 532 Page 7 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 6 of 10 Academic Standing (number next to academic standing indicates number of externs and percentage indicates the percentage of the total externs) • Freshman (3) = 14% • Sophomore (3) = 14% • Junior (6) = 27% • Senior (6) = 27% • Graduated :51 year ago (2) = 9% • Graduated >_1 year ago (2) = 9% 15 Schools Represented (number next to school indicates number of externs if more than one) • Arizona State University (2) • Brigham Young University— Idaho • Canada College • Castro Valley Adult Career and Education • Chabot College • California State University (CSU) East Bay (2) • Los Medanos College • Ohlone College • Rutgers University (2) • San Jose State University (4) • Texas A&M Kingsville • UC Berkeley • UC Irvine • UC Merced (2) • University of Arizona 18 Majors Represented (number next to major indicates number of externs if more than one) • Civil Engineering (2) • Conservation Biology and Ecology • Earth System Science, Environmental Science and Policy • Economics and Political Science • Electrical Engineering • Information Technology • Marketing, Supply Chain, Public Policy • Mathematics (Masters) • Mechanical Engineering (4) • Professional Studies • Process Technology May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 472 of 532 Page 8 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 7 of 10 • Public Health • Sociology • Sustainable Built Environment • Urban Planning • Wastewater Treatment/Distribution • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator • Welding Technology 2022 SIGN-UPS Central San received 44 sign-ups in total (an additional 7 applied for the program but did not officially register). Of those sign-ups, 13 states were represented. 55% of the sign-ups were from the West Coast (CA and WA — 50% of the total sign-ups from CA only), 9% were from the South (TX, LA); 11% were from the Midwest (IL, MI, NE, OH, WI); 11% were from the Northeast (CT, NJ, NY, PA); and 14% were from other countries (Brazil, China, Ivory Coast, Japan, Peru, and Sri Lanka). Ten countries in total were represented. The academic standing of the sign-ups were as follows: Freshman — 30%, Sophomore — 12%, Junior— 25%, Senior— 23%, Graduated :51 year ago — 7%, and Graduated >_1 year ago — 5%. In total, 33 schools were represented and 34 majors were represented. FEEDBACK FROM 2022 EXTERNS Below are excerpts from responses received to a survey sent to the externs after the conclusion of the Spring 2022 program, as well as other feedback received via email. General Feedback • This externship gave me a comprehensive understanding of the wastewater collection and treatment plant, especially the engineering, operation and management department. • 1 enjoyed relating what I learned throughout the course and actual visual to relate what was covered in the literature. Day 5 was interesting especially Wastewater epidemiology and HHWCF. It helps me explore disposal of forever chemicals and effects. • 1 really enjoyed learning about the operations, special projects, and applied research! The best highlight was the virtual tour of the treatment plant. It was great getting to see how the wastewater enters the plant and goes through the various cleansing processes to maximize water purification. • Thank you to Central San for putting together this wonderful virtual externship program. It was definitely a great experience, providing insight into the industry and Central San, and demonstrating how up-to-date technology plays a vital role in helping communities solve problems conserve, and reduce wasteful water use practices. May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 473 of 532 Page 9 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 8 of 10 • Thank you Christina as well as the others who made this externship possible! I enjoyed the Externship sessions that I was available to attend. It was great to learn about what Central San does and pioneers. • Thank you for organizing this externship program I learned a lot! • Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the externship. It was truly informative and enjoyable. I deeply appreciate the time each person took to ensure we understood the day-to-day operations at Central San. • The presenters did a great job covering the large material in a swift and easy manner. • The newest virtual tour is a great introduction to include even during in-person meetings to see the plant better as whole! Answer to survey question: "After petting to know us and what we do, how would you describe Central San and its staff in one (or more than one) word?" • Creative • Professional • Passionate • Welcoming environment, growth mindset • Comfortable • Great • Mission-oriented and environmentally conscious Answer to survey question: "Has this program inspired you to consider a career in wastewater and/or at Central San in particular? If so, what inspired you and what did it inspire you to do?" • Yes it has motivated me more to concentrate on IT [Information Technology] as I want to become the cyber analyst. • Yes. I was interested in a career in wastewater. I think the maintenance division is right for me. I submitted an internship application to Central San in January to join the Student Interns - Engineering program. • Yes. It has especially with a potential war and nerve and nuclear agents and how that affects drinking and wastewater and proper treatment thereafter. • Yes, I am definitely considering wastewater as a next step in my career path. • Yes, I am more sure now than ever that I want to pursue a career in wastewater! All the presenters truly inspired me to pursue a career at Central San as it is a great environment to work in and the mission you guys work towards coincides highly with my values and beliefs! • What stood out to me personally was the IT department, and how important their role is to maintain the functions of Central San, as a result, I plan to take a few computer science courses, starting this summer, along with continuing my education in economics to understand how I can use this knowledge to address the issues of environmental sustainability. Furthermore, I plan to continue my research into wastewater and water quality. May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 474 of 532 Page 10 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 9 of 10 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Central San's second Externship Program would not have been possible without the participation of 37 Central San staff from all over the organization who took the time to prepare unique and engaging presentations and tailor them to the externs' interests, plus other staff who helped prepare the presentations. It is because of them that the program was so impactful and successful. In addition, thanks to the Executive Team, the program was able to conclude with an exciting raffle awarding one hour of one-on- one time with an executive to each winner. The presenters included myself and the following staff, in order of presentation: • Roger Bailey, General Manager • Steve McDonald, Director of Operations Steve McDonald • Jean-Marc Petit, Director of Engineering and Technical Services • Phil Leiber, Director of Finance and Administration • Paul Seitz, CSO Division Manager • Steve Sauter, CSO Field Operations Superintendent • Paul Amaral, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member • Matt Chambers, CSO Maintenance Crew Member II • Kevin Kirby, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member • Ben Lavender, Community Affairs Representative • Nate Morales, Senior Engineer, Plant Operations (Control Systems) • Ian "Max" Campbell, Plant Operator I • Neil Meyer, Plant Maintenance Division Manager • Jon Nicolaus, Plant Maintenance Superintendent • Bill Bowers, Maintenance Supervisor, Machine Shop • Steve Diethelm, Utility Systems Engineer • Nitin Goel, Senior Engineer, Special Projects and Asset Management • Edgar Lopez, Capital Projects Division Manager • Chathu Abeyrathna, Associate Engineer • Michael Cunningham, Associate Engineer • Danea Gemmell, Planning and Development Services Division Manager • Dan Frost, Senior Engineer, Planning and Applied Research • Amanda Cauble, Associate Engineer, Planning and Applied Research • Amy Compaglia, Contracts and Procurement Specialist 11 • Warren Gaines, Materials Services Supervisor • Emily Barnett, Communication Services and Government Relations Manager • John Huie, Information Technology Manager • Matt Hart, System Administrator, Information Technology • Teji O'Malley, Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager • Kevin Mizuno, Finance Manager • Melody LaBella, Program Manager • Rita Cheng, Associate Engineer, Regulatory Compliance May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 475 of 532 Page 11 of 17 Central San's Externship Program Page 10 of 10 • Dave Wyatt, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program Administrator • Winston Ingram, Senior HHW Technician • Colleen Henry, Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector • Blake Brown, Supervising Chemist • Justine Gleason, Chemist II • Michael Kushner, BAYWORK Manager (who also presented last year to provide the externs with resources on finding a career in the wastewater field) The past two Externship Programs were able to reach a broad audience via its virtual format. However, dependent on the status of the pandemic, staff hopes to hold the next Externship Program in person this fall, which will allow for more personal engagement and potential job shadowing opportunities. May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 476 of 532 Page 12 of 17 Attachment 2 w CENTRAL SAN'S EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM Board Meeting - May 26, 2022 Christina Gee, Management Analyst CFNTRALSAN 1 EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM • Developed and launched in 2021 • Five three-hour virtual sessions • Offers students and recent graduates an insider look at multiple career paths in the wastewater industry • Attendance • Spring 2021: 45 externs, received 103 sign-ups • Spring 2022: 22 externs, received 44 sign-ups - z 2 1 May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 477 of 532 Page 13 of 17 CURRICULUM • Day 1 —About Central San • Day 2 — Operations • Day 3 — Engineering • Day 4 —Administration and Resource Recovery • Day 5 — Environmental Protection and Career Resources _ � 3 PROGRAM r a MACHME SHOP - _� l— r-ree - xQ ti 4 2 May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 478 of 532 Page 14 of 17 PARTICIPATION IN 2022 SESSION • 22 externs (10 attending all 5 sessions) • 44 sign-ups • Externs represented • 5 States (CA, MN, NJ, TX, WA) • 3 Countries (Peru, Ivory Coast, USA) • 15 Schools • 18 Majors EXTERNS' ACADEMIC STANDING • Freshman (3) = 14% • Sophomore (3) = 14% • Junior (6) = 27% • Senior (6) = 27% • Graduated :51 year ago (2) = 9% • Graduated >_1 year ago (2) = 9% 6 3 May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 479 of 532 Thank you for the opportunity to take part i the externship. It was truly informative Thank you to Central San for and enjoyable. putting together this I deeply appreciate the wonderful virtual externship time each person took to program. It was definitely a ensure we understood the great experience, providing day-to-day operations at I nm more,sore vow tl�av ever that insight into the industry and Central San. _wav�t to pUrsUe a career i� Central San,and wastewater! demonstrating how All the presenters trtily inspired me, technology plays to pmrwr a career at Central Smii as a vital role in helping it is a great evrvirovi mevit to work ivi communities solve problems avid the missiovr yore qrnys work conserve,and reduce towards coivrcides highly with m4 wasteful water use practices. valines and beliefs! CFNTRAI SAN Passionate Creative Mission-oriented and environmentally Professional G reat conscious ' Welcoming environment, growth mindset Comfortable CFNTRAI SAN I Page 16 of 17 THANK YOU • Roger Bailey,General Manager • Steve McDonald, Director of Operations Steve McDonald • Jean-Marc Petit,Director of Engineering and Technical Services • Phil Leiber, Director of Finance and Administration • Paul Seitz,CSO Division Manager • Steve Sauter,CSO Field Operations Superintendent • Paul Amaral,CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member • Matt Chambers,CSO Maintenance Crew Member II • Kevin Kirby,CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member • Ben Lavender,Community Affairs Representative • Nate Morales,Senior Engineer, Plant Operations(Control Systems) • Ian"Max"Campbell,Plant Operator I • Neil Meyer, Plant Maintenance Division Manager • Jon Nicolaus,Plant Maintenance Superintendent • Bill Bowers, Maintenance Supervisor, Machine Shop • Steve Diethelm,Utility Systems Engineer • Nitin Goel,Senior Engineer,Special Projects and Asset Management • Edgar Lopez,Capital Projects Division Manager • Chathu Abeyrathna,Associate Engineer 9 THANK YOU (CONTINUED) • Michael Cunningham,Associate Engineer • Danea Gemmell,Planning and Development Services Division Manager • Dan Frost,Senior Engineer,Planning and Applied Research • Amanda Cauble,Associate Engineer, Planning and Applied Research • Amy Compaglia,Contracts and Procurement Specialist II • Warren Gaines,Materials Services Supervisor • Emily Barnett,Communication Services and Government Relations Manager • John Huie, Information Technology Manager • Matt Hart,System Administrator,Information Technology • Teji O'Malley, Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager • Kevin Mizuno, Finance Manager • Melody LaBella,Program Manager • Rita Cheng,Associate Engineer, Regulatory Compliance • Dave Wyatt,Household Hazardous Waste(HHW)Program Administrator • Winston Ingram,Senior HHW Technician • Colleen Henry, Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector • Blake Brown,Supervising Chemist • Justine Gleason,Chemist II 10 10 5 May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 481 of 532 Page 17 of 17 QUESTIONS? CFNTPAtSAN 11 6 May 26, 2022 Special Board Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 482 of 532