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Home My WebLink About16.e. Receive recap of Central San's 2023 Externship ProgramItem 16.e. May 4, 2023 T O: HO NO R A B L E B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S F RO M :C HR I S T I NA G E E, MA NA G E ME NT A NA LYS T RE V IE WE D B Y:T E J I O'MA L L E Y, HUMA N R E S O UR C E S A ND O R G A NI Z AT I O NA L D E V E L O P ME NT MA NA G E R R O G E R S. B A I L E Y, G E NE R A L MA NA G E R S UB J E C T: R E C E I V E R E C A P O F C E NT R A L S A N'S 2023 E X T E R NS HI P P R O G R A M Please see the attached memo f or a recap of Central S an's 2023 E xternship Program. T his item was reviewed by the A dministration C ommittee on May 2, 2023. Strategic Plan Tie-I n G O A L O N E: Customer and C ommunity Strategy 1 – Deliver high-quality customer service, Strategy 3 - Build neighborhood and industry relations G O A L TW O: Environmental Stewardship Strategy 2 - Educate on pollution prevention and environmental protection G O A L TH R EE: Workforce Diversity and D evelopment Strategy 1 - Recruit from a diverse pool of qualified applicants G O A L FO U R : G overnance and Fiscal R esponsibility Strategy 2 - Encourage and facilitate public participation AT TAC HM E NT S : D escription 1. Memorandum 2. P resentation May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 193 of 218 Page 1 of 12 ATTACHMENT 1 May 4, 2023 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: RECAP OF 2023 EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM In 2021, Central San developed and implemented its first Externship Program, to perform outreach to college students and recent graduates with the following objectives: to share an insider look at multiple career paths in the wastewater industry and local government, create networking opportunities for the externs and staff, build awareness for Central San’s environmental messages and existence as an employer of choice, expand the externs’ general knowledge, and give them tips on how to get a job at an agency like Central San. The inaugural 2021 program and the 2022 program were both hosted online, and Central San hosted 67 externs total through this virtual format (45 in 2021 and 22 in 2022). In 2023, Central San offered the Externship Program for the first time on site at its Martinez headquarters. This was an opportunity to meet the externs in person and be able to convey the magnitude of Central San’s operations. The program took place from Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31, every day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break. Curriculum The week was designed to cover every division at Central San and was organized as follows:  About Central San (3/27)  Operations (3/28)  Engineering (3/29)  Administration and Resource Recovery (3/30)  Environmental Protection and Wrap-up (3/31) In addition to informative and interesting PowerPoints, presentations included tours of the Treatment Plant, Laboratory, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (HHWCF), and Recycled Water Residential Fill Station; a show and tell of Collection May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 194 of 218 Page 2 of 12 Central San Recap of 2023 Externship Program Page 2 of 5 System Operations (CSO)’s trucks and tools; a visit to the Machine Shop, Lubrication Room, and Mechanical Shop; a field trip to the Filter Plant and Clearwell Improvements construction site; a virtual tour of the Tertiary Membrane Filtration Pilot tent; and a Toot the Toilet student education activity. Throughout the week, staff delivered motivating and lively verbal presentations, speaking candidly about their career path, what they enjoy about their chosen jobs, and offering general advice for those considering a future in wastewater or government. Externs When the program was announced in late January, there were 163 potential externs on the “waiting list”: 67 who attended the 2021 and 2022 virtual programs, 83 who applied for the past sessions but did not attend, and 13 who joined the mailing list after the conclusion of the 2022 session. Following the announcement and advertisement of the 2023 program, 28 students and recent graduates applied specifically for this session. In the end, six externs attended the program. Additionally, one extern’s brother (a former temporary employee in Buildings and Grounds) attended the treatment plant tour. It is likely that many who were initially interested in the program could not secure housing or logistics to attend in person. Some also dropped out due to illnesses or family emergencies. Below is a look at the background of the six externs: City of Residence School Major Academic Standing What would you like to learn and is there anything you’d like to share? Castro Valley Castro Valley Adult School Wastewater Operations Graduated more than one year ago Plant systems operations. I’m currently trying to get my OIT hours for my grade 1. American Canyon University of California, Merced Environmental Engineering Senior I am most interested in engineering projects and water waste management. I would like to learn more about resource recovery and planning and development and how sanitary districts are operated. Oakley Los Medanos Electrical Technology Junior Merced University of California, Merced Environmental Science System Junior I would like to learn more about architecture and city planning. To be transparent, I would like to be as well rounded as I could, I want to learn everything about everything. May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 195 of 218 Page 3 of 12 Central San Recap of 2023 Externship Program Page 3 of 5 Antioch University of California, Merced Chemistry Sophomore I'm a 2nd year Chemistry who last summer interned 9 weeks in an inorganic laboratory environment. So, I am very much interested in laboratory and chemistry opportunities. Pleasanton University of California, Merced Bioengineering Sophomore As a Bioengineering student, I'm passionate about both engineering and the natural sciences, so I would love to have a role in anything related to engineering or laboratory work. I believe this externship would be a great opportunity to improve my technical and problem-solving skills, and will give me valuable hands-on experience that will contribute to my growth as an engineer. Feedback Below are excerpts from the surveys filled out by the externs after each session.  I’m going to consider a career in either wastewater engineering or bioengineering applied for wastewater now.  Getting to go inside a recycled water tank that was being constructed [was the most memorable moment]. It was surprisingly complex inside.  [The program] has given me a good outlook on how different plants operate. The collection team seems very interesting.  My favorite tour was the engineering tour. I wish we could go to the top of the water tank.  I will look into internship opportunities at Central San and consider it as a potential career path. Future Session The past two Externship Programs were able to reach a broad audience via its virtual format. For the next Externship Program, likely in 2024, staff is considering offering the program in a hybrid format, with virtual presentations and one to two days on site for tours. For the in-person portions, there can be more opportunities for learning, engagement, and group bonding. There was some inclement weather during the program this year which necessitated shuffling the curriculum, but that may not be helped as the program is typically timed May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 196 of 218 Page 4 of 12 Central San Recap of 2023 Externship Program Page 4 of 5 concurrently with the University of California system spring break. Staff was flexible this year with swapping their presentations to accommodate the unpredictable weather. One of the goals of the program is to enlighten externs to new career paths they may not have considered before, but, from the survey feedback, it may be the case that time could be better spent delving deeper into careers that the externs are already interested in, unless there are externs in the group who are undecided. Acknowledgments Central San’s third Externship Program would not have been possible without the participation of 52 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. It is because of them that the program was so impactful and successful. The presenters included myself and the following staff, in order of presentation:  Roger S. Bailey, General Manager  Phil Leiber, Director of Finance and Administration  Danea Gemmell, Planning and Development Services Division Manager (Provisional Director of Engineering and Technical Services at the time)  Paul Seitz, CSO Division Manager (Provisional Director of Operations at the time)  Alan Weer, Plant Operations Division Manager  Ben Lavender, Community Affairs Representative  Ed Silva, CSO Maintenance Supervisor  Paul Amaral, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member  Kevin Kirby, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member  Loren Reimer, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member  Charles Curiel, CSO Maintenance Crew Member II  Andrew Walus, CSO Maintenance Crew Member II  Nate Morales, Senior Engineer, Operations Optimizations  Ian “Max” Campbell, Plant Operator II  Clint Shima, Senior Engineer, Reliability Engineering  Jon Nicolaus, Superintendent, Operations and Maintenance  Steve Diethelm, Utility Systems Engineer  Zachary Lee, Associate Engineer, Reliability Engineering  Bill Bowers, Maintenance Supervisor, Machine Shop  David Wellner, Maintenance Planner  Bernard Martinez, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop  Shaun Mockel, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop  Kenny Rosenstiel, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop  Trevor Smith, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop  Brian Walters, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 197 of 218 Page 5 of 12 Central San Recap of 2023 Externship Program Page 5 of 5  Bibiano Victoria, Mechanical Intern  Brian Rivera, Temporary Maintenance Technician / Former Intern  Bennie Huie, Mechanical Intern  Alejandro Lanza, Staff Engineer, Reliability Engineering / Former Intern  Nitin Goel, Operations Optimization Manager  Michael Cunningham, Associate Engineer, Operations Optimization  Khae Bohan, Asset Management Program Administrator  Ian Morales, GIS Analyst  Nate Hodges, Senior Engineer, Special Projects, Capital Projects  Melody LaBella, Resource Recovery Program Manager  Charles Mallory, Information Technology Manager  Matt Hart, System Administrator (now Cybersecurity Analyst)  Dan Frost, Senior Engineer, Planning and Applied Research  Teji O’Malley, Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager  Katie Young, Secretary of the District  Kevin Mizuno, Finance Manager  Warren Gaines, Materials Services Supervisor  Emily Barnett, Communication Services and Government Relations Manager  Craig Mizutani, Senior Engineer, Capital Projects  Cassie Butler, Assistant Engineer, Capital Projects  Rita Cheng, Senior Engineer, Regulatory Compliance  Colleen Henry, Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector  Justine Gleason, Chemist II  Jesse McDermott, Chemist II  Winston Ingram, Senior HHW Technician  Geoff Niswander, Senior HHW Technician  Elizabeth Toups, BAYWORK Manager Thank you also to Joy Smith, Administrative Services Assistant, for supporting the program and to Joseph Zumbo, Digital Media Content Specialist, and Sarah Walker, Communications Intern, for photographing throughout the week. May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 198 of 218 Page 6 of 12 1 Recap of 2023 Externship Program A look back at the first on-site offering of Central San’s Externship Program Christina Gee Management Analyst Central San Academy Program Coordinator May 4, 2023 Externship Program •Developed and launched in 2021 •Held virtually in 2021 and 2022 •67 externs hosted from all over the country and world in 2021 and 2022 •Objectives •Share an insider look at multiple career paths in the water/wastewater industry and local government •Create networking opportunities for the externs and staff •Build awareness for Central San’s environmental messages and existence as an employer of choice •Expand externs’ general knowledge •Give tips on how to get a job at an agency like Central San 2 1 2 ATTACHMENT 2 May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 199 of 218 Page 7 of 12 2 Interest in the Program • 67 who attended the 2021 and 2022 virtual programs • 83 who applied for the 2021 and 2022 sessions • 13 who joined the mailing list between the 2022 session and the announcement of the 2023 session 163 people on the “waiting list” 28 students and recent graduates applied for the 2023 session 6 externs attended 3 Background of Externs 4 What would you like to learn and is there anything you’d like to share? Academic StandingMajorSchoolCity of Residence Plant systems operations. I’m currently trying to get my OIT hours for my grade 1. Graduated more than one year ago Wastewater OperationsCastro Valley Adult School Castro Valley I am most interested in engineering projects and water waste management. I would like to learn more about resource recovery and planning and development and how sanitary districts are operated. SeniorEnvironmental EngineeringUniversity of California, Merced American Canyon JuniorElectrical TechnologyLos MedanosOakley I would like to learn more about architecture and city planning. To be transparent, I would like to be as well rounded as I could, I want to learn everything about everything. JuniorEnvironmental Science System University of California, Merced Merced I'm a 2nd year Chemistry who last summer interned 9 weeks in an inorganic laboratory environment. So, I am very much interested in laboratory and chemistry opportunities. SophomoreChemistryUniversity of California, Merced Antioch As a Bioengineering student, I'm passionate about both engineering and the natural sciences, so I would love to have a role in anything related to engineering or laboratory work. I believe this externship would be a great opportunity to improve my technical and problem- solving skills, and will give me valuable hands-on experience that will contribute to my growth as an engineer. SophomoreBioengineeringUniversity of California, Merced Pleasanton 3 4 May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 200 of 218 Page 8 of 12 3 Curriculum 5 total 5-hour sessions (10 am – 3 pm Monday through Friday) with 1-hour lunch break 5 •About Central San (3/27) •Operations (3/28) •Engineering (3/29) •Administration and Resource Recovery (3/30) •Environmental Protection and Wrap-up (3/31) Most Impactful Activities •Treatment Plant tour •Collection System Operations trucks and tools •Touring the Machine and Mechanical Shops •Visit to Filter Plant and Clearwell Improvements construction site •Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility (HHWCF) presentation and tour •BAYWORK presentation 6 5 6 May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 201 of 218 Page 9 of 12 4 Notes From the Externs 7 Getting to go inside a recycled water tank that was being constructed [was the most memorable moment]. It was surprisingly complex inside. My favorite tour was the engineering tour. I wish we could go to the top of the water tank. Potential Improvements for Next Session •Present virtually with 1-2 days on site •Tailor presentations to the majors in the group •Avoid inclement weather when possible •When in person •More opportunities for learning and engagement and group bonding •More tours and activities 8 7 8 May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 202 of 218 Page 10 of 12 5 Thank You to… •The Board of Directors •Teji O’Malley, Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager •Roger S. Bailey, General Manager •The Executive Team •Joy Smith, Administrative Services Assistant •Joseph Zumbo, Digital Media Content Specialist •Sarah Walker, Communications Intern 9 … and to the Presenters: •Roger S. Bailey, General Manager •Phil Leiber, Director of Finance and Administration •Danea Gemmell, Planning and Development Services Division Manager •Paul Seitz, CSO Division Manager •Alan Weer, Plant Operations Division Manager •Ben Lavender, Community Affairs Representative •Ed Silva, CSO Maintenance Supervisor •Paul Amaral, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member •Kevin Kirby, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member •Loren Reimer, CSO Lead Maintenance Crew Member •Charles Curiel, CSO Maintenance Crew Member II •Andrew Walus, CSO Maintenance Crew Member II •Nate Morales, Senior Engineer, Operations Optimizations (Control Systems) •Ian “Max” Campbell, Plant Operator II •Clint Shima, Senior Engineer, Reliability Engineering •Jon Nicolaus, Superintendent, Operations and Maintenance •Steve Diethelm, Utility Systems Engineer •Zachary Lee, Associate Engineer, Reliability Engineering •Bill Bowers, Maintenance Supervisor, Machine Shop •David Wellner, Maintenance Planner •Bernard Martinez, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop •Shaun Mockel, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop •Kenny Rosenstiel, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop •Trevor Smith, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop •Brian Walters, Lead Maintenance Technician, Machine Shop •Bibiano Victoria, Mechanical Intern •Brian Rivera, Temporary Maintenance Technician / Former Intern •Bennie Huie, Mechanical Intern •Alejandro Lanza, Staff Engineer, Reliability Engineering / Former Intern •Nitin Goel, Operations Optimization Manager •Michael Cunningham, Associate Engineer, Operations Optimization •Khae Bohan, Asset Management Program Administrator •Ian Morales, GIS Analyst •Nate Hodges, Senior Engineer, Special Projects, Capital Projects •Melody LaBella, Resource Recovery Program Manager •Charles Mallory, Information Technology Manager •Matt Hart, System Administrator (now Cybersecurity Analyst) •Dan Frost, Senior Engineer, Planning and Applied Research •Teji O’Malley, Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager •Katie Young, Secretary of the District •Kevin Mizuno, Finance Manager •Warren Gaines, Materials Services Supervisor •Emily Barnett, Communication Services and Government Relations Manager •Craig Mizutani, Senior Engineer, Capital Projects •Cassie Butler, Assistant Engineer, Capital Projects •Rita Cheng, Senior Engineer, Regulatory Compliance •Colleen Henry, Senior Environmental Compliance Inspector •Justine Gleason, Chemist II •Jesse McDermott, Chemist II •Winston Ingram, Senior HHW Technician •Geoff Niswander, Senior HHW Technician •Elizabeth Toups, BAYWORK Manager 10 9 10 May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 203 of 218 Page 11 of 12 6 Questions? 11 11 May 4, 2023 Regular Board Meeting Agenda Packet - Page 204 of 218 Page 12 of 12