The document summarizes Richard P. Merson's presentation at the 11th Massachusetts Green Careers Conference on public works green career opportunities. The presentation discusses what public works is and how it affects daily life, the types of professionals that work in public works like engineers and technicians, how public works relates to sustainability and green careers through balancing environmental and economic needs, and resources for finding green jobs in public works fields like the American Public Works Association.

1. 11th Massachusetts Green Careers Conference
September 20, 2019
MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Westborough, MA

2. Public Works Green Career Opportunities
Richard P. Merson, PWLF
Director of Public Works
Needham, Massachusetts
New England Chapter
American Public Works Association
Past President - 2015

3. What is Public Works?
How does Public Works affect you on a daily basis?
Who are Public Works professionals?
How does Public Works relate to green careers?
Where do I find green careers in Public Works?

4. What is Public Works?

5.
How does Public Works
affect you on a daily basis?

6. Upon Waking
Water Supply, Wastewater Services,
Morning Meal
Work/School/At Home
Streets, Sidewalks, Traffic Signals,
Street Lighting

7. Recreation/Leisure
Trails, Parks, Playgrounds, Athletic Facilities
Waste Management
Recycling, Reuse, Composting, Disposal

8. Weather – Rainfall
Stormwater, Snow, Ice
Climate Extremes
Blizzards, Wind Storms, Hurricanes, Tornado

9. Who are Public Works professionals?

10. Engineers
Project Design & Construction, Programs
Public Administration
Budgets, Personnel Management,
Public Relations

11. Technicians
Water & Wastewater Treatment & Supply,
Traffic Systems
Equipment Operation/Fleet Maintenance
Dump Trucks, Excavators, Tree Trucks

12. Craft Workers
Skilled Labor

13. How does Public Works relate to green careers?

14. Sustainability
In the broadest sense means delivering our
services in a manner that ensures an
appropriate balance between the environment,
the community and an ability to pay.

15. 3-P’s – People, Planet, Profit
or
3-E’s – Equity, Environment, Economy

16. Principles of Sustainability
based on the elements of the
Triple Bottom Line
People, Planet, Prosperity

17. How do I find out more about Sustainability and Public Works?
American Public Works Association (APWA)
>30,000 Members in US & Canada
New England Chapter APWA
>1,000 members (5 States)

18. Center for Sustainability/C4S
• Vision The APWA C4S empowers APWA and its members to create
thriving and healthy communities for all, now and into the future.
• Mission The APWA C4S delivers resources, education, advocacy, and
member engagement for public works professionals to implement
environmentally, economically and socially responsible projects and
services.

19. Where do I find green careers in Public Works?
•APWA – IN THE WORKS - Weekly Newsletter
• Washington Report
• Education & Credentialing
• Professional Development
• APWA Certification
• Work Zone – Job Posting
• http://www.apwa.net
•New England Chapter APWA
• http://newengland.apwa.net

20. Other Related Sources
•American Waterworks Association/AWWA
•New England Waterworks Association/NEWWA
•Water Environment Federation/WEF
•New England Water Environment Association/NEWEA

21. On Behalf of the New England Chapter APWA
Public Works Awareness Committee
Thank you
Richard P. Merson, PWLF
500 Dedham Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
rmerson@needhamma.gov