Opportunities in APWA

“What’s in it for me?”

2014 APWA Fall Conference

Ames, IA September 2014

Introductions

Opportunities for the next generation of Public Works Professionals

A year long leadership program geared towards

professionals that are new to the public works field

Worked in the Public Works Field for 7 years or less

Available to make all conference calls and the Kansas City

Leadership Retreat

Able to attend the following year’s APWA Congress with

financial support from your employer

Two day leadership workshop hosted in Kansas City

(November)

Monthly conference calls to discuss particular leadership

issues

Year long class project

Presentation of class project at APWA’s Congress (August)

Top notch mentors

Assess to networking events with APWA Leaders

Monthly case studies to discuss leadership, ethics and

management topics

Opportunities to discuss leadership with senor staff in your

organization

Experience working in a large group setting with lots of

diversity, (public employees, private employees, streets

department, City Administration)

Leaning about individual strengths and how to harness your

strength and the strengths people around you ( how to build

an effective team)

There are strategies to this leadership thing…Life gets

easier if you know what these strategies are

Don’t be afraid of your strengths

Be aware of other people strength (sensitivities)

Understand generational differences, this will improve

communication and your relationships

There is no weakness in caring about what you do. You

don’t have lose that over the years

Find positive people, that still love their job and make them

your mentors

Amy Foster

afoster@ci.coralville.ia.us

563-320-1742

Young Professionals

Jeremy

APWA and My Career

Al

So - Why are you here?

• Boss told you to be!

• Better than a day at the office!

• You heard Terry Cox was buying

all the drinks!

• You were hoping Ames opened

up a Rube’s Steakhouse

Really – Why are you

here?

• To gain knowledge

• Network

• Listen to what others are facing

• Explore opportunities

Our Chapter

• Professional

• Educational

• Inclusive

• Positive

• FUN

http://iowa.apwa.net/menuhomepage/623/other

National PW Week

APWA

• Networking

• Sharing Solutions/Challenges

• 28,500 + members

The APWA Donald C. Stone Center for Leadership

Excellence in Public Works

What Is the DCS Center?

The APWA DCS Center – A professional development program that offers instruction through a combination of: ◦ online experiences

◦ personal assessment exercises

◦ interaction with mentors

◦ issue-based special projects

◦ Public Works Institutes for Levels 1 and 2

No matter your level of formal education or past work experience, the DCS Center offers “something for everyone” in public works.

Career Paths

3 Main DCS Career Paths

◦ Leadership and Management (available now)

Level 1: Public Works Supervisor

Level 2: Public Works Manager

Level 3: Public Works Executive

Level 4: Public Works Leadership Fellow

◦ Operators and Technical Specialists (future release)

◦ Public Works Professionals (future release)

Public Works Institutes (PWI)

– Supervisory and Management Content

– Targets Current First-line Supervisors and Up

– 11 Core Units

– 18 Nationally-approved Institutes

Iowa Public Employees Leadership Institute

• Graduating from a Nationally-approved PW Institute fulfills the education requirement for the PWS and PWM levels of the DCS Leadership & Management Path.

Agency Accreditation – 89 Accredited Agencies

• Bettendorf, IA

• Davenport, IA

– 20 Agencies Under Contract

– A growing program

– New edition of Management Practices Manual by August 2014

Getting More Involved!

Volunteer opportunities through APWA are a great way to be involved, network, and give back to your profession.

– Technical Committees

– Standing Program Committees and Councils

– Task Forces and External Representation

– Knowledge Team

Certification

Certified Public Fleet Professional (CPFP) - 102

Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII) - 246

Certified Stormwater Manager (CSM) - 90

– Eligibility Application

– 150 Multiple-Choice Computer-based Exam

– Recertification Process

Graduate Studies

• Norwich University

• University of Nebraska/Omaha

• On-line programs

• Emphasis on Public Works

APWA Inspired Ideas

THANKS!

Amy, Jeremy, Al and Bret