May 23, 2019 8:39 AM
by Delana Gbenekama
In recognition of National Public Works Week, we are featuring 11 standout public works employees you should know! These employees are also being honored this week as Public Work's Employees of the Year.
Kate Schlesinger, Airport
| What does your job entail? |
| I’m responsible for overseeing the budget process for the Airport Fund, as well as all purchasing functions for Airport operations. Additionally I contribute to staff reports and projects as they are needed to support staff. |
| What do you like most about your job (favorite thing to work on)? |
| We have a small wonderful team out here at the Airport. We work together to get things done well. |
| What does Public Works mean to you? |
| Service to the public, the City and my fellow employees. |
| How long have you been a Public Works employee? |
| Almost 7 years! |
| What do you wish people knew about your job? |
| How fun it is to see the people, young and old, come to watch the planes take off and land. So many smiles. |
| Anything else you’d like to add? |
| Come visit! |
Gavin Andrus, Public Landscape
| What does your job entail? |
| As an equipment operator II, I am tasked with grooming and sanitizing the sand, removing debris, reshaping areas of the beach affected by weather and other human conditions, post storm clean ups, trash removal, sweeping of the bike path. All of these tasks are completed with equipment such as John Deere tractors, 4x4 trash truck, Tennent sweeper, 6x6 dump truck and well as 92 series Cat front end loader. |
| What do you like most about your job (favorite thing to work on)? |
| My favorite part of my job is to make the Santa Monica State beach beautiful for all residents and visitors alike. |
| What does Public Works mean to you? |
| Public Works represents a department tasked with servicing multiple divisions addressing a wide variety of maintenance and repairs throughout the city. |
| How long have you been a Public Works employee? |
| I’ve been a Public Works employee for over 10 years. |
| What do you wish people knew about your job? |
| I would like people to know that the job of a beach maintenance worker is a very intricate and detail oriented job. It involves dedication and a commitment to work in a constantly changing environment. It is very challenging at times however very rewarding to see the transformation after the beach has gone through a heavy impact period with the public. |
| Anything else you’d like to add? |
| I love working with co-workers and for the beautiful City of Santa Monica. I had no idea what I was getting into when I took this job with the city and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions that I have ever made. |
Authored By
Delana Gbenekama
Equity and Communications Program Manager