Season 3, Episode 2 - How Safety, Training, and Community Engagement Drive Excellence

How Safety, Training, and Community Engagement Drive Excellence

 

In this episode of "Beyond the Dais," host Scott Anderson sits down with Sean Markley, a dedicated training program coordinator with El Paso County’s public works department. Sean's story and professional insights paint a vivid picture of commitment, growth, and community engagement within El Paso County, Colorado. This blog post delves deeper into the topics discussed, shedding light on the vital but often overlooked work of the public works department. 

From Retail Management to Public Works: Sean Markley’s journey to becoming a training program coordinator is as unique as it is inspiring. Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, where he worked as a manager at Lowe’s, Sean moved to Colorado and began his career with El Paso County as a seasonal worker. His initial role involved working on the asphalt crew, doing everything from crack sealing roads to snow removal. His tenacity and hard work soon got him noticed, leading to a full-time position where he obtained his Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Now, as a training program coordinator, he’s passionate about safety, ongoing training, and giving back to the community. 

The Role and Importance of Ongoing Training: One of the main takeaways from this interview is the emphasis on ongoing training within the public works department. Sean explains that safety is the top priority, "We want our employees going home the same way they showed up." Every new employee undergoes rigorous training that extends beyond their initial onboarding. This continuous training ensures that the department operates safely and efficiently. 

Sean’s role involves conducting bi-weekly onboarding sessions, which include mandatory flagger certification, county tours, and equipment training. This isn't just about meeting regulations; it's about ensuring that the employees are competent and confident in their roles. As Sean describes, the county tour alone covers over 300 miles, offering new hires a comprehensive understanding of the county's geographical and operational scope. 

Comprehensive Equipment Training: Sean’s responsibilities also include tracking the training hours for each piece of equipment. Employees need a specific number of documented hours before they can test for competency on any machinery. This meticulous tracking system ensures both safety and proficiency. Sean’s recent certification as a CDL tester exemplifies his commitment. “It was probably one of the hardest classes I’ve ever taken, which it should be. I’m giving somebody a driver’s license,” he tells Scott. The ability to test employees internally offers both a significant cost saving and a tailored learning environment, improving the overall effectiveness of the training programs. 

Community Engagement and Youth Outreach: Public works’ involvement in the community is far-reaching. Sean highlights initiatives aimed at high school and middle school students, stressing that options beyond college and military service can lead to fulfilling careers. Through internship programs that allow high school students to work part-time while completing their education, the department is nurturing future talent. “We have an intern program now where you can get hired here at 16 years old. You're setting yourself up for success,” notes Sean. 

Such programs not only equip students with career readiness skills but also offer them a potential pathway into full-time employment, as evidenced by several interns transitioning into permanent roles. 

Snow Days and Public Transparency: Every year, the public works department hosts "Snow Days," an event designed to showcase their snow removal processes. Media engagement in these events is crucial. It provides transparency and reassures the public that measures are in place to ensure road safety during winter storms. “It helps because it's going to keep everybody safe out there,” says Sean. This proactive approach builds trust and keeps the community informed about the significant effort that goes into maintaining safe roads during inclement weather. 

Final Thoughts: Safety and Community First: Towards the end of the conversation, Scott and Sean touch on the importance of public cooperation, especially around work zones and during snowstorms. Sean’s plea to the community is simple but heartfelt: slow down and give workers space. “We all have families at home, and I know people are in a hurry, but if you could just take that time and slow down a little bit when you’re going through our work zones, it would be greatly appreciated,” he stresses. 

Sean Markley offers an insightful look into the daily operations, challenges, and triumphs of El Paso County’s public works department. It underscores how ongoing training, safety protocols, and community involvement are essential in creating a safer, more connected community. 

For more stories like Sean’s and to get a closer look at other vital community services, be sure to tune into the "Beyond the Dais" podcast on Podbean or your preferred podcast platform.