How do Roads Scholars get their start, and what inspires them to go the extra mile? MnLTAP is pleased to share the journeys of our recent graduates. In this issue we hear from Tanner McClain, the Assistant Highway Maintenance Supervisor with Jackson County. He completed a Leadership certificate this spring.
How did you get interested in your field?
My interest didn’t start until after I had already started working in public works. When I first started my job, it was just that—a job. After working at it for a couple years, I soon realized how much I enjoyed the variety of work that came with it. One day I may have been patching asphalt, the next day repairing drain tile, and the next day repairing cabins on the county campground. From there my interest kept growing and I wanted to learn more about all the tasks at hand.
How does the Roads Scholar certificate help in your current job?
LTAP’s Road Scholar Program has assisted me along in my career by not only providing both in person and online classes, which cover various topics related to public works, it also has provided me a chance to meet people from different entities to discuss the problems they are seeing on their roads and the different ways they have found to correct the problems. It can be difficult to change the way you do something simply because “That’s the way it has always been done”—until you hear another way of doing it from someone else. Through LTAP’s Road Scholar Program, I have been provided the opportunities to hear new ideas on how to maintain roadways.
How has your job changed over the years?
My job has changed quite a bit since I first started working for the highway department. This summer I will have been employed with the highway department for 12 years. I began my career as just another new guy on the crew with little experience. After four years I applied for and got the Crew Chief position and took on more responsibility, as well as some light supervisory duties while out on the road. Then, four years after that I applied for and got the Assistant Highway Maintenance Supervisor position.
What can other people learn from your path?
One thing is to take advantage of learning opportunities such as LTAP classes and seminars, as well as any other learning opportunities that are available. When the possibility for advancement in your career is available, you will be that much more ready to take it.
Any funny or surprising incidents?
One surprising incident stands out. We were going to make repairs on a concrete culvert that had blockage in it. Before the repairs started, I looked into the culvert to see how far in we had to dig to make the repair and I could see something that looked like a trash bag blowing in the culvert. I stood up and went to the truck to get a flashlight so I could see into the culvert. As soon as I walked away from the end of the culvert, two skunks came running out of it. Luckily no trouble came of it, but from then on if I’m going to look in a culvert for anything, I bring a flashlight right away.
What do you do for hobbies/fun?
I enjoy hunting and fishing—especially duck hunting and ice-fishing. I also like to ride ATV in the Black Hills (even though I only get to do it once, maybe twice a year), and I enjoy doing home improvement projects.