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 Jacob Remington, a streets maintenance worker with the City of Hopkins and a 2023 Roads Scholar who completed both the Maintenance and Leadership certificates.
How did you get interested in your field?
After talking to my superintendent and considering what would fit best, I decided to enroll in the Roads Scholar Program. I liked the online options and the schedule flexibility.
Before working for the city, I managed a hardware store and did side work as a handyman. I grew up in Hopkins and knew a lot of people from the city’s public works department, who came into the store a lot. Once I got the job, I started seeing what it was all about. I had once considered becoming an engineer, and this allowed me to revisit that.
My first experience with local government was when I worked at the hardware store. I started a business there, a lean-to on the side of the building, and turned it into a garden center. We commissioned a mural on the side—and the store won Hopkins’ 2018 Community Image Award. To me, it was huge.
How does the Roads Scholar certificate help you in your current job and career plans?
Roads Scholar training explained a lot if things I see on a day-to-day basis and gave context to my job. Now when I see a pothole or culvert, I have a better understanding of what I’m looking at. It helped me be a better all-around employee—having knowledge made me more efficient and well-rounded.
What can people learn from your path?
Career-wise, if you keep an open mind and follow your curiosity, it will open doors for you. For me personally, as Toucan Sam would say, ‘Follow your nose’—find something interesting and go for it!
What makes you feel proud at the end of the day?
Working for the public, especially my hometown. I’ve been here the entirety of my life. It’s been really interesting to work here and be able to give back in my own way.
How has your job changed over the years?
I’ve worked in different departments: traffic, streets, parks, engineering studies, light replacement. I’ve had a pretty eclectic work life.
Any funny or surprising incidents while on the job?
Many things, good and bad. A good one was when we got a call—the cliché to rescue a cat from a tree—and we did it! But we also witness fender benders and we’re often the first people at crash scenes. We are out and about, more than other departments, and are the eyes and ears of the town, at all hours.
How do you keep a work/life balance? What do you do for hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and son. And I like playing guitar, and fixing things—I’m constantly doing something.