How do Roads Scholars get their start, and what inspires them to go the extra mile? MnLTAP is pleased to share the journeys of recent graduates. This month, we meet John Maki, water/wastewater system specialist, City of St. Francis. He earned the Leadership, Supervisory, and Operations Management certificate.
How did you get interested in your job?
I became interested in my job through my uncle, a utilities superintendent for a local community.
How does the Roads Scholar certificate help you in your current job & career plans?
My goal is to work my way up to a supervising position. The leadership program is good for anyone planning to pursue a position where they would benefit from leadership skills.
What’s a typical day like?
My typical day varies, as my coworkers and I work a weekly rotation. Each week, we are responsible for the operation of the water treatment facility, the wastewater treatment facility, or the water distribution and sewer collection systems.
What is your favorite accomplishment?
I was the lead on completing our city’s water service line inventory for the Department of Health, and we were one of the first cities in the state to complete the inventory.
What can other people learn from your path?
I would tell people to just get your foot in the door. Get started at a city, even if it isn’t exactly the position you want. Then set your goal to move up or get experience for when another opening becomes available.
What makes you feel proud at the end of the day?
When I know that I have positively influenced a citizen of our community, whether that is helping them diagnose why their water bill is high, answering a question related to the city services, or just getting the streets plowed after a snowstorm.