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 Davion Conover, equipment specialist, City of Hopkins. He earned the Leadership, Supervisory, and Operations Management certificate.
How did you get interested in public works?
I grew up in Hopkins, and I always saw fire trucks, squad cars, and plow trucks taking care of our citizens, streets, and emergencies daily. I found myself wondering who repaired our city's vehicles and knew that one day I would want to take part in that.
How does the Roads Scholar certificate help you in your current job & career plans?
It helped me prepare for a future career transition into a management role by providing me with useful skills, knowledge, and experiences within the public sector.
What’s a typical day like?
On any given day or week, I manage, maintain, and repair a fleet of more than 200 vehicles and equipment for public works, police, and fire and make decisions on which are fit for service. I triage workload according to departmental needs and also coordinate warranty claims, recalls, outside service, and auction sales. I’ll act as service manager, parts manager, technician, and coordinator; maintain underground fuel storage tank records; complete continuing education and certifications; plan and budget equipment replacement; purchase and monitor fuel and fueling systems; file monthly fuel reports and tax returns; assist in seasonal employee and intern training; and act as maintenance support staff for other departments.
What is your favorite accomplishment?
Completing my Roads Scholar certificate. I proved to myself that despite being out of the education realm for years, I could get back in and further myself.
What can other people learn from your path?
You’re never too old or too young to pursue your dreams, return to school, or gain useful knowledge in a new area of expertise.
What makes you feel proud at the end of the day?
I feel proud every day knowing that I make a difference using my continually developed skillset.
How has your job changed over the years?
I’m spending more time on administrative-level duties rather than on the shop floor as a technician. This has allowed me to gain a different perspective and understanding of different roles within the shop and how they all help each other.
Any funny or surprising incidents while working at a site/on the road/talking to citizens?
Having random citizens pull up to our garage for a quick oil change or air in a tire because they think we are an “open to the public” repair facility. It is a lot more common than you would think!
Who are/were some influential people in your career path? People you admire?
There is one that stands out—Dustin Pavek. Dustin is my current supervisor and also the current fleet supervisor. He was a mechanic for over 20 years and I took over in the shop for him as he transitioned into leadership. Dustin and I connect well because we were both mechanics at one point or another in our career and we understand what it takes to take care of a growing fleet. Dustin has continually shown me what an ideal leader is within the workplace. I've never told Dustin this, but I see him as a mentor in my career path as he continues to set good examples, support me in my education, and critique things that I do to make me a better future leader. I have watched Dustin work hard in and out of the workplace, continue his education, and set himself apart by making himself as prepared as possible for his next career transition. There will never be a difficult choice on choosing between Dustin and the person next to him for a position because he will be proactively prepared to take his next step. Dustin and I are very similar in the sense that we want to better ourselves through continuing education, set good examples, and act as good stewards in our positions at public works.
What do you do for hobbies/fun?
Building, fabricating, and tuning custom hot rod projects. I have a C5 Corvette and C7 Corvette that I am always working on, upgrading, and learning. My wife and I also like trying new restaurants and food trucks.