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 Jason Ewell, utility maintenance superintendent at the City of Golden Valley. Ewell earned the Leadership, Supervisory, and Operations Management Certificate in February.
How did you get interested in public works?
I started as a seasonal [employee] for Edina, and then Fridley, while attending college. During that time, I realized I enjoyed doing a job that was different every day and allowed me to work in a variety of environments.
How does the Roads Scholar certificate help you in your current job and career plans?
As a superintendent, the Leadership, Supervisory, and Operations Management Certificate has helped me learn different ways to approach situations and improve how I interact with both the public and coworkers.
What’s a typical day like?
Every day feels different. Some days are spent planning projects, attending meetings, and responding to resident concerns, while other days are spent at dig sites and checking in with the crew on their work.
How has your job changed over the years?
Since I started in public works, there have been many improvements in how we track and maintain our assets. I’ve seen the transition from hand-drawn tie sheets to GPS points for locating and documenting infrastructure.
What is your favorite accomplishment?
At a previous position, I led a project to replace our underground storage tanks and overhaul our fleet management software. Both were new experiences for me, and I learned a lot throughout the process.
What can other people learn from your path?
If you’re willing to learn from others and ask questions, there are many opportunities to grow. Most veterans in the field are happy to share what they know if you’re willing to put in the effort.
What makes you feel proud at the end of the day?
I’m proud that our work keeps communities running and safe.
What do you do for hobbies/fun?
In my free time, I enjoy umpiring and playing softball, as well as spending time with my wife and kids.
What's a funny or surprising incident that has happened while working at a site?
One of the funniest things happened during a project where we were installing a pipe under a trail to convey stormwater. The pipe ran under a fence, and one of the crew members was trying to place rock around the pipe beneath the fence. The whole area was muddy, and his foot suddenly sank into the mud. He had to spend a few minutes using the fence to pull himself back out.