Department Of Transportation & Public Works Announces Strategic Initiative On Workforce Planning, Disaster Preparedness

From the Sonoma County Government:

December 19, 2019

Department Of Transportation & Public Works Announces Strategic Initiative On Workforce Planning, Disaster Preparedness

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The County of Sonoma Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) recently launched the new Community Roadside Clean Up Program, a volunteer-based pilot project to remove roadside litter, protect wildlife and the environment, and raise awareness for all residents and visitors of our shared communities.

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Santa Rosa, CA – December 18, 2019 – The County of Sonoma Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) today announced a strategic partnership with the California Conservation Corps, a department of the California Natural Resources Agency, to provide internships to local youth ages 18-25 for experience working on environmental projects and disaster preparedness efforts. The new partnership is an extension of TPW’s successful pilot program in Summer 2019 with Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps, The Center for Social and Environmental Stewardship, and Social Advocates for Youth, to provide support for enhanced vegetation removal and drainage improvements following the 2017 Sonoma Complex wildfires and 2019 Russian River flood disaster.

“As stewards of the County’s investment in infrastructure, we’re constantly seeking ways to improve our effectiveness through public-private collaboration and community engagement,” Sonoma County District 1 Supervisor, Susan Gorin, said. “This partnership provides three solutions – civil service career opportunities for our young people, a potential workforce pipeline for the departments, and critical additional support in safeguarding our roadways.”“This is an example of local government working alongside the community to find creative and sustainable ways to get things done,” Director of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, Johannes J. Hoevertsz, said.

“Some interns have prior experience but it’s not required and we encourage all interested young people to come learn new skills, make a difference for their community, and potentially secure permanent employment.”The new strategic partnership is arranged through the County of Sonoma Department of Human Services, which is under contract with Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB). Participants are trained and certified in traffic control and job site safety, as well as vegetation removal and road maintenance protocols. County Road Maintenance staff are assigned as mentors to help train the interns with oversight from crew leaders to ensure that safety and learning objectives are met. Interns can expect to learn valuable skills that eventually may assist them in seeking full-time employment.For more information regarding TPW’s new workforce initiative or other community partnerships, or for general information about the Department of Transportation and Public Works, please visit sonomacounty.ca.gov/TPW, email TPW@Sonoma-County.org, or contact (707) 565-2231.

This press release was produced by the Sonoma County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.