Schroeder, Anna

Anna serves as an Engineering Supervisor at South Platte Renew in Englewood, CO, where she oversees various captial improvement projects and process optimization process. Her role encompasses developing and managing the Pilot and Research Center at SPR and spearheading innovative wastewater treatment projects that focus on waste reduction, energy and chemical savings, and sustainability improvements. With a diverse educational background, including a Master's in Civil Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and dual Bachelor's degrees in Geology and Physical Geography from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Anna has dedicated her career to advancing sustainable and efficient water renewal management practices.

Titles from this speaker

Description: Purpose Driven Work: Utilizing the motivation behind the new workforce to build a...

Purpose Driven Work: Utilizing the motivation behind the new workforce to build a successful internship program

Abstract

The intern program at South Platte Renew was formalized in 2019 to highlight the work of professional engineers in the water/wastewater field. Over the last four years, the program has evolved into a comprehensive experience for junior to senior level university and college engineering students to showcase the diverse engineering and problem-solving opportunities available within a professional setting. Experiences range from construction inspection, design and planning, budgeting, technical and process optimization, lab work, and piloting treatment technologies. In providing several resources and contacts, students can explore different facets of the wastewater field and experience the unique offerings from a public entity. Along with classic engineering technical skills, interns are shown the political drivers and challenges that must be considered when working as a government agency. Students are also given the opportunity to grow their professional networks, complete vital trainings, and build resumes with applicable experience. The main goal of the SPR Intern Program is to engage young engineers in the diverse work of wastewater in hopes to inspire them to join the workforce in the public sector. This presentation highlights the efforts and methods by SPR to build and maintain an intern program and how others can benefit from a university-to-organization pipeline. The framework and planning documents can be customized for the 3-month internship based on the organization's needs and focuses for that year.

This paper was presented at the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference, February 13-16, 2024.

SpeakerWilliss Kohr, Zeena

Presentation time

13:30:00

15:00:00

Session time

13:30:00

15:00:00

SessionWorkforce Development: A Focus on Operators

Session number05

Session locationOregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon

TopicWorkforce Development / Succession Planning / Knowledge Management

Author(s)

Williss Kohr, Zeena

Author(s)Z. Williss Kohr1, A. Schroeder1

Author affiliation(s)South Platte Renew 1; South Platte Renew 1;

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date Feb 2024

DOI10.2175/193864718825159242

Volume / Issue

Content sourceUtility Management Conference

Word count17

Utilizing the Motivation Behind the New Workforce to Build a Successful Internship Program through Purpose Driven Work

Abstract

Over the past five years, the demand for engineers has surged across public and private sectors. Yet, recent graduates and early-career engineers often favor private roles, overlooking the contributions of public sector engineering. In response, the South Platte Renew (SPR) Engineering Division initiated an intern program to bridge this gap and highlight the rewards of public sector work. The SPR Engineering Intern Program aims to broaden budding engineers' horizons, providing hands-on experience in real-world problems within the public sector. The program emphasizes the Owner's viewpoint, addressing fiscal responsibility, direct impacts on waterways, political drivers, and purpose-driven leadership. Crafted over three to four months, the internship allows students to explore operations, facility maintenance, construction inspection, project management, and the multifaceted nature of engineering roles. The methodology involves insights from former interns, workshops aligning needs, and strategic scheduling connected to SPR's Vision, Mission, and Values. The internship includes technical projects, communication-focused activities, and emphasizes professionalism. Feedback sessions and dialogues with recent graduates contribute to continuous improvement, ensuring the program meets interns' expectations. To boost interns' profiles, the program includes resume-building opportunities. This not only enhances immediate job prospects but empowers interns to navigate future careers successfully. Training sessions cover treatment, communications, safety, and construction practices, aligning with SPR's specific needs. The program's success is evident in tangible job placements within the water renewal sector, addressing the need for new talent as professionals retire. The growth in interns and partnerships with universities signify the program's positive reputation. The internship's strategic alignment with SPR's mission ensures lasting contributions. Interns engage in tasks beyond the internship, such as asset management data analysis, construction inspection, and sustainability analyses, aligning with SPR's long-term goals. In the broader context, the SPR Engineering Division's internship program serves as a model for integrating academia and industry, addressing the growing demand for engineering talent in the public sector. The program's evolution reflects adaptability, ensuring continuous improvement in shaping the next generation of engineers. Looking ahead, the SPR team aims to refine and expand the internship program. By fostering partnerships, enhancing the curriculum, and incorporating feedback, SPR aims to sustain the positive impact of its internship initiative. The program not only contributes to individual engineers' growth but plays a pivotal role in advancing SPR's mission and vision. The SPR Engineering Intern Program serves as a beacon for integrating academia and industry, a catalyst for developing future engineers, and a testament to the enduring value of public sector contributions in engineering.

The South Platte Renew intern program highlights the work of professional engineers in the public wastewater field. The program evolved into a comprehensive experience for students, showcasing the different facets of engineering in the wastewater field, and the unique offerings as a public entity. Interns are shown the political drivers and government challenges; emphasizing the direct impact to the local community with the goal to inspire young engineers to enter the public sector.

SpeakerSchroeder, Anna

Presentation time

09:00:00

09:30:00

Session time

08:30:00

10:00:00

SessionBuilding the Workforce of Tomorrow

Session number513

Session locationRoom 238

TopicBusiness Organization and Technology Transformation, Intermediate Level, Utility Management and Leadership, Workforce Issues

Author(s)