The City of Eugene is celebrating National Public Works Week, which runs from May 18 to 24, as a moment to appreciate the invaluable contributions of its public works professionals. These individuals are dedicated to maintaining and improving the infrastructure and services vital to the city's operations, making Eugene a premier place to live.
During this commemorative week, there is a particular focus on showcasing several Eugene employees and their distinct roles within the public realm. Among them is Jessica, a Laboratory Specialist for the City of Eugene with an impressive 14 years of experience, six months of which include serving as an interim QA/QC Coordinator. In a recent interview, she told the City of Eugene, "My favorite aspect about my current role is that no two days look the same and the people I work with are amazing." Her impactful work ensures compliance with regulations, protecting public health and the environment. Jessica's eclectic career trajectory started with varied aspirations, ranging from medicine to forensics. However, she found her calling in water and wastewater analysis after taking a career break to raise her children.
Danielle, a two-year Climate Policy Analyst, shared her commitment to shaping policies and projects that mitigate emissions and help the community adapt to climate change. Danielle says, "It’s especially rewarding to see forward-thinking solutions taking shape—like a facility that turns sewage into biogas, a new Class A recycled water plant, and efforts to transition public fleets to clean or all-electric vehicles." Her career blossomed from a drive to contribute to community health and environmental sustainability. The City of Eugene acknowledged her storytelling ability and dedication to making technical strides that are both impactful and equitable for all community members.
Four and a half years into her tenure as a Civil Engineer, Jennah expressed enjoyment in developing large-scale infrastructure from concept to construction and the thoughtful allocation of public funds. Mila, a Developed Parks/Park Maintenance Worker since 2023, takes pride in ensuring public spaces remain clean and accessible, highlighting the volunteer opportunities available for community engagement in park maintenance.
