Clive City engineer credits cross‑training, certifications and a snowplow rodeo for department’s agility

An engineer at Clive City said the public works department’s small size and cross‑training are central to its effectiveness, allowing staff to rotate through roadway maintenance, sanitary and storm sewer, traffic control and water maintenance. "So, what makes the public works team at Clive special is our ability to work together as a team," the engineer said.

The engineer said the department intentionally exposes employees to multiple functions so they gain certifications and practical experience across disciplines. "There's a wide range of training opportunities. We can gain certifications in water and sewer," the engineer said, adding other safety-focused trainings such as dig‑safety courses.

Staff also participate in a locally run snowplow rodeo, the engineer said, as part of efforts to prepare crews for winter operations. "There's a snowplow rodeo," the engineer said, noting the department is "very, very proactive and believe[s] highly in training."

Describing the engineering position at the city, the speaker said the role is "a multi hat role. Um it involves both planning, design and management of projects." The engineer framed public works work as service to the community: "Public works is a calling. You have to have kind of a sense of duty to a community," they said, adding that much enjoyment in the career "has come with that kind of that higher sense of purpose to serve a community."

The remarks outlined how cross‑training, certifications and a safety focus underpin the department’s ability to maintain infrastructure and respond to community needs.