Committee News
Tim Plath, PE
Chair, APWA Operations and Maintenance Subcommittee
The APWA Operations and Maintenance Subcommittee (OMSC) is dedicated to developing training resources and workforce development strategies for frontline operations and maintenance employees—the backbone of public works. These professionals keep communities running safely and efficiently, from street maintenance and snow removal to water, wastewater, and facilities operations. The OMSC’s mission is to ensure that a skilled and qualified workforce is available to fill these critical roles, supporting agencies in recruiting, training, and retaining top talent to meet the evolving demands of modern infrastructure systems.
Over the past year, the OMSC has made considerable progress in identifying, evaluating, and promoting training resources tailored to frontline employees. The subcommittee created a comprehensive spreadsheet of national and state-specific training options to help agencies access high-quality and affordable programs. Strategic partnerships have been strengthened with key organizations, including the National Local Technical Assistance Program Association (NLTAPA), Vista Training, Inc., and BuildWitt. The OMSC continues to collaborate with BuildWitt to enhance APWA members’ experience with its training platform, aligning BuildWitt’s practical, field-focused materials with APWA’s workforce development goals. More information on these resources can be found on the OMSC resource page.
To further advance its mission, the OMSC convened a Work Group to identify essential technical skills and training gaps across the operations and maintenance profession. In collaboration with APWA’s Technical Committees, the group is developing a foundational training framework to guide agencies in strengthening their teams.
Most recently, the OMSC hosted its first Happy Hour Jam at PWX 2025 in Chicago—an engaging event that brought together operations and maintenance professionals to exchange ideas and insights. If you are interested in supporting the work of the OMSC, please consider joining the OMSC Knowledge Team by emailing OMSC@apwa.org.
New Resources
What’s in a Right-of-Way?
This infographic offers a visual introduction to the ROW and the various elements it encompasses, highlighting the systems that make up and move through this critical public space. The infographic is accompanied by overviews of key areas of ROW management, along with links to educational resources and further information on each topic.
In the Driver’s Seat with Dan Schacher
As the Northern Region Maintenance and Operations Manager for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Dan Schacher brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. What you can expect to learn about:
- Transitioning from Peer to Leadership: Learn how to establish professional boundaries in a supervisory role.
- Upholding Transparency: Gain insight into maintaining integrity and honesty in a high-visibility environment.
PWX 2025 Keynote: People, Purpose, Presence
Dr. Berry’s keynote emphasizes that people are the foundation of public service. She shares how the role of operations and maintenance workers directly impact lives, contributing to safer, more resilient communities.
Workforce Development Resources
Employee Recruitment and Retention
Tools to Enhance The Employee Experience
Trending Resources
Construction Inspection Manual
PW Math 101: Calculating Concrete and Asphalt
Sanitary Sewer Collection System and Maintenance Toolbox
Street Sweeping Basics Toolbox
Certification
Put yourself on the path to completing the Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector (CPII) certification program in 2026!
Becoming CPII certified allows you to demonstrate your expertise and proficiency in the inspection of public infrastructure (e.g., roadways, highways, utilities, bridges, dams) and facilities (e.g., pump stations, treatment plants, water storage facilities) and other types of construction work and materials. Over 432 individuals have achieved the CPII certification through APWA, and the numbers keep going up.
If you’re considering joining this recognized group of experts, read Joseph Jakubik’s article, “How attaining the Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector helps a public works inspector do his job.” According to Jakubik, “the CPII exam is well worth the effort to obtain. It is a respected certification in the public sector and a sought-after certification in the private sector.”