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Laura, Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District: Advize Career Interview
A varied career path led to a fulfilling role as Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District.
Early experiences in retail and political campaigning fueled a master's in public policy, ultimately leading to a dynamic position managing public outreach, policy, and now HR. The daily work is anything but monotonous, demanding flexibility and prioritization skills, along with strong communication and empathy.
The most rewarding aspects are the constant learning, diverse challenges (from large-scale events to navigating FEMA bureaucracy), and the critical, often-overlooked role in public health and environmental protection.
While governmental processes may be slower than expected, the smaller district allows for significant contributions and impactful career growth, with opportunities for entry-level positions in various departments.
The interviewee's journey emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's strengths to find a fulfilling career.
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Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Traits
Laura Romano
Communications and Human Resources Manager
Goleta Sanitary District
University of CA, Santa Cruz, Prefer not to say!
Calif. Lutheran Masters in Public Policy & Administration
History, Art History
Government
Communication and Marketing
Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District
Laura's career path was "kind of varied," starting with retail jobs that, while providing "extra cash," didn't align with their aspirations; a pivotal shift came after working in nonprofit retail and joining a political campaign, leading to a master's in public policy and ultimately, a position at the Goleta Sanitary District, a "wastewater collection, treatment and resource recovery special district."
Main Responsibilities of a Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District
Laura's career at Goleta Sanitary District evolved from a "jack of all trades" management analyst role to Communications and HR Manager, encompassing public outreach initiatives like managing the district's website and a large-scale plant tour event for "a thousand, 1100 people," alongside policy review, memo drafting, and legislative monitoring; the HR responsibilities are a recent addition, with onboarding and related tasks gradually increasing.
A Day In The Life Of A Communications And Human Resources Manager At Goleta Sanitary District
Laura's role as Communications and HR Manager at Goleta Sanitary District offers no "same old, same old," with each day bringing a varied workload of projects, from developing job descriptions to managing board requirements, as demonstrated by the unexpected tasks added yesterday. The constant change and variety are, in fact, sources of satisfaction for the professional.
Most Important Skills for a Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District
Laura, a Communications and Human Resources Manager, emphasizes the critical need for flexibility and prioritization skills in her role, stating that "so many different tasks can land...on my desk at any one time". Beyond technical skills, Laura highlights the often-overlooked importance of "soft skills," such as communication, empathy, and understanding how people work best, which were key to their expanded role encompassing human resources.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Communications And Human Resources Manager At Goleta Sanitary District
Laura's favorite aspect of her role as Communications and Human Resources Manager is the "variety," allowing her to tackle diverse challenges, such as navigating "the bureaucracy of FEMA" after a storm disaster. This constant learning and engagement prevent boredom and provide rewarding professional development.
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District
Laura's biggest challenge as Communications and Human Resources Manager is prioritizing competing demands, describing it as juggling "three or four things that may seem like they're the most important". This is further complicated by simultaneously learning new HR skills and effectively communicating these changes to staff, requiring a strong reliance on "soft skills and empathy".
Favorite Parts of Working in the Sanitation Industry as a Communications and Human Resources Manager
Laura's favorite aspect of the wastewater treatment industry is its crucial, yet often overlooked, role in protecting public health and the environment; the work is "recession proof," offers excellent compensation and benefits, and provides the intrinsic satisfaction of knowing that "if your sewers aren't flowing properly, you will be a very unhappy camper."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Wastewater Treatment Industry, According To A Communications And Human Resources Manager At Goleta Sanitary District
Laura, a Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District, highlights the importance of environmental consciousness and innovative problem-solving skills in the wastewater treatment industry, stating that "a team of folks who are very focused on adapting to problems and problem-solving" is crucial. The industry's unique challenges, such as managing fluctuating solid concentrations impacting the delicate biological processes, require adaptability and a "delicate hand," creating opportunities for those with diverse skill sets, from science and math backgrounds to strong communication skills.
What A Communications And Human Resources Manager At Goleta Sanitary District Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Public Sector
Laura, a Communications and Human Resources Manager, transitioned from the nonprofit sector and found that the "wheels of government move much more slowly," requiring a significant adjustment in pace. However, the smaller size of Goleta Sanitary District allows for more impactful contributions and quicker adaptation than larger governmental entities, a benefit Laura appreciates despite the slower pace.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Public Servants
Goleta Sanitary District offers various entry-level opportunities, including internships in public outreach and education, industrial waste control, and the lab department; the district also employs "collections person or operator or maintenance" roles, allowing entry with skills in "construction or science related things". These positions provide opportunities for skill development and career growth within the organization, as illustrated by the current public outreach intern's experience improving "people skills and public presentation skills".
Significant Career Lesson From a Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District
Laura's career journey highlights the importance of self-awareness, stating "knowing where your skillset is and really embracing...what sort of things you do well" is key. A surprising pivot after a disastrous interview led to their current fulfilling role at Goleta Sanitary District, demonstrating the value of resilience and recognizing that "sometimes it takes a while to get there, but it can be done."
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