that functions to support a defined set of customers. The basic process should include: •
Connecting employees to one another to help them excel at their jobs
•
Connecting employees to knowledge assets (just enough, just in time, just for them)
•
Connecting those with experience or know-how with those who need it3
Technology Technology, in conjunction with human input, can be an important component in delivering a successful KM program. It has the potential to
be an effective broad-based method to find, capture, distribute and preserve knowledge, particularly in large organizations. However, do not confuse information management with knowledge management. Information management uses technology for information collection, storage and control by involving the business processes and systems used within an organization to create and apply information.4 Information management supports KM by enabling people to access, share and make sense of codified information (documents, formulas, contracts, manuals, so forth) and tacit information (such
Project Manager – Public Works Director ESG Operations, Inc. ESG Operations, Inc. is one of the fastest growing utility management and engineering companies in the Southeast, currently providing engineering and operations services in six states across the southeast U.S. We are currently recruiting for a senior level manager for our Wakulla County, Florida Project. If you are an experienced, highly motivated professional anxious for career-developing opportunities and challenges please contact us. Responsibilities will include: The ESG-Wakulla project consists of managing the following components for Wakulla County, FL: Wastewater Treatment; Wastewater Collections; Streets Department; Fleet Maintenance and Management; Auto Shop Management; Grounds and Beautification; Sign Shop. The ESG-Wakulla Team consists of approximately 30 full-time employees. We are looking for a senior level manager to oversee and manage the day-to-day operations at the project. Requirements: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree 22 APWA Reporter
November 2012
in Business Administration, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, Engineering or other related field required. Must have a minimum of five years of experience in the public works administration field, including supervisory and customer relations experience. Solid skills and experience in business writing, Excel, Access database, automated work order systems and time-keeping systems preferred. Experience in wastewater treatment is strongly preferred. Must have excellent communication skills and be able to work with and interact with all County staff and elected officials. An equivalent combination of training, education and experience may be considered. Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a generous benefits and bonus plan. Full benefits are available including health, dental, life insurance, employer contribution 401(k) plan, paid time off, sick leave, and holidays. Relocation assistance is offered. ESG Operations, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and a certified Drug Free Workplace.
as interactions with employees and customers). KM then uses that technology to share and leverage information for innovation. Simply adopting an information management tool and calling it a KM program will not overcome the human tendency to block sharing and relationships that lead to knowledge growth.
Results When people are provided access to information and resources necessary to complete a task, they can accomplish it more quickly and effectively.5 KM enables organizations to take actions that speed the rate of learning; reduce the risks from repeating mistakes; and retain knowledge assets when people move, leave or retire. We create and store knowledge today for the workforce to utilize tomorrow; and use knowledge to make better decisions. That is our competitive advantage. Steven R. Price can be reached at (843) 824-2200 or sprice@cityofgoosecreek.com. Curley, Kathleen Foley and Barbara Kivowitz. The Manager’s Pocket Guide to Knowledge Management. Amherst: HRD Press, 2001. 1
Local Government Improvement and Development. Introduction to KM. 12 August 2010. 15 August 2012. http:// www.idea.gov.uk 2
O’Dell, Carla and Cindy Hubert. The New Edge in Knowledge: How Knowledge Management is Changing the Way We Do Business. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2011. 3
Scuderi, P.S. and K.D. Hampson. “Knowledge Management.” BerkeleyStanford CE&M Workshop: Defining a Research Agenda for AEC Process/Product Development in 2000 and Beyond. Berkeley, 2000. 3. 4
NASA Knowledge Team. “Strategic Plan for Knowledge Management.” Agency Plan. 2002. 5