A positive attitude goes a long way.
Erick Guzman, described as a highly approachable and dedicated maintenance worker for the City of San Pablo, has received the Chrysalis Award by the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association, according to the city.
The award recognizes public works professionals with less than 10 years of experience who have an unquenched thirst and lively energy to be the best at what they do, and who take time to give back to their profession.
Guzman is just that person. He started with the city shortly after graduating high school six years ago. After six months as an “outstanding” part-time maintenance aid, he was hired full-time as a Maintenance Worker. He continues to shine, demonstrating “enthusiasm and dedication” to his job, said Jill Mercurio, public works director and city engineer.
He goes above and beyond his duties, volunteering to help San Pablo Public Works boost its social media outreach by taking photos and posting their work online. He’s considered the “go-to” person for attending career fairs at local high school and other community groups.
And Guzman’s “unwavering thirst for knowledge,” Mercurio said, is one reason he was chosen to take advantage of the city-sponsored “Educational Incentive Program” to pursue his AA in Construction Management.
“Erick is a perfect model for other youth in San Pablo,” she said, adding that “his experience serves as an illustration of how to get a great job in a challenging climate, especially among the disadvantaged.”
