REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 3PM ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12. PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE YOUR SCHOOL-ISSUED EMAIL ADDRESS. ZOOM LINK WILL BE SENT FRIDAY.

We’re inviting local environmental, chemical, and civil engineering students to learn about future career opportunities at LA Sanitation & Environment.  Hear from recent hires and program managers, learn networking and business etiquette tips, and gain an understanding of our vast network of exciting projects across the City of Los Angeles.  This is a free virtual event.  Preference will be given to local sophomores and juniors. Learn more about us on our website and view our latest video!

• When you register, please use your school-issued email address or your registration will be cancelled.
• Download the full conference program here.

Agenda:

8:30am Welcome and Introductions | Diandra Ortiz - PGL Coordinator

8:45am Networking Breakouts

You'll be preassigned to a group where you will introduce yourself with 30 seconds to share your name, school, anticipated graduation date, engineering specialty, and career hopes.

9:15am Presentation: Solid Resources | Thania Flores-Soto - USC 2005

Thania will explain our Solid Resources divisions, touching on fleet management, recycling, waste reduction, organics processing, and more. The 15 minute presentation will be followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.

9:45am Panel 1A: Public vs. Private Sector

Christine Heinrich-Josties - CSUN 2013, CPP 2018 | Manik Mohandes - MNNIT 1999, ASU 2001

Working in the public sector is certainly a different experience from working in the private sector. Christine and Manik have worked in both - they will share their unique experiences.

9:45am Panel 1B: Projects and Challenges

Brett Perry - USC 2017 | Rowena Romano - UH Manoa 2001 & 2004, UC Davis 2008

We'll give you a few quick examples of our award-winning projects as well as some of the engineering challenges we've worked through. You can ask our panelists your questions on this topic.

10:15am Break

10:30am Presentation: Clean Water

Stephanie Osorio - CPP 2018 | Amanda Lujan - UCLA 2015 | Emilio Lopez - CSULA 2013

In February 2019, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the City's goal of recycling 100% of its wastewater by 2035. We'll explain how our talented engineers are going to meet that goal and how LA's sewer system fits in with the plans.

11:00am Panel 2A: Mission & Culture

Doug Walters - UCLA 1988 | Christine Heinrich-Josties - CSUN 2013, CPP 2018

Our mission and vision can easily be found on our website, but if you really want to know what drives us and what it's like to work here, don't miss this one!

11:00am Panel 2B: Climate Action

Jeremy Pathmanabhan - USC 2016, UCI 2019 | Laura McAlister UCR 2018

LASAN is recognized as a national leader in environmental services and programs and is a critical partner in the City's climate response. We'll explain our emissions, biodiversity, environmental justice, and resiliency programs from an engineering perspective.

11:30am Presentation: Watershed Protection

James Aldrich - UCR 2018

LA County voters passed Measure W in November 2018. Learn more about the Safe Clean Water initiative, green infrastructure, LID, and the other programs our engineers are working on.

12:00pm Networking Lunch Break

If you need a break, we understand if you want to log off for a bit. But if you'd like to have an opportunity to speak with our staff, hang around and eat your lunch online with us in smaller breakout groups.

1:00pm Panel 3A: Navigating a Professional Environment

James Roska - CPP 2016

Workplace etiquette is highly underrated and can make or break you in a new job. We will share the do's and don'ts learned over the years, not only in the office, but also in City Hall.

1:00pm Panel 3B: In the Field

Karina Gonzalez - UCI 2018 | TBD

Not all engineering work is done from behind a desk. Our engineers staff public counters, work out in the field, and interact with the community at public events. We'll explain how that diversification of tasks has been helpful to their career growth.

1:30pm Presentation: Legislation and Financial Management

Jeremy Pathmanabhan - USC 2016, UCI 2019 | Kayla Ross - UCR 2017

These two divisions touch so many of our programs; it's a great place for diversification. From climate change to biosolids to capital investments to budgets, Jeremy and Kayla will explain how their engineering background has given them a competitive edge in both legislation and finance.

2:00pm Presentation: Student Engineer Opportunities

Laura McAlister - UCR 2018 | Karina Gonzalez - UCI 2018

As former Student Engineers, our panelists will help you understand the intricacies of what it takes to secure a flexible part-time position and how to advance within our organization from there.

2:30pm Break

2:45pm Presentation: Marketing Yourself | Pamela Perez, MBA – PSU 1996, Pepperdine 2009

How do people perceive you? Do you know how they get the information they need to make decisions about you? Are you doing enough (or too much) to stand out? Our Marketing Manager will help you answer all of these questions and more.

3:15pm Panel 4A: Inclusivity and Equity

Troy Ezeh - UCR 2011 | Stephanie Osorio - CPP 2018 | Janet Valencia-Samala - USTM 2000, UCLA 2016

Racial equity, gender equity, cultural sensitivity, inclusion, affirmative action... they've become buzz words thrown around by media, but we take them seriously. Join us for a robust discussion of LASAN's efforts and successes while sharing your own perspectives.

3:15pm Panel 4B: Pandemic Adaptation

Doug Walters - UCLA 1988 | Christina Becerra-Jones - UCS 2011, USC 2014

The global pandemic has forced us to change the way we operate, and much of it had to be implemented practically overnight. From staff safety to operational protocols to shifts in engagement, learn how we have adapted and maintained our essential services. We promise not to say "new normal."

3:45pm Closing Q&A | Ani Abassian - LMU 2014

After taking in so many information-packed sessions, you probably have some questions. Ani will moderate this Q&A, coordinating responses from our presenters.

4:00pm Hyperion Virtual Tour

Since we can't take you on a walking tour of Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant this year, we're bringing the plant to you! Kimia Nader-Tehrani offers a video tour and explanation of Hyperion 2035's Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) pilot, which is a big component of the City's goal to utilize 100% of our recycled water.

4:25pm Closing Thoughts | Doug Walters – Chief Sustainability Officer

Please note that speakers and topics are subject to change without notice.

Follow us on social media!  @lacitysan #lacitysanjobs

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Recruiting Information

Engineer Day is an information session and resumes/applications can not be accepted.  LA Sanitation & Environment only accepts applications for Student Engineer and Environmental Engineering Associate at on-campus recruiting events and at engineering conferences, or via email when positions are posted on our website.  Due to the pandemic, the City currently has a hiring freeze in effect, but part-time Student Engineers are still being hired as needed.

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FAQs

What is the dress code?

Since this is a virtual event, we'd like you to be comfortable but still professional.

Do I have to stay online for the full 8 hours?

We certainly hope that you will stay with us for the full time because our team has put a great deal of effort into creating panels, presentations, and videos that will appeal to the audience. However, you are welcome to log in and out as you wish. Because we can only have 300 people in the event at one time, if you log out, there is no guarantee that you will be able to log back in.

I've already graduated. Can I still attend?

This event is tailored to sophomores and juniors in the Los Angeles area. If you are a recent graduate (within 3 years), we would be happy to add you to the wait list and notify you one week prior to the event if we can accommodate you.

Can I give my registration to someone else?

No, registration is non-transferable. The event sells out every year, so please let us know if you're unable to make it so we can invite someone from the waitlist. Duplicate and invalid registrations will be deleted and refused entry. You must use a valid school-provided email address to register or your registration will be cancelled.

Will the event be recorded?

The virtual event will be recorded to potentially be used in LA Sanitation & Environment's promotional materials, website, and YouTube account. Registering for this event includes your acceptance of our photo/video release.  

What if I can't make it to the virtual event?

Please let us know as soon as possible.  We usually have a wait list of more than a dozen people who would like to attend if others cancel.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email our Project Green Leadership (PGL) Coordinator, Diandra Ortiz, at diandra.ortiz@lacity.org with any questions.