Q&A with City of Donaldsonville Superintendent of Public Works

Spencer Harvey

Hometown: Donaldsonville

Education: Donaldsonville High School and Henderson State

Experience: Natural Gas Operator, Wastewater Operator: Treatment Class 1 and 2 license, Collection 1,2,3, and 4 licenses, Heavy Equipment Operator, and CDL license.

In several sentences explain why you decided to get involved in your field.

I have always had ambitions to serve, and I felt that working for the City would not only allow me to earn a living, but also allow me to serve my community. Something I have always enjoyed.

What are the greatest challenges in your field?

One of the greatest challenges is telling customers that I cannot do the job for them, because it is not a city issue. Another challenge is not having the funds and manpower to do some of the many things that really needs to be done: like roads, sidewalks, and the upkeep of the city.

What advice can you offer for someone who wants to go into your field?

My advice is that you must first have passion for people and care about your community. I would also advise that you must be flexible and be patient with the advancement on the job.

What’s something about your line of work that most people don’t know?

I have to have the basic knowledge of each department. I must have some understanding of each and every job that is performed in each department. That includes sewer, natural gas, code enforcement, and streets and parks.

What is a memorable moment in your career and why?

I have many memorable moments in my 17 years with the city, but I must say that being appointed to Public Works Director by Mayor Leroy Sullivan would be my greatest. It stands out to me because it was a goal of mine from the first day I began my career with the city.