McDonald began working for the Department in December 2007 as a maintenance worker in the Streets Division. He quickly demonstrated himself to be a quick learner and hard worker. This led to promotion to his current position as equipment operator in March 2008.
Public Works Director Paul Cox presented the Employee of the Year Award to McDonald at an employee picnic on May 19.
“We are proud to recognize Travis McDonald as our 2010 Public Works Employee of the Year,” Cox said. “Travis sets the pace for us in performance of his job functions and is consistently a good example and role model for all. He demonstrates daily his values of service, partnership, integrity and professionalism.”
McDonald can be seen working around town mowing grass, operating trucks and various equipment, patching streets and clearing drains, Cox said. These are among the many duties carried out by the Department’s Streets Division.
McDonald has completed nine courses in the Local Technical Assistance Program at N.C. State University in subjects such as street repairs, equipment operation, drainage, soils and work-zone safety. He holds a “Competent Person” certification for trenching and has obtained his commercial driver’s license since starting with the Town.
“His willingness and sincere desire to expand his skills and knowledge allow him to continually become more valuable in the workplace,” Cox said.
Public Works Operations Superintendent Ashley Wimberly describes McDonald as “someone we can depend on, who goes above and beyond, and who takes pride in his work and sets an example for his coworkers.”
“It is an honor and pleasure to have him as part of Team Garner,” Wimberly said.
Although Cox and the rest of the Department’s supervisory staff realize there are many unsung heroes in Public Works, they feel it is important to recognize the efforts of a non-supervisory Department employee with the Employee of the Year Award.
The award is presented annually to the employee who exhibits exceptional performance of their job duties on a consistent basis and excels in the Town’s values of quality of life, partnership and cooperation, superior public service, integrity and professionalism. The winner is selected by supervisory staff based on written nominations received from Department employees.
Sealed nominations are received from January through March for the employee’s performance during the preceding year. After a selection is made, the award is presented during National Public Works Week, which is celebrated every May.
Along with a plaque recognizing him as Employee of the Year, McDonald received lunch with Town Manager Hardin Watkins, a fishing pass to Lake Benson, a special parking spot and sign at the Public Works complex and the most coveted prize of all, a “Take the Night Off Pass” from the July 3 Celebration at Lake Benson Park, which tends to be the busiest workday (and night) of the year for Public Works staff.
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