Since Dec. 3, 2012 Jason Shaughnessy has been the new Town of Taber public works and engineering manager. Previously, Shaugnessy’s experiences were that of a construction-based nature.
“For 11 years I had been working in construction management, both in Calgary and Lethbridge, managing medium to large scale commercial and residential construction projects,” said Shaughnessy, who is married with one daughter and a baby on the way.
“Coming from a contract background, I tend to be very schedule orientated and also trained to look for efficiencies wherever we can find them. When you’re working on construction projects you don’t have much time to prepare, you get the contract in and you go. So I’m taking a look at all the systems the town has in place,” said Shaughnessy.
With over 15 full-time employees, the Public Works department is a very busy department indeed, at any given time of year.
“Within the Engineering and Public Works department we look after all the roads and walks, snow removal and the waste transfer site. There also is the management for the contracts for the water and waste water facilities in town and property management and facility maintenance, as well,” said Shaugnessy.
According to Shaughnessy, the town is very open to new ideas and the transition process with taking over the reins of the new job position has been a positive one.
“The feeling around the office is very positive and very progressive. I think there’s a lot of opportunity in the town, there seems to be a lot happening in the community and it’s exciting to be a part of it,” he added.
Currently, Shaughnessy said the town is continuing to look at studies on waste management, which has been an ongoing task throughout 2012 and the town is presently reviewing the studies and their findings.