The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) is a university-based organization originally created by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EFCN works with states, tribes, local governments, and the private sector to promote sustainable environmental solutions through innovative training and assistance focused on actionable results.
Hosts: Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, & Dr. Jason Barrett, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute (MWRRI)
Guest: David Karr of Mitchell Technical Services
Following their discussion on workforce challenges and opportunities, hosts Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, and Dr. Jason Barrett continue the conversation with wastewater veteran David Karr by exploring the personal side of career development in the industry. David shares practical advice for those entering the profession and offers insights on building a meaningful and successful career in wastewater.
Additional Resources:
EFCN Blog | How’s the Weather Today?Wastewater Workforce Forecasting (https://efcnetwork.org/hows-the-weather-today-wastewater-workforce-forecasting/)
EFCN Podcast | Preparing WaterUtilities For An Aging Workforce (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hir770Pfrtdz0LDgBBBMX?si=2cfbeb891a704347)
EFCN | Future Water Leaders Program (https://efcnetwork.org/future-water-leaders/)
EFCN Podcast | Wastewater WorkforceWisdom (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NZ1BpTJBX4atYYFmMmssU?si=b6659bc9d03c4d58)
25 Sept 2026
Wastewater Workforce Wisdom
Hosts: Anthony Craven, Eric Williams, & Dr. JasonBarrett of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute (MWRRI)
Guest: David Karr of Mitchell Technical Services
In "Wastewater Workforce Wisdom," hosts AnthonyCraven, Eric Williams, and Dr. Jason Barrett welcome wastewater veteran David Karr for a conversation about the people behind the profession. From recruiting and retaining operators to developing future leaders, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone committed to strengthening the wastewater workforce.
Additional Resources:
EFCN Blog | How’s the Weather Today? Wastewater Workforce Forecasting (https://efcnetwork.org/hows-the-weather-today-wastewater-workforce-forecasting/)
EFCN Podcast | Preparing Water Utilities For An Aging Workforce (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hir770Pfrtdz0LDgBBBMX?si=2cfbeb891a704347)
EFCN | Future Water Leaders Program (https://efcnetwork.org/future-water-leaders/)
24 Sept 2026
Preparing Water Utilities For An Aging Workforce
Hosts: Anthony Craven & Eric Williams, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute
Guest: David Karr of Mitchell Technical Services
Water utilities nation wide are facing a critical workforce challenge as experienced operators, managers, and technicians approach retirement. In this episode of the Environmental Finance Center Network Podcast, Anthony Craven and Eric Williams of the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute are joined by David Carr of Mitchell Technical Services to discuss how utilities can prepare for an aging workforce. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in the public utility sector, including service as Public Works Director for the City of Batesville, Mississippi, Carr shares practical insights on succession planning, workforce development, knowledge transfer, and building a strong pipeline of future utility professionals.
Timestamps:
· Introductions: 00:40
· Introduction of the “Aging Workforce” Problem: 03:00
· How Significant Is The Workforce Issue for Water Utilities & What Are The Trends? 3:45
· Do You See More People Coming Into The Sector From The Public or Private Side? 5:15
· How Much of an Issue is an Aging Workforce Nationally? 8:00
· What Risks and Challenges Does This Problem Pose? 10:00
· Sharing Water Operator Knowledge with the Next Generation: 11:50
· Barriers to Attracting and Retaining Talent: 13:55
· How to Combat Negative Connotations Around Water and Wastewater Operator Jobs: 17:15
· What Should Utilities Do to Prepare for the Next Generation of the Workforce? 20:00
· Final Takeaways: 21:10
Additional Resources:
· EFCN Blog | Building the Future of Small Water Systems: Workforce Challenges, Potential, and Opportunities (https://efcnetwork.org/building-the-future-of-small-water-systems-workforce-challenges-potential-and-opportunities/)
· EFCN Blog | How’s the Weather Today? Wastewater Workforce Forecasting (https://efcnetwork.org/hows-the-weather-today-wastewater-workforce-forecasting/)
· EFCN Webinar | Tips for Retaining a Happy, Healthy Water Workforce (https://youtu.be/J9KaJYa5Fhc?si=an0P7G3WMHDGlYCC)
Who has been a guest on Environmental Finance Center Network
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Marissa
Adam De Foor-White
Tony Bush
Dylan Ahearn
Soumi Gaddameedi
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YouTube views
255,159
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
4.7 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 74 / 100
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Quality
86
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
68
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