“Planning in the Corps of Engineers is a complex and continuously changing discipline. The work requires diverse skills, constant learning and flexibility,” said Planner Sara Brodzinsky of the Chicago District Formulation and Planning Branch.
Brodzinsky was one of 12 Planning Associates (PAs) learning about ERDC’s unique and expansive capabilities available to districts during a three-day visit and exploration of the Vicksburg campus in February.
With EL’s Tisa Webb serving as host, the PAs’ agenda featured briefings and poster demonstrations by ERDC’s water resources experts. ERDC laboratory directors and deputies also interacted with them at a social gathering featuring local cuisine, along with conversations on the PAs’ projects and aspirations.
ERDC briefings included navigation and dredging by Jeff Lillycrop, Engineering with Nature by Cynthia Banks, a tour of EL’s Sediment Laboratory led by Dr. Barry Bunch and Dr. Cary Talbot’s flood risk management updates.
They also learned about Rapid Repair Levee Breach from Dr. Don Ward, the Coastal Storm Modeling System from Dr. Chris Massey, Hydrologic Model of Planning and Engineering from Dr. Nawa Pradhan and were provided an Aquatic Center Tour by Dr. Tim Lewis, among other briefings and tours.
PA Program Curriculum
The Corps defines the goal of the PA Program as broadening planners’ competencies in solving complex water resources problems and challenges.
To strengthen leadership talents, the PA Program curriculum highlights team building, case studies, experiential training in the Corps’ Civil Works business programs, individual and group projects, instructional training experiences and networking opportunities with leaders from the public and private sectors.
The PA Program targets journeyman-level professionals in the field of water resources, generally at the GS-11 and GS-12 level of federal service. The program consists of approximately 20 weeks of rigorous training, scheduled in one to three week blocks over a year.
Then asked why he applied for the highly competitive program, PA Tom Maier with the Pittsburg District said, “When I joined the Corps five years ago, I considered myself solely a fisheries and wildlife biologist with some research experience. After a few years of working in Pittsburgh District’s Planning and Environmental Branch; however, I began to appreciate what I was learning in regards to planning.”
Maier said while interacting with certain planners on advisory boards and committees, “I was impressed with their professionalism, their Corps knowledge and their communication abilities,” only later learning they were PA Program graduates. When his new branch chief, a former PA Program graduate, encouraged him to apply, Maier said, “I considered it a great opportunity to learn much more about the Corps in a relatively short amount of time and to develop new working relationships.” Maier stated his visit here was extremely beneficial and expanded his knowledge of what ERDC offered.
PA Program challenges
Other participants shared the challenges of the PA Program and agreed with the curriculum description requiring “stamina and flexibility by the participants, their families and their home office staff. The PA TDY periods are long and rigorous, often going more than 12 hours a day and require weekend work during the multiple-week sessions. In addition to the course workload, the PAs are also working on their required individual and team products.”
Planner Sierra Schroeder of the St. Paul District said it was worth the efforts.
“I believe the PA Program will strengthen my skills as a planner, enhance my understanding of the Corps’ business lines and expand my network of professional contacts. The PA Program will enable me to serve as a resource to other planners, to act as a mentor to new planners and to play a key role in building the ‘bench’ of the next generation of Corps’ planners,” Schroeder said.
ERDC continues to serve as a key component of the PA Program’s intensive training schedule each year, offering opportunities for professional networking with team members for district planners, Corps-wide.
Contact
Public Affairs Office
601-634-3188