Cynthia Burnett, Human Resources/Office Manager, Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority
Your job title is HR/Office Manager. What, in your own words, would you say you do?
My primary responsibilities are to the employees of the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority and Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority. I am responsible for understanding our service, our customers and our employees and making sure policies, recruiting, compensation, benefits, relationships and other systems support both the employees and the Authority’s ultimate mission.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
The best part of my job is knowing that the employees of the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority and the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority provide product and services to this community that are integral to Charlottesville and Albemarle being nominated and holding the accolade of one of the best places to live!
The most difficult part of my job is making the next generation aware that advances in sciences and technology have impacted this industry. No one envisions a community that will cease to need water, to treat wastewater or handle recycling and other solid waste. We are a stable employer, we have seen advancements in our field and we have good, sustainable job opportunities.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
Supporting our employees and supporting these organizations ultimately result in the average person having access to drinking water, wastewater and recycling and other solid waste services.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the RWSA?
Having no prior safety background, I have had to reach out to mentors, our local VOSH offices, and other resources to learn OSHA and other safety standards to ensure the we try to maintain work environments that are healthy and safe for our employees.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I have four years of training in karate and have a concealed weapons permit.
