Chelsea Hunt, Street Maintenance, works for the Public Works Department at the City of West Jordan. She has been employed there for about two years. Originally from Blanding, Utah, Chelsea recently joined Women of Asphalt’s leadership team.
UAPA recently interviewed Chelsea about her background, UAPA, Women of Asphalt and her new responsibilities.
What is your educational background?
Just high school.
I was always somebody who liked to build. When I was 10 years old, I helped my uncle haul things up the ladder. I felt drawn to working with heavy equipment, and I always knew I wanted to do work that used it, but I didn’t know how far I wanted to take it.
How did you get into the asphalt industry?
I got involved with asphalt when I began working at the city. Before that, I did concrete for a long time. Working with both materials is hard, but they are equally necessary. You see what they are used for when you work with them.
How long have you been part of the industry?
Probably since I was 21, so about 13 years.
Please tell us about your job. What are your main responsibilities?
The city and street maintenance department takes care of any part of the street. On an asphalt crew, you maintain the streets. The work can be anything from filling potholes to ripping up a part and putting in more asphalt. We ensure good-quality road driving conditions for residents.
What is the most rewarding part of your career so far?
I enjoy the people I work with and the new things I get to do. I also experience different parts of the city and different parts of making the community better.
Who are your most important mentors?
In addition to the city’s leaders, my coworkers have mentored me and spent the most time with me. I have learned from them. We all work together to create a nice road.
If you could talk to other women about a career in the asphalt industry, what would you tell them?
I would tell them to keep going. You don’t have to prove anything; just be your authentic best self. Most men are willing to help you and carry you through until you can figure it out on your own.
What are the three most important work-related lessons you’ve learned that you would share with someone you mentor?
- Work ethic speaks for itself.
- Good communication skills can take you a long way.
- Your attitude will always show. If you have a good attitude, people are always willing to be there for you.
Are you a member of UAPA?
Yes. I joined UAPA and Women of Asphalt about two years ago.
How did you become involved with Women of Asphalt?
The public works admin got an email, showed it to me and suggested I could be a part of it and show support for other women in asphalt. I asked my crew leader if I could go; I’ve been a part of it ever since. I was at the very first meeting. We met in a small room, but now it has grown so much, it’s awesome.
Why did you join?
I wanted sisterhood; other women’s support is a good thing to have. I worked and felt alone for so long, and I just wanted to be a part of an organization with other women in this industry.
How does membership in UAPA and Women of Asphalt benefit those who join these organizations?
The best part is meeting other people. You learn a lot from them, get great advice and feel connected. The networking is unreal.
You’ve just joined the leadership team for Women of Asphalt. What will you be doing?
We will be in charge of organizing events, welcoming and recruiting new members, leading by example and being supportive of other women.
How long is your term on the leadership team? Is it a set time, like a year or two, or is it more flexible?
When the organization becomes larger, we might have terms, but it is more flexible right now. You can continue as long as you are willing to do the work and support the organization, and you can step down if you want a break.
Any last words?
I am grateful for the opportunity and the power of moments and groups like UAPA and Women of Asphalt that keep everyone going.
Pictured above: Nicole Maxwell, Nicole Shields, Keri Dumont, Stacy Kelley and Chelsea Hunt
