Youngsters watched as a crew from the Citrus Heights Water District steered a large suction hose to precisely pick up a traffic cone.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – A young boy, holding a large steering wheel in both his small hands, his feet far from reaching the pedals, excitedly sat in the high cab of a Republic Services garbage collection truck.

One day, he too may help build the future of public works as so many whom have proudly gone before him.

The City of Citrus Heights held its fourth annual free, family-friendly “Tools of the Trade” event on Thursday afternoon, May 14 in Van Maren Park highlighting civil service careers, heavy equipment and the essential public works activities which keeps the city running.

There were plenty of colorful informative booths to visit, placed side-by-side along the length of Thalia Drive by participating sponsors of the event inviting event guests to stop by and meet with individual representatives of area trade schools and public utilities who described a variety of current job openings in office and field careers.

Free shaved ice and kettle popcorn were popular treats for many as they enjoyed the afternoon sunshine.

City staff and members of the Citrus Heights Public Works Department described current professional openings and a range of engineering projects now taking place across the city. Private companies also invited job seekers to discuss their career and education goals and provide a resume if they brought one.

The Tools of the Trade event also provided hands-on equipment demonstrations and an opportunity to talk to and meet some of the trained operators who make specialized heavy equipment move and do some very remarkable work.

There was plenty of time for children to put on a hard hat and then sit in the driver’s seat of some of the featured gear all while under their parent’s watchful eye. At the end of Thalia Drive, a large American flag gently waved in the breeze suspended by an overhead crane.

Some affectionate “four legged” workers which provided by representatives of the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time Yoga) in Herald returned this year to a mini petting zoo to remind the public that these adorable munching machines are continuing to be busy grooming overgrown vegetation at various locations throughout the city.

Representatives of the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA), the San Juan Unified School District Office of Adult Education, Sacramento State University and the American River College provided helpful information for those seeking to finished their high school diploma or GED or wishing to enroll in professional certificate programs.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) representatives also offered information describing student internship and hourly opportunities. SMUD offers multiple career paths in its innovation and technology department, ranging from a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) student assistant to director positions.

Representatives of the Sunrise Recreation and Parks District were on hand to share information and distribute flyers describing current summer programs and activities.

Participating sponsors included the Citrus Heights Water District, the Sacramento RT Transit District, California American Water, Dokken Engineering, Sunrise Recreation and Parks, Wells Sweeping LLC, Bear Specialty Electrical Contractors, Sacramento Area Sewer District, Ghirardelli Associates, Biondi Paving and Engineering, Republic Services, Unico Engineering and the City of Citrus Heights Public Works Department.