Jefferson County Alabama: Podcast for the People

Do you have turf envy? Jefferson County Stormwater Education Training Coordinator and Master Gardener Hana Berres tells you the first step to having a beautiful lawn in Jefferson County, AL (hint: it isn't triple 13) and Margaret Tanner, deputy director of Environmental Services, explains why over fertilization is bad for the environment and the sewer system -- costing us millions.
Important links:
Alabama Cooperative Extension System - Lawn and Garden articles
Soil Testing - Alabama Cooperative Extension Service
Master Gardner Hotline - 1-877-ALA-GROW (252-4769)

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

Jefferson County 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Day Spring Collection event is back by popular demand this Saturday April 13th from 8am to 11:30am at THREE locations:
First Baptist Church Gardendale - South, 940 Main Street, Gardendale, AL 35071
Classic Car Motoring, 3900 Grants Mill Road, Irondale, AL 35210
City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard, 1205 15th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020
Hana Berres, with the Stormwater Department stopped by briefly to share with us the importance of the communities participation and how the disposing of hazardous wastes properly affects our safety.

For more details including the list of items that will be accepted and additional information log on to jccal.org or check our upcoming events on our Facebook page for the flyer.

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

Margaret Tanner, Deputy Director in Jefferson County's Environmental Services Department stopped by Jefferson County's Podcast for the People to give valuable information, insight on career advancement and specific details on the Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprenticeship position where applications are currently being accepted.

Learn all about how securing a job as a Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprentice can set the path for a rewarding career in Environmental Services including gaining the knowledge and skills that will help scale competitive pay in any similar field across the nation.

Minimum Qualifications are High School Diploma and Driver's License. Also, current High School Seniors with an interest in biology, chemistry and math are also encouraged to prepare now and apply as the position will not begin until the latter part of May 2024.

Log on to www.jobsquest.org or call 205-325-5249.

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

With primary elections just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you are voter ready. In this episode we talk to Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Registrars about what people need to know and where they can check their information. Pro Tip: visit Alabama Votes or our website jccal.org for helpful links.

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

In this episode of Jefferson County's Podcast for the People, Jefferson County's Information Technology Security Officer, Cedric Norfleet, Jr. discusses crucial tips on how to prevent against the phishing which is a fraudulent practice used by sending emails or other messages from scammers pretending to be reputable companies such as retailers (Amazon, Target, etc.) in order to make individuals reveal personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers.

Top Three Preventative Tips against the Dangers of Phishing
1. Do NOT click on any suspicious links - Phishing emails usually come with double letters and misspelled words. If you are unsure about an email, go to companies website and verify. It does NOT hurt to leave a link unopened.
2. Do NOT disclose sensitive information - Most times phishing emails will tell you that the message is URGENT and could result in outcome beyond your control.

3. Verify the legitimacy of emails and calls - Be aware of these tactics used in an attempt to steal information from you including your consent through AI generated voice measures (vishing). If you receive an email or phone call requesting sensitive information or immediate action, independently verify the request through official channels before responding.

Be sure to report all phishing emails as spam and to your computer's spyware.

We appreciate our Jefferson County's IT Team actively working to help enhance our security measures and providing awareness of these threats especially among our elderly community, who can often be a target long after the holiday season.

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

Land Development in Jefferson County can be a long grueling process sometimes filled with disappointment when you are unaware of pre-existing challenges that could prevent projects from being approved before the Jefferson County Commission.

Jefferson County Zoning Administrator Michael Morrison joins us in this episode to provide insight and tips that land developers, or those who have projects in mind, should be aware of that will same them time and resources on the front end when faced with zoning regulations.

For more information contact Jefferson County Department of Development Services
at 205-325-5321 or email [email protected]

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

In this episode of Jefferson County's Podcast for the People, we take a look at how the Human Resources Department is impacting the workforce by adding value to all employees who come on board with Jefferson County. Chief Human Resources Officer Melody Banks tells us about her role as she leads with a dedicated team, she also gives us an up close look at what potential employees can expect when they apply for positions posted weekly on our social media platforms as well as how they can prepare for opportunities that open. We also learn how the HR Department is reshaping their team to increase retention within the County structure and much more!

For all job openings and postings be sure to log on to www.jobsquest.org or contact 205.325.5249.

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

Thanksgiving in the South usually means frying something, whether its a turkey, chicken or whatever. Dana Gray from our Environmental Services Department wants you to know there is a better way to dispose of your household cooking grease. There are 21 locations in the county where you can go pick up a free plastic container, fill it up, return it, and get another one. Our partner, Birmingham Hyde and Tallow, recycles that grease and turns it into animal feed, biofuels, and cleaning products. Doing this keeps your pipes at home from clogging up and our sewer lines from overflowing. So stop by a location today and pick up a container ahead of Thanksgiving and the holidays!

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

Jefferson County is getting ready to have its annual event for its veteran employees on November 9th. We talked with one of our long-time service members and Jefferson County Director of Finance, Malinda Parker, about her service and recent retirement. The emotions she experienced when retiring from military service caught her by surprise. We also have guests, Mercy Obare our HR Division Manager and Karen McGlond, Benefits Advisor, who talk about what it can be like to retire from service at the County, and Valerie Nealy in our recruiting office talks about the County's Veteran event. There is a lot to unpack in this episode -- especially for our employees.

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND the Household Hazardous Waste Event will take place on Saturday October 21, 2023 from 8am - 11:30am at two locations: Camp Bessemer, 3295 King Street, 35023 and Camp Ketona, 121 County Shop Road, 35217.

Learn all about what you can bring out to properly dispose of and help save our environment! For more information call 205-325-8741.

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2024 Household Hazardous Waste Event Schedule

January 27, 2024 – Electronic and paper shredding 9am-11:30am
Birmingham Zoo, 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
April 13, 2024 – HHW 8am – 11:30am
HHW spring event; three locations

• First Baptist Church Gardendale-South Location-940 Main Street, Gardendale, 35071
• Classic Car Motoring-3900 Grants Mill Road, Irondale, 35210
• City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard-1205 15th Avenue North, Bessemer, 35020

May 11, 2024 - Electronic and paper shredding 9am-11:30am
Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse
2651 Center Point Parkway, 35215
June 8, 2024 - Electronic and paper shredding 9am-11:30am
Jefferson County Valley Water Reclamation Facility
3295 Clear Water Drive 35023
October 19, 2024 - HHW 8am – 11:30am
HHW event; two locations

• Camp Bessemer, 3295 King Street, 35023
• Camp Ketona, 121 County Shop Road, 35217

Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at [email protected]