What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?
I, Darren Walker, live in uptown New Orleans in the 13th ward. I was born and raised in the Desire housing development and graduated from George Washington Carver High School and attended Southern University of New Olreans.
Describe your job to us!
I am the Department of Public Works Supervisor of the Traffic Division, responsibilities which includes planning, coordinating, and maintenance of all City Signs, and Street Name Signs for permanent locations as well as Temporary Cardboard Signs. This is done with 6 team members also responsible for special events in the City of New Orleans such as: New Years Eve, Mardi Gras, French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest, Satchmo Fest, Bayou Classic, Saints Games and other special events in the city.
Tell us about your career path.
I started working with The Department of Public Works on Jan 28th, 1998 as a laborer. In the year 2000 I became a Sign Technician. By the year of 2010, I became a Field Supervisor, and by the year 2015, Ibecame the Workshop Supervisor. I’ve been working with the city for 25 plus years from the beginning until current, I've been with The Department of Public Works.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
The Planning and Implementing work assignments with my Team.
What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?
Try to always ensure we are delivering the highest quality of service to the citizens of New Orleans as well as performing them in a very professional manner.
What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?
The Food, The People and The New Orleans Saints “Who Dat Nation."