Roads Scholars: Meet Hunter McDougall

How do Roads Scholars get their start, and what inspires them to go the extra mile? MnLTAP is pleased to share the journeys of our recent graduates. This time, we hear from Hunter McDougall, a heavy equipment operator with the City of Duluth. He completed a Maintenance Operations and Technical Certificate this spring.

How did you get interested in public works?

My entire life I’ve been interested in the trades/construction industries. The public works sector came later on when I graduated high school and needed to get a job. I came into the city in a temp/seasonal position, and eventually became a heavy equipment operator.

Hunter Mcdougall lays on a CAT track loader

How does the Roads Scholar certificate help you in your current job & career plans? 

Just doing all of the classes brought some more knowledge that I can use in whatever aspect of my career.

What’s a typical day like?

Every day is a different day, from doing things like patching potholes to plowing snow or even equipment maintenance. Every day brings a different situation, which makes this job fun.

What is your favorite accomplishment at your job?

Getting through the biggest winter on record in my first year of plowing for the city.

What can other people learn from your path?

Being eager to learn about what you're interested in.

What makes you feel proud at the end of the day?

Being able to go out there makes a difference, even if it’s a little difference. But probably the most satisfying thing about it is watching a snow-covered road in front of me turn black in the rearview mirror. 

How has your job changed over the years?

Given that I’ve only been here full-time for a little over a year now, I’d definitely say getting promoted and having a little more responsibility.

Any funny or surprising incidents?

There isn’t one in particular, but the funny thing is just seeing how traffic adjusts to road closure. Some people try to drive through and get mad at us for doing our job. People even drive the wrong way, off the street, and every which way because we changed how they traveled every day.

What do you do for hobbies/fun?

I race cars during the summer.