9+ Find City of Kelso WA Jobs & Careers Today!


9+ Find City of Kelso WA Jobs & Careers Today!

Employment alternatives situated inside the municipal boundaries of Kelso, Washington, signify a big aspect of the native economic system. These positions span numerous sectors, together with public administration, utilities, and neighborhood companies, every taking part in a essential position within the metropolis’s operations and infrastructure. Examples embrace roles in metropolis corridor, public works, and the Kelso Police Division.

The supply of labor contributes to the financial stability of the world by offering revenue for residents and supporting native companies. Traditionally, the timber trade was the first employer. Nonetheless, diversification efforts have led to the expansion of employment in sectors equivalent to authorities, healthcare, and retail, enhancing the area’s resilience to financial fluctuations.

Understanding the kinds of obtainable work, entry job postings, and the precise necessities for every place is essential for people searching for to contribute to the Kelso neighborhood. The next sections will delve into these elements, offering an in depth overview of employment inside the locale.

1. Authorities Sector

The federal government sector types a essential element of the employment panorama inside the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington. Municipal administration, public security, and infrastructural upkeep are managed by way of numerous governmental departments, leading to a constant demand for various ability units and experience.

  • Metropolis Administration

    The core administrative features of Kelso’s municipal authorities present numerous work. These roles embody duties equivalent to metropolis planning, finance administration, and authorized companies. For instance, a metropolis planner may work on zoning rules, whereas a finance officer manages the municipal finances. These positions make sure the environment friendly operation of town and adherence to authorized requirements.

  • Public Security

    Public security encompasses the Kelso Police Division and Fireplace Division, offering important companies to the neighborhood. Employment in these areas contains law enforcement officials, firefighters, and assist employees. Their tasks vary from regulation enforcement and emergency response to fireside prevention and neighborhood outreach. The continual want for public security personnel ensures a gradual presence inside the native workforce.

  • Public Works and Utilities

    The Public Works division is liable for sustaining town’s infrastructure, together with roads, water techniques, and waste administration. Out there positions embrace civil engineers, upkeep employees, and utility operators. The continued maintenance and enchancment of infrastructure necessitates a constant demand for expert labor on this sector. For instance, water remedy plant operators make sure the supply of unpolluted water to residents.

  • Parks and Recreation

    The Parks and Recreation division manages town’s parks, leisure services, and neighborhood packages. Employment alternatives embrace park rangers, recreation coordinators, and program instructors. These positions contribute to the standard of life for Kelso residents by offering leisure alternatives and sustaining public areas. Summer season packages, for instance, require seasonal employees.

The federal government sector’s affect is substantial, impacting the categories and portions of supplied work. The steadiness of those roles, steadily accompanied by advantages, positions the federal government sector as a gorgeous avenue for these searching for steady employment contributing on to the Kelso neighborhood. The necessity for expert professionals to handle metropolis operations ensures the continued significance of this sector inside the Kelso job market.

2. Public Utilities

Public Utilities inside Kelso, Washington, signify an integral employment sector. These companies, important for the performance and well-being of the neighborhood, necessitate a various workforce working and sustaining essential infrastructure.

  • Water Therapy and Distribution

    This aspect encompasses the remedy and supply of potable water to Kelso residents and companies. Roles embrace water remedy plant operators, upkeep technicians, and distribution system engineers. Their work ensures water high quality and reliability, immediately impacting public well being and financial exercise. For instance, licensed operators monitor water chemistry to fulfill regulatory requirements, safeguarding the neighborhood.

  • Wastewater Assortment and Therapy

    The gathering and remedy of wastewater stop environmental contamination and defend public well being. Employment alternatives embrace wastewater remedy plant operators, assortment system upkeep personnel, and environmental compliance specialists. They handle the movement and processing of sewage, making certain compliance with environmental rules. Plant operators, for example, handle organic processes to take away pollution from wastewater.

  • Stormwater Administration

    Managing stormwater runoff is essential for stopping flooding and defending water high quality. Positions on this space embrace stormwater technicians, engineers, and upkeep crews. Their tasks contain sustaining drainage techniques, monitoring water high quality, and implementing flood management measures. Common inspections of storm drains, for instance, stop blockages and cut back the danger of localized flooding.

  • Electrical energy and Pure Gasoline (Not directly Associated)

    Whereas the Metropolis of Kelso could in a roundabout way present electrical energy or pure fuel (typically dealt with by non-public or regional suppliers), town interacts with these utilities. Potential “metropolis of kelso wa jobs” might be associated to liaison roles, allowing for utility work, or making certain public security round utility infrastructure. This contains roles targeted on coordinating with utility firms throughout development initiatives or making certain compliance with security rules close to energy strains.

The efficient operation of those public utilities is essential for sustaining the standard of life in Kelso. The continual want for expert employees in these areas ensures a steady supply of employment, contributing considerably to the native economic system and the general functioning of town. The demand underscores the significance of coaching and certification packages to assist the general public utilities workforce inside the municipality.

3. Neighborhood Providers

Neighborhood Providers inside the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington, signify a various array of public-facing features essential to the well-being of its residents. These companies generate quite a few employment alternatives inside the municipal construction and affiliated organizations.

  • Library Providers

    The Kelso Public Library provides employment for librarians, library assistants, and program coordinators. These roles contain managing library sources, helping patrons, and organizing neighborhood occasions. The library contributes to literacy, training, and cultural enrichment inside the neighborhood, thereby demanding a devoted and expert workforce. For example, librarians help residents in accessing info and conducting analysis.

  • Senior Providers

    Packages and companies for senior residents present employment for social employees, exercise coordinators, and healthcare aides. These positions concentrate on enhancing the standard of life for senior residents by way of social actions, transportation help, and entry to healthcare sources. These jobs are vital as they assist the rising senior inhabitants inside the metropolis. For instance, exercise coordinators set up leisure occasions to advertise social interplay amongst seniors.

  • Recreation Packages

    The town’s recreation division provides numerous packages and actions for residents of all ages, resulting in job openings for recreation administrators, program instructors, and lifeguards. These positions contain planning and implementing leisure actions, sustaining services, and making certain participant security. Recreation packages promote bodily health, social interplay, and neighborhood engagement. Summer season camp counselors, for example, supervise youngsters’s actions and guarantee their well-being.

  • Neighborhood Improvement

    Neighborhood growth initiatives create employment alternatives for planners, mission managers, and housing specialists. These roles concentrate on bettering the bodily, financial, and social situations of the neighborhood by way of strategic planning, infrastructure growth, and inexpensive housing packages. Neighborhood growth efforts purpose to create a thriving and equitable setting for all residents. Undertaking managers, for instance, oversee the development of inexpensive housing items.

The vary of employment generated by Neighborhood Providers underscores its significance inside Kelso. These positions not solely present revenue for residents but in addition contribute considerably to the general high quality of life inside the metropolis. The efficient operation of those companies necessitates a certified and devoted workforce, highlighting the correlation between a thriving neighborhood and various employment prospects.

4. Native Financial system

The financial well being of Kelso, Washington, immediately influences the supply and nature of employment alternatives inside the metropolis. A strong native economic system fosters job creation throughout numerous sectors, whereas financial downturns can result in job losses and restricted prospects.

  • Diversification of Industries

    Traditionally reliant on the timber trade, Kelso’s economic system has undergone diversification. The presence of varied sectors, together with healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, contributes to a broader vary of obtainable positions. This diversification reduces reliance on single industries, mitigating the impression of sector-specific financial fluctuations on native employment. For instance, the institution of recent manufacturing services creates technical and operational roles inside the neighborhood.

  • Small Enterprise Setting

    Small companies are a big supply of employment. These companies typically require a various workforce, spanning customer support, gross sales, and operational roles. Help for small companies, equivalent to by way of native authorities initiatives and neighborhood funding, immediately impacts the creation and sustainability of those jobs. The opening of a brand new restaurant, for instance, generates alternatives for cooks, servers, and administration employees.

  • Tourism and Hospitality

    Kelso’s proximity to pure sights, such because the Cowlitz River and Mount St. Helens, helps a tourism and hospitality sector. This sector generates employment in resorts, eating places, and leisure companies. Seasonal fluctuations in tourism have an effect on the supply of those positions. For instance, elevated tourism through the summer time months creates a requirement for seasonal employees within the hospitality trade.

  • Infrastructure Funding

    Private and non-private funding in infrastructure initiatives, equivalent to highway enhancements, utility upgrades, and constructing development, creates short-term and everlasting jobs. These initiatives require expert labor in development, engineering, and mission administration. Lengthy-term investments in infrastructure improve town’s attractiveness to companies and residents, not directly contributing to sustained employment alternatives. Highway development initiatives, for example, present short-term employment for development employees and engineers.

The interrelationship between the native economic system and obtainable work is obvious within the fluctuations inside every sector. A powerful, diversified economic system with a supportive setting for small companies and infrastructure funding usually results in a better quantity and number of work obtainable to residents. Financial growth methods geared toward strengthening these sectors are essential for fostering long-term employment stability and development inside the neighborhood.

5. Job Postings

Job postings function the first communication channel between the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington, and potential staff. These bulletins element obtainable positions, outlining tasks, {qualifications}, and software procedures related to employment inside the municipality.

  • Official Metropolis Web site

    The official metropolis web site is a centralized repository for job bulletins associated to Kelso municipal work. Departments equivalent to Administration, Public Works, and Public Security routinely listing vacancies on this platform. Potential candidates can entry complete particulars, together with job descriptions, wage ranges, and required software supplies. The positioning typically features a devoted “Careers” or “Employment” part for ease of navigation.

  • On-line Job Boards

    The Metropolis of Kelso could make the most of basic on-line job boards equivalent to Certainly, LinkedIn, and GovernmentJobs.com to develop the attain of its bulletins. These platforms enable for a wider viewers and sometimes present filtering choices based mostly on location, sector, and expertise stage. Listings on these websites usually hyperlink again to the official metropolis web site for software submission.

  • Native Media Shops

    Conventional media, together with native newspapers and radio stations, can also function job bulletins. Although much less widespread than on-line postings, these shops can attain segments of the inhabitants much less reliant on digital sources. Labeled sections in newspapers or public service bulletins on radio can present discover of present openings. The Day by day Information of Longview, WA, serves the Kelso space and will comprise such notices.

  • Neighborhood Facilities and Libraries

    Bodily job boards situated in neighborhood facilities and the Kelso Public Library present entry to bulletins for people with out constant web entry. These postings are sometimes printed variations of these obtainable on-line. Neighborhood facilities can also host workshops on resume writing and job software methods, facilitating entry to employment alternatives.

The accessibility and readability of posted alternatives are paramount to attracting certified candidates to work for the Metropolis of Kelso. Understanding the place and the way these bulletins are disseminated permits people to successfully pursue employment inside the municipal authorities and contribute to town’s operations.

6. Hiring Necessities

The {qualifications} and standards mandated by the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington, for numerous positions immediately impression the pool of eligible candidates and the general composition of its workforce. These necessities be sure that people possess the required expertise and competencies to successfully fulfill the duties related to every position.

  • Training and Expertise

    Most job openings inside the metropolis authorities specify minimal training ranges and years of related expertise. For instance, a civil engineer place may require a bachelor’s diploma in civil engineering and several other years of expertise in infrastructure design. A library assistant place may require a highschool diploma and expertise in customer support. These stipulations assure that candidates possess the foundational information and sensible experience required for the position.

  • Certifications and Licenses

    Sure roles necessitate particular certifications or licenses to make sure compliance with trade requirements and authorized rules. For example, a water remedy plant operator should maintain a sound state certification, whereas a police officer should full an authorized regulation enforcement academy. These credentials validate the candidate’s competence in specialised areas and reveal their adherence to skilled requirements. Failure to own the required certification disqualifies candidates.

  • Abilities and Talents

    Job postings typically define particular expertise and skills deemed important for achievement within the position. Examples embrace proficiency in software program purposes, efficient communication expertise, and problem-solving talents. These necessities are assessed by way of software supplies, interviews, and doubtlessly skills-based testing. Candidates should reveal their capabilities in these areas to be thought-about for employment. The power to function heavy gear, for example, is a prerequisite for sure public works positions.

  • Background Checks and Drug Testing

    As a part of the hiring course of, the Metropolis of Kelso usually conducts background checks and drug testing to make sure the protection and integrity of its workforce. These screenings are significantly widespread for positions involving public security or entry to delicate info. A felony report or optimistic drug take a look at can disqualify an applicant, relying on the character of the offense and the necessities of the position. These measures defend the general public and keep the trustworthiness of metropolis staff.

The mix of training, certification, ability, and screening necessities represents a complete method to making sure that people thought-about for “metropolis of kelso wa jobs” are competent, certified, and appropriate for the tasks related to every place. These necessities contribute to the efficient functioning of the municipal authorities and the supply of important companies to the Kelso neighborhood.

7. Profession Alternatives

The vary of profession alternatives obtainable inside the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington, represents a essential side of its municipal operations and neighborhood growth. These alternatives span various sectors, impacting town’s capacity to supply important companies and assist its residents successfully.

  • Entry-Stage Positions and Development

    The Metropolis of Kelso provides entry-level positions that function pathways to extra superior roles inside the municipal authorities. For instance, a newly graduated particular person may start as a clerk within the metropolis corridor and, by way of expertise and additional coaching, advance to a administration place. The supply of such pathways encourages long-term employment {and professional} growth inside the neighborhood.

  • Specialised Roles and Experience

    Profession alternatives additionally embody specialised roles requiring particular experience and certifications. A wastewater remedy plant operator, for example, wants specialised coaching and certification to handle the complicated processes concerned in wastewater remedy. Equally, a metropolis planner requires experience in city planning rules to information growth and land use inside the metropolis. These specialised roles contribute on to the environment friendly and sustainable operation of Kelso’s infrastructure and companies.

  • Public Service and Neighborhood Impression

    Many roles inside the Metropolis of Kelso provide the chance to immediately serve the neighborhood and contribute to its well-being. Law enforcement officials, firefighters, and social employees, for instance, play important roles in making certain public security and offering assist to weak populations. These profession paths enchantment to people searching for to make a tangible distinction within the lives of their fellow residents and contribute to a stronger neighborhood.

  • Stability and Advantages

    Municipal positions typically provide a level of stability and complete advantages packages, together with medical health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time without work. This stability is a priceless asset in a fluctuating financial local weather, attracting people searching for long-term monetary safety and a dependable profession path. The advantages packages contribute to the general well-being of staff and their households, fostering a way of loyalty and dedication to town.

  • Seasonal and Non permanent Positions

    Past full-time employment, “metropolis of kelso wa jobs” additionally embody seasonal and short-term positions. The Parks and Recreation division, for instance, hires lifeguards and summer time camp counselors through the hotter months. These alternatives present priceless work expertise for college students and people searching for short-term employment. The flexibleness supplied by these positions might be interesting to these with particular time constraints or these searching for to complement their revenue.

The varied vary of obtainable profession paths displays the breadth of companies supplied by the municipality and the dedication of its staff to serving the Kelso neighborhood. These alternatives not solely present revenue and stability but in addition contribute to the general vitality and sustainability of town.

8. Wage Ranges

Wage ranges related to “metropolis of kelso wa jobs” immediately affect the attractiveness and competitiveness of those positions. The supplied compensation serves as a main issue for potential staff evaluating employment alternatives. Inadequate compensation can deter certified candidates, resulting in recruitment challenges for the municipality. Conversely, aggressive remuneration packages can entice extremely expert people, enhancing the standard and effectivity of metropolis companies. For example, a vacant engineering place with a lower-than-average wage could stay unfilled longer, or entice much less certified candidates, than the identical place providing market-competitive pay.

Wage constructions inside Kelso municipal work are sometimes decided by elements such because the place’s tasks, required {qualifications}, and prevailing market charges for comparable roles in related municipalities inside Washington State. Collective bargaining agreements with unions representing metropolis staff additionally play a big position in establishing compensation ranges and advantages packages. For instance, negotiations between town and the police union could end in changes to police officer wage scales, impacting recruitment and retention charges inside the police division. The implementation of performance-based pay will increase additionally influences wage development inside the system.

Understanding wage ranges related to totally different metropolis positions is essential for job seekers contemplating a profession inside Kelso’s municipal authorities. Consciousness permits for knowledgeable decision-making, enabling potential staff to evaluate the monetary viability of various roles and negotiate compensation successfully. Moreover, consciousness of the wage constructions permits present staff to know potential profession development alternatives inside the municipality and permits them to plan profession development and wage expectations. Finally, wage ranges function a essential aspect in attracting, retaining, and motivating a talented workforce dedicated to serving the Kelso neighborhood.

9. Worker Advantages

Worker advantages signify a considerable element of the general compensation package deal related to employment inside the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington. These advantages prolong past base wage, offering staff with entry to healthcare, retirement financial savings, and different types of assist that contribute to their monetary safety and well-being. The standard and comprehensiveness of those choices immediately impression the attractiveness of positions inside the municipal authorities.

  • Well being Insurance coverage Protection

    Complete medical health insurance is a vital side. Protection usually contains medical, dental, and imaginative and prescient plans, offering staff and their households with entry to healthcare companies. The specifics of the plans, equivalent to premiums, deductibles, and lined companies, considerably affect the worth of the profit. For instance, a plan with low premiums and complete protection is extremely wanted by job seekers. The supply of strong healthcare protection is a key consider attracting and retaining expert professionals inside the metropolis’s workforce.

  • Retirement Financial savings Plans

    Retirement financial savings plans, equivalent to 401(okay) or pension plans, present staff with a mechanism for saving and investing for his or her future retirement. Employer contributions to those plans, both by way of matching contributions or direct contributions, signify a big profit. These retirement financial savings plans are important for long-term monetary safety. A well-funded retirement plan is an important recruitment instrument for the Metropolis of Kelso, significantly when competing with private-sector employers. Many Washington State positions are a part of the Division of Retirement Methods (DRS).

  • Paid Time Off

    Paid time without work (PTO) encompasses trip time, sick depart, and holidays, permitting staff to take time away from work for relaxation, leisure, and private issues. The quantity of PTO supplied immediately impacts an worker’s work-life stability and total well-being. Beneficiant PTO insurance policies are extremely valued by staff. The accrual charge of PTO, the variety of holidays supplied, and the pliability in utilizing the time all contribute to the perceived worth of this profit. This supplies advantages for the worker and will not directly present elevated productiveness as the worker returns to work.

  • Life Insurance coverage and Incapacity Protection

    Life insurance coverage and incapacity protection present monetary safety to staff and their households within the occasion of dying or incapacity. Life insurance coverage supplies a dying profit to designated beneficiaries, whereas incapacity protection supplies revenue alternative within the occasion that an worker is unable to work as a consequence of sickness or harm. The presence of those advantages supplies staff with peace of thoughts, realizing that they and their households are financially protected. This protection provides one other aspect of safety to employment with the Metropolis of Kelso.

The mix of medical health insurance, retirement financial savings plans, paid time without work, life insurance coverage, and incapacity protection constitutes a complete worker advantages package deal that considerably enhances the attractiveness of employment inside the Metropolis of Kelso. By offering a aggressive advantages package deal, the Metropolis of Kelso goals to draw and retain a talented and devoted workforce dedicated to serving the neighborhood.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

The next questions deal with widespread inquiries concerning employment alternatives inside the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington. The knowledge supplied goals to make clear the appliance course of, job necessities, and advantages related to municipal work.

Query 1: The place can job postings for the Metropolis of Kelso be situated?

Official bulletins for obtainable positions are primarily printed on the Metropolis of Kelso’s official web site. Supplementary postings could seem on basic on-line job boards and inside native media shops. Neighborhood facilities and the Kelso Public Library can also show printed notices.

Query 2: What are the everyday training and expertise necessities for Metropolis of Kelso positions?

Training and expertise conditions fluctuate considerably relying on the position. Sure positions mandate superior levels and in depth skilled expertise, whereas entry-level roles could require solely a highschool diploma and minimal expertise. Particular necessities are detailed inside every job posting.

Query 3: Does the Metropolis of Kelso require background checks or drug testing for potential staff?

Background checks and drug testing are commonplace procedures for a lot of positions, significantly these involving public security or entry to delicate information. The extent of the screening course of will depend on the character of the work and relevant authorized rules.

Query 4: What advantages are usually supplied to staff of the Metropolis of Kelso?

The Metropolis of Kelso provides a complete advantages package deal that features medical health insurance protection (medical, dental, and imaginative and prescient), retirement financial savings plans, paid time without work (trip, sick depart, holidays), life insurance coverage, and incapacity protection. Particular particulars concerning profit eligibility and plan choices can be found to potential staff through the hiring course of.

Query 5: Are there alternatives for profession development inside the Metropolis of Kelso’s municipal authorities?

Alternatives for profession development exist inside the metropolis authorities. Staff can pursue promotions and lateral strikes based mostly on their efficiency, expertise, and expertise. The Metropolis additionally helps skilled growth by way of coaching packages and academic help.

Query 6: Does the Metropolis of Kelso provide seasonal or short-term employment alternatives?

Seasonal and short-term employment alternatives are often obtainable, significantly inside the Parks and Recreation Division through the summer time months. These positions can present priceless work expertise and contribute to the neighborhood’s leisure packages.

These FAQs provide a foundational understanding of the employment panorama inside the Metropolis of Kelso, Washington. For particular info, potential candidates ought to at all times seek the advice of the official job postings and phone the Metropolis’s Human Sources division immediately.

The next part will present sources helpful in your Kelso employment search.

Ideas for Pursuing Employment Alternatives in Kelso, Washington

Strategic planning and thorough preparation are important for navigating the employment panorama inside Kelso’s municipal authorities. The next suggestions provide steerage to potential candidates searching for to reinforce their candidacy and enhance their possibilities of securing a place.

Tip 1: Conduct Thorough Analysis of Metropolis Departments:

Acquire a complete understanding of the features and companies supplied by every metropolis division. This data permits candidates to tailor their software supplies and interview responses to align with the precise wants and priorities of the respective division. For example, researching the Public Works departments present infrastructure initiatives demonstrates initiative and curiosity in contributing to their ongoing efforts.

Tip 2: Customise Utility Supplies for Every Place:

Keep away from submitting generic purposes. Rigorously evaluation the job description and tailor the resume and canopy letter to spotlight related expertise, expertise, and {qualifications}. Quantify accomplishments each time attainable to reveal the impression of earlier work. A canopy letter immediately addressing the hiring supervisor’s issues considerably strengthens an software.

Tip 3: Put together for Behavioral Interview Questions:

Anticipate behavioral interview questions that discover previous experiences and assess competencies equivalent to problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Use the STAR methodology (State of affairs, Job, Motion, End result) to construction responses, offering particular examples that illustrate how expertise and skills have been utilized in earlier roles. Practising responses beforehand enhances readability and confidence through the interview.

Tip 4: Community Throughout the Neighborhood:

Attend neighborhood occasions and join with people working in related fields. Networking can present priceless insights into the native job market and potential alternatives. Constructing relationships with metropolis staff or neighborhood leaders can present entry to info and assist through the software course of.

Tip 5: Spotlight Native Information and Neighborhood Involvement:

Emphasize familiarity with the Kelso neighborhood and any earlier involvement in native initiatives. Demonstrating a dedication to town and its residents can distinguish candidates from different candidates. Taking part in neighborhood volunteer actions showcases dedication and a real curiosity in contributing to Kelso’s well-being.

Tip 6: Comply with Up After Submitting Functions and Interviews:

Ship a thank-you be aware or electronic mail to the hiring supervisor after an interview, reiterating curiosity within the place and highlighting key {qualifications}. Following up demonstrates professionalism and reinforces the applicant’s dedication to securing the job. A quick, customized follow-up can set an applicant aside from others who fail to acknowledge the interviewer’s time and consideration.

The following pointers can improve the prospects of securing metropolis of kelso wa jobs.

The next constitutes the conclusion.

Metropolis of Kelso WA Jobs

This exploration has illuminated numerous sides of employment alternatives inside Kelso, Washington, starting from authorities roles to neighborhood companies and the utilities sector. Key issues embrace understanding hiring necessities, assessing compensation packages, and strategically navigating the appliance course of. The native economic system’s affect on job availability and the varied nature of municipal work have additionally been highlighted.

The supply and accessibility of “metropolis of kelso wa jobs” are elementary to the neighborhood’s financial stability and total well-being. Proactive engagement with native sources, diligent preparation of software supplies, and a dedication to steady skilled growth are essential for people searching for to contribute to the Metropolis of Kelso’s workforce. Continued funding in financial diversification and workforce growth initiatives shall be important for making certain sustained employment alternatives and a thriving neighborhood for future generations.