Photo: Kelly pauses for a photo at O’Shaughnessy Dam at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Tuolumne County.
Yuba Water Agency's engineering technologist, Kelly Sapp, is responsible for maintaining, organizing and updating drawings related to the agency's facilities and projects. Scroll to learn more about Kelly's position, her background and what she enjoys in her free time.
Describe what you do in your current position.
My duties differ depending on the projects that are taking place. One example would be after large scheduled maintenance in the power plants, I will go in afterwards and scan all the marked-up drawings, update them, then bring them back once they’re complete. This is important to maintain revision control.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
Most days I’m in the office at New Colgate Powerhouse in Dobbins. However, since we do keep physical drawings at all of our power houses, I have tasks that take me to our other facilities. I also try to get out to see projects while they’re happening because I find it beneficial to see firsthand what I'm drawing.
Photo: Kelly and her husband, Luke, daughter, Taryn, and son, Dylan, visit Glacier National Park in Montana.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
I took drafting, both manual and computer-aided design, all four years in high school. When I was a senior, ITT Technical Institute did a presentation about their program and scholarship options. I applied and was awarded a scholarship for their program. I saw it as a fast track to get into a career I wanted.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water Agency?
I enjoy learning. Working at a hydropower plant, there is something new to learn every single day. Yuba Water's people are great, too.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
I really enjoyed designing custom homes, commercial buildings and land development projects when I worked at Laughlin & Spence Civil Engineers in Yuba City.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don’t know.
I’m very crafty. I love to crochet, sew and create things with my Cricut electronic cutting machine.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to spend time with my family. If we’re not working on projects at home, you can find us in the soccer stands cheering our kids on. We also love long road trips.
What are three words you would use to describe Yuba Water Agency?
Rewarding, ambitious, generous
