Photo: Cache enjoys a successful day duck hunting near Gridley.
Yuba Water Agency's utility worker, Cache Cline, is part of the team that is responsible for maintaining and repairing the agency's water supply, flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation and recreation facilities. Scroll to learn more about Cache, his background and what he enjoys in his free time.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
My job duties vary greatly as a utility worker, probably more than any other maintenance position. I get a little taste of everything. Some days I’m wrenching with the mechanics inside the hydropower plant, other days I’m running a crane, backhoe or even a boat out on New Bullards Bar Reservoir. It’s a pretty rad job.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
Yes, during the annual maintenance season for our hydropower-generating units I’m more likely to be found in the power plant. During recreation season, I may be out on the lake. And like now, in between seasons, I’m all over the place. We're currently working on a concrete pad for a transformer near our Narrows 2 powerhouse.
Photo: Cache stands in front of the helicopter that was used to transport him and other Yuba Water employees to the Sierras to conduct a snow survey earlier this year.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?
I’d say what I enjoy most about the agency is the competency of the staff. Not only are all of my coworkers super awesome guys, but everyone has their own skill set, and together it makes for a really diverse crew with a huge knowledge base.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
I worked at Browns Valley Irrigation District prior to my career here at the agency, where I was also a utility worker. I was hired on as a temporary employee at 18 years old as they staffed up for a big drought conservation project called the O’Brien Pipeline. Upon completion of the project, I was hired full-time. I’d say BVID is where I gained the majority of my experience that led me to my job at Yuba Water.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
As a kid I worked summers at a pheasant club. At the time I thought it was the coolest thing ever, being that I’ve always been an outdoorsman and grew up hunting at that particular club prior to working there.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Well, I love the outdoors and hunting and fishing. I also enjoy riding dirt bikes and our RZR side-by-side, camping and traveling. Pretty much anything outside! If I’m not at work, I’m probably doing one of those things with my wife and kids.
What are three words you would use to describe Yuba Water Agency?
Exciting. Diverse. Capable.