Photo: Vangie and her golden doodle, Monte, pause for a photo during a hike.
Yuba Water Agency's power systems administrative assistant, Vangie Bushnell, is responsible for supporting employees who work at the agency's hydroelectric powerhouses. This includes everything from ordering large items for the power and water treatment plants, entering requisitions and confirming rentals, to ensuring the office supply inventory is adequately stocked. Scroll to learn more about Vangie, her essential duties and what she enjoys in her free time.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
My days start at 6:15 a.m. with a meeting with the team at New Colgate Powerhouse in Dobbins. Typically, I then go through my emails and prioritize my day, including any needs that come from the morning meeting. My day is heavily based on the needs of the maintenance crew, engineers and operators. I also work closely with the purchasing department and am actively involved with the Employee Engagement team.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
My home was impacted by the 1986 flood and we also had to evacuate again in 1997. The opportunity to work for an agency that has such a big role in flood risk management and is reinvesting its revenue back into the community I was raised in made it easy to switch from my prior job in the medical field.
Photo: Vangie and her fellow Yuba Water coworkers show off their medals after completing a Spartan Race.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water Agency?
Community involvement is at the top of my list, as well as my coworkers. During my time here, I have been able to volunteer at the foodbank, work at community events, help clean up Yuba County, and of course everyone’s favorite, participate in and help coordinate the Yuba-Sutter Lip Sync Battle. Being surrounded with such highly educated, talented and fun people makes getting up at 4 a.m. worth it.
Tell us an interesting experience you’ve had while working for Yuba Water Agency.
One experience that stands out was walking on the spillway at New Bullards Bar Dam. I had no idea how large the dam was prior to working here. The opportunity to tour all of our powerhouses has also been a plus. To see things up close is pretty awesome.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don’t know.
My mother came from the Philippines when she was 19. I am a first generation American. I have three grown girls who are 30, 28 and 21. I am also a “Gigi” of an eight-year-old boy and five-year-old girl.
What do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy traveling, cooking and tasting new dishes. I love food! I also enjoy watching my grandkids, niece and nephews with their activities, as well as volunteering in our community and at church. I’m a goofball and just like to have a good time. I like to challenge myself by doing fun-runs and Spartan Races. Mostly, I just love spending time with my family (there’s a lot of us!). Whether we are on vacation, chillin at our cabin or just watching TV, there is bound to be a lot of laughter, cooking and eating involved.
What are three words you would use to describe Yuba Water Agency?
Community, Leadership, Synergetic