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Faces of Yuba Water Jessica Nichols, Environmental Specialist

Photo: Jessica poses for a photo as an eagle flies overhead while snorkeling close to Chimney Rock in Butte Creek.

Yuba Water Agency's environmental specialist, Jessica Nichols, ensures that the agency's projects meet regional, state and federal environmental compliance requirements, which requires staying up-to-date on current environmental regulatory standards, permitting processes and laws, as well as environmentally sensitive species and their habitats at potential project sites. When she's not in the office, she is often visiting Yuba Water's project sites or collecting environmental data. Scroll to learn more about Jessica, her background and what she enjoys in her free time.

What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?

With permitting and environmental compliance comes a lot of report writing, reviewing and communication. Therefore, when I’m in the office, I am typically writing or reviewing environmental documents, implementation plans or reports and ensuring that Yuba Water is meeting deadlines. This requires me to collaborate with all of our department staff, regulatory agencies and consultants on a regular basis.

Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?

While communication and collaboration are consistent with my position, the context is always changing. Many projects have overlapping deadlines and requirements, which means each day brings something different. Additionally, a portion of my job requires me to be out in the field collecting data at our project sites. Many of these data collection efforts take place at different times throughout the year. Overall, I’m lucky that my position provides a hybrid of both office work and field work to keep me engaged year-round!

Photo: Jessica and her boyfriend, Mike, raft down the Middle Fork of the American River.

How did you get involved in your current career path?

I would say my background as a fisheries biologist/environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been influential in my career path. I’ve had the opportunity to work on several different rivers and tributaries throughout the Central Valley, focusing on fisheries management projects. I’ve worked as part of a team estimating the harvest of fall-run Chinook salmon and on predator/non-native species removal projects in the Delta, as well as led field investigations to analyze juvenile and adult spring-run Chinook salmon population trends on Butte Creek.

Prior to working at Yuba Water Agency, I led biologists and technical crews in support of fisheries research, monitoring and data collection efforts on the lower Yuba River, which included participation in the Lower Yuba River Accord’s River Management Team. That position was possible because of Yuba Water’s continued efforts to provide fisheries support and habitat enhancement activities.

What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?

I truly enjoy the people I work with. I’ve had some great opportunities in my short time at Yuba Water to actively engage in public outreach and education. For example, I got the chance to speak with fourth graders at Linda Elementary about salmon and watershed health for their fish in the classroom experience. They were so engaged, and I always love getting the chance to talk about my background as a biologist.

Before working here, what was the most interesting job that you had?

I interned for a short time with the Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, where I supported mammal training staff in husbandry research and open water training sessions. Yes, I worked with dolphins and sea lions, and yes, I helped train a sea lion to stick his tongue out at people!

Jessica handles a salmon during her time working for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (left). Jessica shows off a largemouth bass that she caught in the Delta (top center). Jessica poses with a Harris Hawk during a falconry training session in Marysville (top right). Jessica gives a demonstration and talks about watershed health to fourth graders in Yuba County (bottom right).

Tell us something about yourself that most of us don't know.

I'm a fraternal twin.

What's the most recent app you downloaded on your phone?

I just downloaded the app for my room diffusers that I installed in my house. It’s called Pura and they smell amazing!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I spend a lot of time with my two dogs, Benny and Zoey. I enjoy being on the water during the summer months boating, rafting and kayaking or hiking. In the winter months, I enjoy snowboarding.

Jessica hits the slopes at Mt. Rose in Lake Tahoe (left). Jessica and Mike kayak on the Sacramento River (center). Jessica and Mike visit Niagara Falls (right).

What are three words you would use to describe Yuba Water Agency?

Good vibes only!