Staff Spotlight - Q&A with Mike Rhoads, Lead Flood Operations Specialist
Lead Flood Operations Specialists provide staff leadership, inspect, maintain, and repair levees, canals, and pump stations. This includes monitoring elements of the District’s flood control system to identify and report safety and levee stress issues.
Learn more about Mike below:
Q: How many years have you been with the District?
A: I have been with the District for almost 5 years and have recently been promoted to Lead Flood Operations Specialist.
Q: What is your typical workday like at RD1000?
A: A typical workday includes mowing for fire suppression during the summer months, aquatic vegetation, and silt removal. Mowing also allows for visible inspection of the levees and drainage canals during high rain events to identify any issues that may occur. Removing aquatic vegetation and silt build-up from drainage canals allows for more adequate water flow to pumping plants. I also routinely inspect and maintain District pumping plants to ensure they are operating at optimal levels.
Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I would say the best part of my job is working outdoors.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: My favorite thing to do outside of work is spending time on the lake with family and friends.
Q: What should the community know about the District?
A: One thing the community may not know about the District is that one hundred and thirty years ago the Natomas Basin was swamp land.