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Staff Spotlight - Q&A with Ray Lewis, Flood Operations Specialist

Flood Operations Specialists provide inspection, maintenance, and repair of levees, canals, and pump stations. This includes monitoring levees, canals, and other elements of the District’s flood control system to identify and report safety and levee stress issues.

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Here is a little bit about Ray:

Q: How many years have you been with the District?
A: I have been with the District a little over 8 years.

Q: What is your typical workday like at RD1000?
A: My regular workday varies. Flood Specialists perform weed abatement for fire prevention, ensuring visibility to our levees to inspect for damage or erosion (i.e.,  beaver dams). We haul different materials such as rock and dirt for levee and canal repairs and sand to prepare for flood fights). We also transport heavy equipment around the District to assist with facility repairs. Routinely we check on our facilities for leaks, erosion, and even vandalism to ensure everything is in proper working order in the event of a flood fight during high water events.

Q: What do you love about your job?
A: I enjoy working outdoors.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
A: I love spending time with my family, going to my kid's sporting activities, and going fishing. I also enjoy barbecuing and going target shooting with friends.

Q: What is something the community should know about the District but likely does not?
A: That so much of our routine work involves hazard mitigation even when we are not in a flood fight. 

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