Yuba Water Agency's compliance manager, Avinash (Avi) Sandher, is part of the team that is responsible for ensuring that the agency satisfies all of its regulatory requirements when dealing with hydropower generation, as well as dam safety and security. Learn a little more about one of Yuba Water Agency's unique engineering positions and what her job entails.
What do you do for Yuba Water Agency?
As a compliance manager, I ensure the agency adopts all steps necessary to support its role in providing a reliable electric supply, which means the lights come on every time you turn on a switch and there's a clean environment with pristine rivers and forests for recreation, while ensuring safety for all in the daily operations. A big part of public safety is our Dam Safety and Security program, which I support.
Photo: Avi (second from right) walks in the 2018 Marysville Bok Kai Parade with other Yuba Water Agency employees.
What does your average day look like? What are some of your essential duties?
Some days may include reviewing documents and data prior to submitting it to a regulatory body while others may involve reviewing new requirements with the internal team to plan and implement them into our day-to-day operations and maintenance.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
I worked as a quality control engineer in semiconductor (computer chips) manufacturing at various levels for almost 20 years before taking on this job at the agency. It was a great company to learn complexities involved in manufacturing high-tech computer chips with applications in the modern automobile engine controllers, dashboard applications, infotainment systems, anti-lock braking systems and air bag controllers.
What are three words you would use to describe Yuba Water Agency?
Avi: Integrity, Stewardship, Collaboration