Photo: Kayla and her husband, Chris, daughter, Haiden, and son, Blake, celebrate her eldest son, Connor, during his graduation from eighth grade.
Yuba Water Agency's administrative assistant, Kayla Holmes, characterizes her position as being a "super helper" in our offices. This includes answering phones, setting up meetings, keeping track of important documents and making sure staff have everything they need to do their jobs. Scroll to learn more about Kayla, what she enjoys about working for Yuba Water and more.
What is your background/formal education that led to where you are in your career today?
I completed a few semesters of college before life led me down a different path. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors and supportive individuals who’ve inspired me to give my best in everything I pursue. The knowledge and skills I have today come from hands-on experience and the guidance of those who’ve invested in my growth.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
I spent five years as a shift supervisor at Starbucks before transitioning to a role with the Marysville Joint Unified School District. During my time there, I took on a range of positions, including cafeteria manager, paraeducator and then in a student support role. Each role gave me the opportunity to develop strong collaboration skills and gain valuable experience in clerical and administrative tasks. I've been fortunate to work with teams and leaders who entrusted me with responsibilities that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Photo: Kayla and her family spend an evening at the Cal Expo Christmas event in Sacramento.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
My typical day begins around 8 a.m. at the agency's Power Systems location. I collect any paperwork that may have piled up overnight, process expense reports or reimbursements, help schedule agency-wide, compliance-related inspections, start the process for any order requests, close work orders, handle general inventory and just make myself available for anyone who may need support.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
My typical, daily duties usually remain the same. However, I have the opportunity to participate in many different projects within the agency. I have been able to go back into the classrooms and talk to students about water conservation. And being involved with the Safety and Compliance department has given me the opportunity to participate in agency-wide safety inspections where I have been able to see many different aspects of Yuba Water and where other people get to work.
Right now, my big project has been collaborating with many different staff and departments to coordinate our big move into the new Power Systems facility in Oregon House, as well as assisting in setting up the new warehouse there and its inventory system. I am also temporarily supporting the Human Resources department with new hires.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?
The people and the opportunities. Every person at this agency wants to see you succeed and is so encouraging. Being able to get out of the office and do something else, try new things and be involved in old things has been fun. When I first started, I mentioned missing the schools and being with the kids. The next week I was asked to be involved in going to the schools to talk about water conservation. It’s great working for a place where you feel heard and supported.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don't know.
Most people at the agency already know that I get to work with my brother, Kameron, who is one of Yuba Water's hydro operators. However, what many staff may not know is that we are two of seven kids in our family. I have 20 nieces and nephews just on my side of the family.
What are three words you would use to describe the agency?
Engaging, family and motivating.
Photo: Kayla assists her brother, Kameron, while he performs some of his routine operator duties at Yuba Water's New Bullards Bar Reservoir.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time? What’s that? Just kidding. I have come to enjoy working in my vegetable garden. I have learned to can and preserve a lot of the items that we grow at home. My family all works together on our little “Holmestead” where we raise chickens, guinea fowl, goats and rabbits. My family enjoys kayaking together at Collins Lake or going to the movies.
What’s the most recent app you downloaded on your phone?
The most recent app I downloaded on my phone was Ticketmaster. I continuously missed so may good concerts and events around here and was so bummed when the “cheap seats” were sold out.