Photo: Rob poses for spring photos with his family.
Yuba Water Agency's senior help desk technician, Rob Barth, is part of the team that keeps the technology wheels turning for the agency. This includes ensuring Yuba Water's technology and equipment is up-to-date, supporting staff with any technological issues, installing and upgrading software and more. Scroll to learn more about Rob, his background and what he enjoys in his (minimal) free time.
What is your background/formal education that led to where you are in your career today?
I earned my bachelor's degree from California State University, Chico. I dabbled in IT years ago while working in retail banking and as a side gig, but then took a break from it while pursuing a career in human resources for most of my tenure at Butte County. I then returned to an IT role a few years ago while still at Butte County before making the jump to Yuba Water a little more than a year ago.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
A friend who worked for Yuba Water first told me about the agency several years ago. He was so happy with the agency and the people that work here, so he gave me a heads up whenever opportunities arose. I had worked for Butte County for almost 15 years, but I was seeking a more dynamic environment, one that Yuba Water could provide. I’ve also always been drawn to hydroelectric power generation. When a position in IT came up, it was a great opportunity, so I decided it was time to make the jump and leave Butte County.
Photo: Rob snaps a selfie in front of the New Colgate Powerhouse penstock, a portion of the infrastructure that moves water from New Bullards Bar to the powerhouse to generate electricity.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
An average day includes ordering new IT-related equipment, imaging new or used laptops, fielding support tickets from agency staff who have technology needs and/or issues, installing and upgrading software and more. Oftentimes, while working on any given duty, I pivot and respond to an IT need that requires quick attention, so an average day often feels like a bit of juggling, which keeps things interesting.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
For the most part, my duties are consistent throughout the year. Along with the day-to-day issues that arise, we are constantly working on projects like replacing laptops and cell phones, operators’ computers and supporting other IT teammates with some of their projects. Those don’t necessarily coincide with certain times of the year or seasons, but are based on technological changes. For example, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of October of this year, so we started replacing all laptops and desktop machines with Windows 11 a year ago so we could be ahead of the expiration date.
Getting the agency’s new Power Systems facility up and running was definitely a change from the normal year. There was a lot of planning and surprises with the new building that changed my duties. It was fun to have new challenges to resolve.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water?
I enjoy the staff and the ability to meet their technological needs. The staff here are driven and high caliber, which makes it not only fun to work with great, solid people, but also helps me grow as a person and employee.
Also, when it comes to meeting technological needs, it’s nice that our agency has the resources to be able to provide high quality equipment. That’s important for what we do for the communities we serve.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
When I was a probation officer, I supervised a variety of criminals. They never ceased to amaze…how they got themselves into trouble and their lifestyles. I interviewed approximately 90 offenders to prepare a document for their sentencing with the court and it was always eye-opening to hear their side of the story, how they grew up and their justification for their crimes. Human behavior can be fascinating.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don't know.
I’ve been SCUBA certified since I was 15 years old. I love it. Underwater is an amazing world. I’ve also been skydiving…twice. I love a rush of adrenaline.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My wife, Raeanne, and I have four children. Our kiddos keep us very, very busy with their fun, growing lives. I love it. I love being consumed in their sports, school and church activities. I have coached soccer and baseball for the past 15 years. It’s been a great way to stay connected to my kids and be close to their development. When a baseball or soccer season ends and I find myself with a free evening or two during the week, I feel out of place and almost anxious, looking for something to do…it’s not the norm. Most evenings we have one or multiple sport practices going on, whether it’s one I’m coaching or not. It definitely keeps us on our toes.
Other things I like to do in my free time include hiking, downhill mountain biking, golfing, crawling remote controlled trucks with my 12-year-old son, woodworking and hanging out with friends.