Jackie Yee

Senior Engineer

What is something unique about you?

After graduating from college, I interned for a summer with Engineering Ministries International, which included a week spent in Haiti providing free engineering for those who can’t afford it. We helped design a school facility. After that experience, I organized and led teams from my church to assist missionaries in Thailand with construction to rebuild after the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. 

Describe your job.

I’m an engineering supervisor for our Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and Planning group, which handles projects that are needed to improve, replace, or expand existing District Infrastructure.  

What do you like best about your job?

I like the collaboration with all the different groups from Customer Service, Operations, Maintenance, to Development and Construction. I’m very fortunate that the people I work with are just good people with good attitudes and a mindset to get things done. I learn from each of them daily and recognize their importance to the District.

I also enjoy the project management side of my job. It’s satisfying to see a physical project completed.  

How did you get into the water/wastewater industry?

In high school, I did an engineering summer program with Caltrans where we designed a hypothetical road and bridge. At the end, we gave a presentation to engineers on our design recommendations and costs. I found that very satisfying, and that’s what got me interested. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

I started my career with Contra Costa County Public Works, which offered a rotation program that allowed me to go through planning, design, construction and maintenance - so I was able to work on projects involving roads and flood control facilities from start to finish. I came to DSRSD in 2007 to broaden my engineering background into the field of water and wastewater.

What is the biggest challenge of your job?

I think the hardest part about the position is coordinating and working with different stakeholders.  Everyone wants the best for the District and for their customers; there are a lot of great ideas, but eventually decisions need to be made that may not completely satisfy every single person involved.  

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy traveling the world, running and recently took up crocheting.