In March, the English River WMA added to their staff, meet Josh Stai. Josh will serve as the watershed technician for the English River WMA, and assist Jody Bailey (English River WMA Project Coordinator), with education, outreach, and development of public and private cost-share partnerships. The English River WMA covers, Iowa, Johnson, Keokuk, Poweshiek and Washington Counties.
Josh’s education includes an Associate of Applied Science in Parks and Natural Resources from Kirkwood Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Columbia Southern University. His professional experiences includes employment with Kirkwood Community College as a natural resources specialist and as an adjunct instructor; multiple seasons with the Johnson County Conservation Board; and as a seasonal Park Ranger at Coralville Lake.
Josh is married and has two wonderful teenage daughters, and they reside in Kalona, IA.
We caught up Josh to discuss his position:
Q: Where did you work before you took this position?
A: Kirkwood Community College – Conservation Grounds Worker/Adjunct Instructor
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in this position?
A: To spend as much of the grant cost share dollars as we can, by installing as many soil and water BMPs on the ground as possible!
Q: How did you hear about the opening and what was appealing about the position?
A: After interviewing for a position with a different agency, an individual on that interview panel encouraged me to apply for a new technician position that was going to be posted soon. Once I heard the job description of the new technician position, I became much more interested in the technician position because of the exciting opportunities that I could be involved with. It also made it easier to like the technician opportunity because the project’s office is located in my home town!
Q: Is there anything you would like to tell the English River WMA and IWA partners?
A: I am very excited to be apart of the ERWMA and looking forward to meeting all of you!
Q: What is a hobby of yours?
A: I really enjoy working on and restoring old muscle cars.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A: A Sand County Almanac
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Easily- Godfather’s taco pizza!
Q: Where would you like to go that you’ve never been?
A: I think it would be an amazing adventure to do a cultural history tour of Israel or Japan
