The Town of Parker has a complex system of drainageways and retention ponds that help prevent flooding here in our community. These critical areas of our infrastructure are working by design when you don’t notice them at all.
Meet Jacob James, Stormwater Manager for the Town of Parker. Jacob helps manage our stormwater system and makes sure that as our community grows, stormwater infrastructure is added that continues to protect our community and complies with State and Federal standards. Take a few minutes to learn more about Jacob!
How long have you worked for the Town of Parker? Where did you work before Parker?
“Five years, and Merrick & Company and McLaughlin Water Engineers for nine years prior.”
Tell us about your job and how it impacts the Parker community.
“By managing the Stormwater Division, I am responsible for ensuring the stormwater infrastructure in Town is maintained to protect people and property from flooding. I am also responsible for ensuring new development projects design and construct stormwater infrastructure in accordance with the Town’s criteria. The Stormwater Division is responsible for keeping the Town in compliance with State and Federal environmental permits and regulations through the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit, which includes issuing grading permits to construction projects. The Stormwater Division has a capital improvement program that funds large scale stormwater infrastructure projects that ensure stormwater runoff is conveyed through the Town in the safest and most efficient manner possible.”
What do you most enjoy about working for the Town of Parker?
“My favorite part of working for the Town is doing my part to make the community that I live in better and safer through every aspect of my job responsibilities.”
What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
“I used to be a high school baseball umpire.”
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
“I love to learn about barbeque and smoking meats and then trying it out.”
What’s one thing that you feel sets Parker apart from other communities?
“I believe Parker has a great balance of amenities and offers a lot of opportunities for families with children.”
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?
“A three-way tie between Marseille, France, Milan, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland.”
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
“Family.”
If you could do another job for the Town of Parker for just one day, what would it be?
“I wanted to be an accountant in high school, so I think it would be interesting to see how the budget is tracked and managed in the Finance Department.”
What’s one thing about working for the Town of Parker that you didn’t expect?
“I didn’t expect to see how integrated each department is and how much interaction is necessary to ensure the Town operates in the most efficient manner.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since you started working for the Town of Parker?
“Since working with the Town, I have been able to help implement policies and regulations that have resulted in the Town becoming more resilient to flooding hazards, as well as guiding projects and development to ensure the Town grows in a sustainable manner.”
What is the strangest thing that you have experienced while working for the Town of Parker?
“Some strange items have been found in the storm pipe system such as money, bikes, porcupines and shopping carts.”
Thank you, Jacob, for all you do for the Town of Parker!