EDCOE Team Member Spotlight: Josh Harris

11:30 AM - October 25, 2019

Interview with Josh Harris:

Briefly describe your background (where you grew up, family, why you came to work for EDCOE).

I was born here in Placerville at Marshall Hospital. I grew up in El Dorado County with my parents and two sisters. I graduated from Union Mine High School in 2003, and shortly thereafter moved to Santa Cruz. After a year or so I moved back to Placerville. I began as a substitute custodian for the Rescue Union School District in the Fall of 2007, and later that year began as a substitute custodian for EDCOE.

What is your department, title, and how long have you worked for EDCOE?

Maintenance and Operations, 10 years, and although I’ve sported various job titles in my time here, I’ve spent most of my time with EDCOE as a custodian.

Describe how your role helps support programs/schools/students directly or indirectly.

Well, as a purveyor of the custodial arts, I work behind the scenes to keep the buildings clean, maintained, and ready for action so that the amazing programs here at ECDOE can continue to function smoothly in a clean workspace.

What do you most appreciate about your department/team?

One of the things I appreciate most about the team I am so lucky to be a part of is every single person’s willingness to never hesitate to roll up their sleeves and tackle some seriously laborious projects. Not a single person is afraid to get their hands dirty (literally!) in order to get the job done. Whether it’s cleaning a wild bathroom situation or pulling down a dilapidated carport, they just figure it out and get it handled.

What is your proudest moment at EDCOE? Why?

I would have to say that my proudest moment here at EDCOE was when my department was recognized at the Annual Employee Recognition event in 2018. Our Director, Kathy Daniels, has assembled one hardworking team. We don't have the most glamorous jobs, but our tasks can be difficult and it takes a strong and dedicated crew like we have to keep the train a rollin’, as they say.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Some of my favorite things to do in my spare time, hmm. Well for sure it’s just hanging out with my amazing girlfriend and my hilarious son. Some of my favorite times are spent at home, trying to perfect my marinara sauce whilst enjoying a fine glass of old vine zin, and all the while laughing at one of our favorite podcasts. I also truly enjoy pretty much all things comedy, whether its binging a hilarious show on Netflix or driving for hours to see one of my favorite comics.

What is something many people may not know about you?

One thing that people might be surprised to know about me is that I love to play bass guitar. I have been in bands that have played in many of the great venues here in beautiful Northern California. I love playing all types of music, from live instrument hip-hop, to the Incubus tribute band that I’m currently rocking out with. A few years back, the last band I was part of had the second most requested song on the radio music show Local Licks - 98 Rock.

If you could meet anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

If could meet any person ever, I would want to meet Bob Ross. Just hearing his soothing voice, witnessing him create those visionary paintings, and seeing that killer ‘fro.’ A person might have gotten a gentle super power just from shaking his hand. Like the great Mr. Ross said, "There are no mistakes. Just happy little accidents."

From supervisor, Kathy Daniels, Director of Facilities:

Josh is part of our dedicated and outstanding custodial team; however, he rarely gets to interact with other EDCOE employees due to his late-night work hours. Over the summer, Josh had the opportunity to cover the warehouse and couriers duties, and was able to interact with many of our EDCOE teams. Josh goes above and beyond no matter what role he is filling and is truly one of the most dedicated and happy employees on our team. His smile, can-do attitude and energy brings joy to those he comes in contact with.  He is an amazing father to his son Jack, and seeing Josh blossom and grow has been an absolute pleasure.

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