In each issue of Working Pressure, we ask 10 questions to a training coordinator or instructor of an ASSE-approved training provider. Some questions are work related, some are personal, and others are just for fun. We learn our trade through local colleagues, mentors, and instructors, but what can we learn from others across the country? Let’s learn about the people we learn from. In this issue, we’ll get to know Heather Kinkade, Executive Director of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA).
If you’d like us to ask 10 questions to your ASSE-approved training coordinator or instructor, send us a note telling us why at editor@workingpressuremag.com.
How long have you been affiliated with your training center/school?
I have been with ARCSA from the beginning — 28 years ago. I have held every position in the organization at one time or another — from president to secretary to committee member. For the past 10 years, I have been the Executive Director. I was the president of ARCSA from 2005 to 2007.
What is your background as it relates to your occupation?
I have a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Master of Environmental Planning, and a two-year certificate in sustainability. I have worked in land use planning with a specialty in auto mall designs. In that field, dealerships kept pushing for more land to display cars, and as a designer, we had to have detention and retention basins. I looked into ways of putting water under ground and found rainwater harvesting. My master’s thesis ended up being an award-winning book — “Forgotten Rain” — which was later released by a Canadian publisher with the name, “Design for Water.”
How did you become interested in the ASSE certification programs?
After we ran the “Accredited Professional” program for a few years, I really felt that we needed a third-party, closed-book certification to move ARCSA to the next level of professionalism. We were able to work with ASSE to develop the ASSE/ARCSA/IAPMO/ANSI Series 21000, Professional Qualifications Standard for Rainwater Catchment Systems Personnel.
What ASSE certifications are you currently offering?
We are a very focused association and only deal with rainwater and stormwater. Right now, we offer designer, installer, and inspector classes for rainwater catchment personnel. Our inspector class also includes stormwater catchment.
Are any of the ASSE certifications required in your city or state?
I should know this but I do not …
How do you get students interested in the classes you are offering?
We have teamed up with the United Association (UA) and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) to have rainwater catchment personnel classes included in their training. We are also now teaming up with Stormwater University to offer our classes on their platform. We additionally offer classes on our website through an online format.
If you could witness any event — past, present, or future — what would it be?
I hope to witness a future where the world population understands how to maintain the environment for our future generations and not degrade and pollute it like we have. I want to see it recover and see how resilient it can be. I started out as a tree hugger — I still am and will continue to be until the day I die.
What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing to do in the summer is be outside, watch sunrises and sunsets, and work on my hobby of creating art from once-living-plant-material – gourds. See my work at www.kinkadegourds.com.
What is your favorite quote?
I do not have a favorite quote. But if I did, it would be about the unconditional love that pets give us.
What is your favorite band/musician?
I have lots of favorites, but smooth jazz is probably my favorite genre.
