Staff Spotlight: Say Hi to Dj!

This month's Staff Spotlight features Dj Mears, Lucas SWCD's Drainage and Agricultural Conservationist. 

How long have you worked for Lucas SWCD?
I will be entering my 18th year of total service to the District. My first full-time employment was with the District from 1978 to 1980.

What did you do prior to joining the team at Lucas SWCD?
I worked for 27 years at the Wood County Engineers Office, from 1980 to 2007.  I was very blessed as a high school student, my senior year, when I was placed to work at the Wood SWCD for a high school internship. This led to my career in conservation both professionally and as a farmer!  I would like to thank, Mr. Shaffer, my Agriculture Business Teacher for taking an interest in my future career.  He mentored me into the conservation field that I have enjoyed for forty-seven years.

What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy working with my agriculture peers to establish conservation practices into our landscape.  In the history of Lucas County Ditch Maintenance program, there has been no systematic approach to existing drainage improvements. I pledge to approach each project in a systematic way and a policy to meet with each abutting property owner on every maintenance ditch improvement.  I want to be like my teacher Mr. Shaffer who took personal interest in the future of drainage projects.

What is something you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am a husband and grandfather to four grandkids and also a 4th generation family farmer. I am active in church and have been involved in mission trips to South America, Latin America and Africa.

Stop by the office and say hi to Dj! You can also email him at DMears@co.lucas.oh.us or call at (419) 893-1966 ext. 4# or (419) 344-2371.

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