South County Profile: Eric Knight

Eric Knight

Eric Knight loves the outdoors. That’s probably why he’s perfectly suited for his job as the city of Anderson’s park supervisor.

“I started as a seasonal (employee) in 2009,” Knight said. “I did that for two years.”

In March of 2011, he was hired as a custodian, but then the job as park supervisor opened up.

“It was an easy transition,” he said.

That’s probably because prior to working for the city, Knight worked as a landscaping contractor – something he still enjoys doing – although he counts “being in the park every day” as one of the perks of his job.

Originally from Kingsburg, Calif., his family moved to the Anderson area when he was eight.

“I was raised on a ranch,” he admits, though he prefers two-wheeled horse power to the four-legged variety.

“I ride dirt bikes,” he said, “…something without a mind. I like that kind.”

A graduate from Anderson Union High School, he now lives in Cottonwood. His children went to local schools, including Evergreen Elementary and West Valley High School.

“It’s really nice working for the city,” he said. “The people are great.”

His duties include mowing, park maintenance, filling pot holes, and he calls himself “the graffiti guy.” However, his job does have its down side.

“I have to clean the rest rooms,” he admits morosely, “and pick up horse poop.”

But you won’t hear Knight complain. He counts park visitors as the other big-time perk of the job.

“I love meeting the people who visit the park.”

When asked if he had anything to say to the residents of Anderson, Knight was quick with his response.

“The people that come to the park and pick up their own trash,” he said with a wide smile. “I would like to tell them that I appreciate that.”

Family: Wife, Sonya. Son, Chris. Daughters, Breanna and Kayla.

In my spare time: I camp, ride motorcycles and love to water ski.

My favorite book: History books

My favorite movie: “Armageddon”

My favorite recording artist: Garth brooks and Alabama

My dream car: As long as we are dreaming big, a Ferrari Testarosa (Ha!)

My friends like me because: I know it is not for my money

If stranded on a desert island, I would want: a genie in a bottle

The one thing in life I’ve learned is: Don’t give up.

The best advice my parents gave me: Keep your head up and your chest out .

What I like best about the north state: There are so many things to do.

My pet peeve is: Perfection.

My fantasy is: Travel the world.

If I could change one thing about myself, I would: Hmm — I got nothin’ (My wife says differently.)

The one thing Shasta County needs most is: jobs

The most enjoyable thing about life is: We have it, so let’s live it to its full extent.