POSITION PURPOSE:
The Ditch Rider is responsible for the efficient and professional control of
the irrigation system to convey and manage water to shareholders in the
assigned areas, according to rights and By Laws of Corporation or as
instructed by the supervisor(s), and daily operations and maintenance
for the Company. A Ditch Rider is a professional who participates in the
day-to-day operations of their assigned projects and responsibilities for the
water delivery systems and record keeping duties that may be modified by
management as needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Accurately measure amount of water delivered and adjust headgates and flows
accordingly.
- Take 811 Utility Locate phone calls and performs the locate duties of
marking locations, online logs, and document reporting, and reports any
discrepancies or issues to the Manager or Assistant Manager in a timely
manner.
- Drive and/or walk to and evaluate the canals, pumps, or pipes to check
each headgate or diversion for proper flow, detect leaks, breaks, weak
areas, or obstructions and/or damage to the irrigation system.
- Check for leaks, cracks, spills or any problem signs of canals or water
delivery system instability of failure.
- Monitor canal right-of-way for trespass and unauthorized use. Inform the
Superintendent and/or Assistant Manager if associated problems arise that
cannot be resolved independently without confrontation.
- Post signs and/or put up cables and gates that close the right-of-way in
the off season or as needed.
- Maintain all ditch equipment, supplies, tools, accessories, and
their storage.
- Answer daily calls and emergency calls utilizing a personal cell phone
regarding ditch water concerns daily and notify supervisor and users of any
changes in water being delivered.
- Brings ditches, canals, pumps online and monitors and maintains the
water delivery system as appropriate.
- Repair headgates, measurement devices, flushing and clearing pumps,
repair pipes, and culverts as needed or as supervised.
- Maintain and repair ditch roads, property, structures, and accesses.
- Weld or assist in fabrication of equipment, headgates, etc. as necessary.
- Safely and efficiently operate all job-related equipment and tools within
the company and scope of work.
- Maintain a hard copy record or log of all irrigation water delivered by
shares to shareholders.
Ensure prompt and adequate water share delivery of irrigation water to
Shareholders.
Maintain the integrity of the canal, siphon, pipe, or lateral when
either leaking or plugged using shovel, trash hook, or other necessary
equipment and/or resources.
- Accurately enter data into the irrigation GIS software program during shift.
- Report any known maintenance problems on the canals, laterals,
diversions or drains to the supervisor in an efficient and timely manner.
- May be required to enter the canal or structure at times to repair
problems, resolve issues or assist in repairs while water is present wearing
waders or boots and personal protective safety equipment and gear.
- Work with company employees and/or irrigators (shareholders) on ditch
water delivery and/or changes.
- Clean out ditches and canals, raise ditch banks, repair concrete and
wooden structures, erect fences, gates, and other maintenance work
during or after irrigation season has passed and as necessary.
- Patrol canal at night to define that ditch water is flowing in prescribed
volume into company canals or ditches, as necessary.
- Measure and estimate diversions of water from canals to water users and
calculate and record quantities (electronically and written) delivered.
- Assist in performing assigned tasks within the company's district during
the Irrigation and Maintenance Seasons.
- Understand working knowledge of tasks and abide by all department and
company policies and procedures.
- Comply with and practice company Safety Program requirements and attend al
safety meetings.
- Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as assigned while
promoting team and individual efforts.
- Performs other job-related tasks and duties as may be assigned with a clear
understanding of each task.
- Trims, cuts, and removes trees and shrubs using proper tools and
equipment safely.
REQUIRED SCREEN CLEARANCE:
- Drug Screening; Pre-employment and random
- Background screening
- Motor Vehicle report clearance per company insurance guidelines
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
- Proficiently and safely perform basic carpentry, painting, and concrete
practices including the use of hand and power tools.
- Proficiently and safely perform basic machinery operations such as mowers,
motor vehicles including towing and backing trailers, operate motorized
light or heavy equipment.
- Proficiently and safely perform basic welding and turnout repair practices.
- Proficiently perform basic computer processes such as using email and
Microsoft Office products.
- Work autonomously with minimal supervision.
- Work with attention to details in a safe manner following guidelines and
procedures.
- Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of
alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and
evaluate options and implement solutions.
