Water System Operator

Under general supervision, regulates the flow and distribution of irrigation water to growers’ canals and ditches further downstream; handles grower complaints and problems; inspects for leaks and spills; repairs small leaks and assists on larger leaks and bank breaches; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Water Systems Operator series are flexibly staffed. Incumbents in this classification progress through this series based on time in grade and demonstrated proficiency at the next higher level. Water System Operators (WSO) may be assigned to a day or night shift. When assigned to the day shift, the WSO is responsible for a smaller geographical area of Fresno Irrigation District and works closely with customers and assists them with their problems and needs.

When assigned to the night shift, the WSO is responsible for a larger geographical area of Fresno Irrigation District and more time is spent inspecting for proper flow and level throughout the assigned area as well as leaks and breaks.

Due to the nature of Water Systems Operator work, employees are expected to perform work at a lower-level classification when there is insufficient work at their assigned level. Employees may be assigned to work at a higher level for training purposes. During the non-water season, incumbents will be assigned to Construction and Maintenance Department and take on the duties of C/M Worker I or II (depending on length of tenure with District and specific skills, abilities, and experience). Duties of Construction/Maintenance Lead may be applicable as well as assignment to another division or department of the District.

This position reports to the Water Supervisor.

This position is considered safety-sensitive and, therefore, is included in the random drug screening program.

WSO I - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be the possession of a high school diploma or equivalent; experience working on a farm such as in irrigating crops or related activities; use of hand tools and small power tools. Employee must successfully complete Core Values training.

WSO II – To qualify for this position, the incumbent must have worked at least 6 years for the District as a WSO I or Construction Maintenance Worker. Employee must have successfully completed Core Values training and consistently demonstrated FID Core Values in the workplace.

WSO III: To qualify for a WSO III position: The employee must have worked for the District at least seven (7) continuous years; Satisfactory experience for a full season on a minimum of two (2) runs including either tail-end, night run or specialized operations – Tail-end runs 105, 109, 112, 104, 111, 108; Night runs-113, 114, 115; specialized operations; Demonstrated proficiency in a minimum of four (4) specialized construction/maintenance skills. Specialized construction/maintenance skills to include four (4) of the following – Pipeline Repair, Gate Repair, Canal Lining Repair and Installation, Canal Structure Modification and Installation, Sloping, Brushing, Pipeline Installation, Spray Rig Operator, Possession of special license, new construction, heavy equipment operation, crew leader of any of the above other specialized work and completion of any District required education and/or certification. completion of any District required education and /or certification. In addition, incumbent must have successfully completed Core Values training and consistently demonstrated FID Core Values in the workplace.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

This position does not supervise. However, all employees have responsibility to orientate, train, and assist employees of lower-level classifications.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work and essential functions that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Receive an annual schedule of water allocations in the assigned area.

• Work with customers to ensure water delivery during the time needed.

• Ensure the proper flow and delivery of irrigation water in an assigned area, adjust water systems to maintain proper flow.

• Regulate headgates, turn-offs, and diversions to ensure proper water levels in canals, ditches, and ponding basins.

• Inspect and maintain water meters.

• Record meter readings; measure water deliveries and make physical reading from ponding basis to Metropolitan Flood Control basins.

• Daily use of tablets for a variety of FID-related duties

• Collects and records all required daily readings

• Keep distribution system free of obstructions, clean trash racks, and schedule trash crew.

• Contact customers to advise them when water will be delivered or when aquatic herbicides are being used in the system.

• Ensure customers do not exceed their allocation.

• Inspect for leaks, breaks, and spills.

• Resolve customer complaints within a level of authority and refers to complaints beyond the level of authority to supervisor.

• Repair small breaks or leaks and assists in the closure of large breaks and leaks.

• Inform supervisors of problems with the supply of water.

• Inform the maintenance of large leaks or spills.

• Prepare and prioritize work order requests.

• Report encroachments, water theft, and homeless encampments.

• Train and mentor new WSOs.

• Respond to emergency calls during the assigned shift.

• Perform varied duties in the construction, repair, and maintenance of irrigation canals, pipelines, and structures.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education, Training, and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be the possession of a high school diploma or equivalent; experience working on a farm such as in irrigating crops or related activities; use of hand tools and small power tools.

Licenses and Certificates:

Driving is an essential function of this position. Possession of a valid California class C driver’s license may be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Possession and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration. The driving record will not contribute to an increase in the District’s automobile rates.

Knowledge of:

• Safe working practices.
• Basic math, reading, writing in English.
• Knowledge of computers and software to perform job functions.
• Basic hydraulics and water flow; simple mechanical principles; various types of water gates, diversions, and turnouts.
• Fresno Irrigation District distribution system.
• Rules and regulations governing water distribution and applicable water codes.
• Water banking facilities.
• Knowledge of crops and crop survey software.
• Confined space knowledge.
• Methods used in balancing water flow within an assigned area.
• Hand tools and small power tools.

Ability to:

• Work and drive safely.
• Keep accurate and legible records.
• Follow water schedules.
• Read gauges, meters, and other measurement devices.
• Convert gallons per minute (GPM) to cubic feet per second (CFS) and acre feet (AF).
• Visually evaluate the flow and level of water.
• Recognize shortages and overages of water flows in an assigned area of the distribution system.
• Recognize the signs of canal breaks or leaks.
• Recognize unsafe conditions.
• Communicate and coordinate via telephone or in person with WSO partner and supervisor.
• Communicate via telephone or in person with customers and other agencies.
• Use a computer, laptop, and tablet.
• Resolve customer problems and complaints.
• Repair small leaks and breaks.
• Determine priorities and decide the first course of action upon discovering large breaks or spills.
• Resolve water theft problems.
• Use hand tools and light power tools used in construction and maintenance.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Adjust duties based on weather conditions and seasons.
• Swim.

Physical and Mental Standards

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Operates District vehicles and equipment used in construction, maintenance, and repair work.

• Must be able to push, pull, reach, and lift equipment and parts weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.

• Stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, and climbs during maintenance and repair work.

• Works in an environment with exposure to dust, dirt, sharp objects, human waste, hazardous materials, and/or weed abatement chemicals, and significant temperature changes between heat and cold.

• Communicates orally with District staff in face-to-face, one-on-one settings.

• Regularly uses a telephone for communication.

• May sit or stand or walk on uneven terrain for extended time periods.

• Hearing, vision and eye-hand coordination sufficient to operate foot and hand controls and to maintain good awareness during maintenance and construction jobs.

• May work a variety of scheduled shifts and work overtime as required during the irrigation season.

• During the non-irrigation system, be assigned a forty-hour workweek on various duties.

Other Conditions of Employment:

• Employee will follow all safety rules.
• Employee will observe and follow all District policies and regulations.
• Employee will report to work at the appointed time for each day he or she is scheduled to work.
• During paid work time, employee will perform all work tasks and responsibilities to the best of his or her ability with the focus on quality and timely completion.
• Employee will work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors.
• Employee will represent the District in a positive and professional manner at all times.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is primarily performed in an outside environment.