Water Distribution Operator

Under general supervision, maintains close working relationship with District personnel and external customers or entities in order to efficiently and effectively coordinate the proper conveyance and distribution of water resources. Use computerized applications to schedule, communicate, and record information essential for accurate billing, regulatory compliance, and water conveyance. Execute various duties relating to constructing, repairing, cleaning, and maintaining District facilities in addition to other duties as assigned.

IRRIGATION SEASON - DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategically convey water and schedule irrigations for efficient water distribution while maintaining consistent head pressure and safe operation of the District’s irrigation system.  This conveyance and scheduling will occur in the field as well as an office environment.

Establish and sustain working relationships with customers and coworkers in order to monitor, assess and improve water deliveries; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in written format with customers and coworkers. 

Communicate with Call Center, customers and other WDOs concerning daily water orders and provide assistance or advice when necessary. 

Use extensive knowledge of operating procedures in combination with SCADA to accurately collect, analyze and report critical data for regulatory, billing and planning purposes.

Be proficient in operating all relevant software programs such as SCADA, Microsoft Suite, GIS and internal water billing systems for cross-verification, troubleshooting, scheduling and operational purposes. 

Learn names, locations and safe operations of all improvement district facilities within the assigned service area.  Inspect and operate main canals, laterals, pipelines and ditches to insure they are in proper working order and free from debris and moss. 

Remove debris when possible and report major issues to Construction and Maintenance Department.  Coordinate aquatic plant control and hazardous chemical removal from canals.

Coordinate pipeline, canal and ditch repair with farmers, other district employees and contractors. Perform construction and maintenance of canal system and other district facilities. 

Control the opening and closing of side gates to regulate water deliver. Inspect and operate pumps and other related equipment. Respond to emergency calls. 

Perform accurate flow measurements with District assigned meters using District approved procedures while on regularly assigned shift. 

When not conveying water, may be assigned to other duties as required by supervisor. 

OFF IRRIGATION SEASON - DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Work individually and/or with a crew to complete maintenance work and capital projects through the off season. 

Oil, lube, clean and repair pumps and related equipment. 

Operate a variety of construction equipment, including but not limited to: dump trucks, backhoes, and loaders. 

Operate and maintain gunite equipment. Install and repair drain lines, pipelines and ditches. 

Form and pour slabs, walls, weirs, side gates, pipelines and canal lining. Performing general carpentry, plumbing, welding and painting and other similar major and minor repair. 

Responsibilities may extend to other administrations and departments throughout the District as needed. Perform related work as required.

Education 

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, college course work in agriculture or soils science are desirable.

 

Experience 

Understanding of general construction principles.   Background in agriculture. General knowledge of irrigation principles desirable.

 

Skills and Abilities

Interpersonal and Communication:  Ability to: establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; understand and carry out oral and written directions. Interact well with diverse employee and customer personalities. Must have good oral and written communication skills.

 

Technical and Analytical:  Knowledge of record keeping and reporting procedures, basic math, safe work practices, vehicle operation, basic , tools, techniques and materials used in the construction, maintenance, repair and cleaning of irrigation facilities. Knowledge of irrigation practices, crops, soils and water measurement techniques and principles. Understanding of engineering principles as it relates to safely operating and maintaining irrigation delivery system.  Ability to operate or learn to operate a variety of construction equipment. Ability to operate several computer based programs to retrieve, organize, analyze and assess data. Ability to apply the District’s policies and Irrigation Rules in the field.

 

Administration and Operations:  Work without direct supervision.  Must have ability to fairly interpret and enforce District rules and procedures in a manner that defuses tense situations. Ability to plan, organize and manage time and duties with indirect supervision.  Must have ability to remain calm in difficult situations.

Necessary Special Requirements
Possession of a Class A California driver's license or equivalent with the following endorsements: Air Brake, Tanker, and Hazard, must be obtained within one (1) year of hire date.
  
SELECTION CRITERIA
Item                                                 Percentage Required to Obtain a Passing Score 
Written Examination                                                        70%
(Section Weight 30%)                    

 Oral Interview                                                                 70%
(Section Weight 70%)  
  
Medical Examination
This position may require a medical examination to determine medical fitness for performing the duties assigned to the position or classification. Drug testing in accordance with the FHWA regulations may also be required. (Details may be obtained from the Human Resources Department upon request.)
 
The Turlock Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, sex, physical and mental disability, medical condition (cancer related), age (over 40), and marital status. Assistance is available in filling out job applications for disabled individuals.

Assistance is available in filling out job applications for disabled individuals.
 
Applicants will be subject to drug testing in accordance with FHWA regulations, when the position requires a Commercial Driver's License.
 
The Turlock Irrigation District's bargaining unit positions are a part of an agency shop.

The Turlock Irrigation District provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with a disability in accordance with federal and state law.
  
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO: Human Resources Department, via our web site at www.tid.org.
  
Internal and external applicants may apply beginning Wednesday, April 23, 2025 until Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
 
NOTE: EXTERNAL Candidates will ONLY be considered if there are not enough internal candidates that apply for this position as outlined in the MOU.
  
Online/Written Examination Date: To Be Determined (TBD) after posting closes

Internal Candidate Note: Please refer to TIDEA MOU Section 20.2 and/or MSPC Section 26.13 for additional wage information.
 
 Human Resources Department
 (209) 883-8253

Salary : $5,610 - $6,818