Ditch Rider

Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District is currently accepting applications for:

Ditch Rider

$26.92 - 28.22/hr

Plus comprehensive benefits package

The Ditch Rider will work generally in an assigned area of the District. The Ditch Rider will be responsible for maintaining the alternate flow schedule for the assigned area, performing regular and scheduled maintenance on turnouts and other pipeline appurtenances as directed, and the proper drainage and charging of the pipelines in the assigned area while coordinating these activities with the Maintenance Supervisor.

The Ditch Rider will be responsible for answering locate requests in the assigned area, be watchful for District easement encroachments and monitor outside contractors working around District facilities.

This position is within the Laborers’ International #348 bargaining unit. This position will work in all labor classes as needed.

Responsibilities:

This position is required by contract to respond to emergency calls for water leaks or locate requests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and be on site within 30 minutes.

During the irrigation season, the Ditch Rider is responsible to oversee start-up and shut down of the area irrigation lines by charging or draining lines; establish main line isolation valve location and configuration; establish air vent location and monitoring during charging; establish blow off valve location and close them before charging; prepare all deliveries for use for the upcoming water season; isolate and drain all non-fire lines for winter; prepare all deliveries for winter and coordinate operations with the pump station and hydro plant Operator and Supervisor.

Water deliveries are activated only after the customer has paid the bill and requested for water to be turned on. The Ditch Rider will be responsible to oversee system maintenance and operation by monitoring water distribution flow; process work orders for delivery on/off and identify delivery malfunctions and troubleshoot problems.

The Ditch Rider is responsible for processing facility locate requests for pipelines, valves, turnouts and air vents or blow offs using Metrotech, drawings, and metal detectors and monitor for encroachment on pipeline easements. The Ditch Rider is also responsible to monitor encroachment on pipeline easements by fences, gates, weeds, farm chemicals, etc. near deliveries, proper use of spray fillers, illegal activities, and observe the work of contractors installing utility crossing of District Pipelines.

This position will perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Experience & Training High School Diploma or General Equivalency (GED) and two years of experience in repair and maintenance of irrigation, plumbing or electrical equipment or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. (Note: Applicants with equivalent education and/or experience must provide a detailed explanation.) 

Required:       Valid Washington State Driver’s License;

                        Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test

                        Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check with DOL check

Preferred:      Valid Washington State Flagger Certification

                        Valid First Aid/CPR Certification

Knowledge of:  Water pipe engineering theory and practice; water distribution and delivery types; basic understanding of hydraulics; understanding of proper valve operation functions; groundskeeping techniques; equipment and tools used in irrigation; safety precautions related to hazardous materials; basic federal, state, and local codes and regulations.

Skill In: Performing preventative maintenance on equipment; trimming trees and shrubs and applying herbicides; using a computer, electrical and electronic testing equipment and devices; operating and maintaining maintenance equipment; applying traffic control techniques for flagging; map reading, using two-way radios; performing basic building repairs; troubleshooting, diagnosing and identifying resolution to complex irrigation maintenance problems; decision making; high level of prioritization; establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships; communication, both written and oral, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. 

Equipment Used: computer, mobile devices, automobile, facility locate equipment and markers, metal detector, a variety of irrigation valves, pipes, and pumps including hydraulics, GIS software, facility maintenance shop hand and power tools.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: Multiple work locations, both inside and outside the office, will work outside of standard business hours and locations. May be exposed to hostile/angry individuals. Potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, air pollutants, electrical charges, extreme temperatures, and environmental dangers.

Physical Demands: requires driving, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, mobility, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion.

This position will be open until filled. The first round of applications will be reviewed Friday, March 28, 2025.

The Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $27 - $28