LECLAIR IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Job Description
Position Title: Ditch Rider
Job Description: Distributes irrigation water to farms and other district users as assigned within the LeClair-Riverton No. 2 canal system. Works with other district employees to maintain and operate a modern and properly functional water delivery system consisting of a main canal and its distribution laterals of the district.
Supervision Received and Exercised: Position is largely self-directed with supervision from the Irrigation District Manager and the Board of Commissioners of LeClair Irrigation District.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1)Determine on a daily basis the amount of water needed by the water users in the assigned area of the District and make arrangements with the district manager to divert that amount of water from the Big Wind River and make it available to the users.
2)Patrol the entire assigned area on a daily basis adjusting headgates to turn water on and off, clean trash inspect operational structures and facilities for maintenance needs, and communicate with District Manager and other District officials and water users.
3)Keep daily records of water diversions by district patrons and of canal flows at critical locations within the canal and lateral system.
4)Flush head gates, pipelines, siphons, and other structures to improve flow and remove debris as needed.
5)Operate and adjust spillways and other spill structures to maintain safe water levels at all canal locations.
6)Receive water user calls and complaints and determine the proper response based on district policies. Meet with water users when necessary to resolve complaints and disputes.
7)Recognize and respond to emergency situations involving district water delivery.
8)Assist in controlling weeds along the main canal, and around headgates and other district structures and facilities in accordance with district policy.
9)Operate district vehicles and equipment, and report vehicle maintenance needs.
10)Read staff gages, rating tables, and other water measuring equipment; perform routine arithmetic calculations to prorate water flow and determine headgate rotations when necessary.
11)Notify water users of service interruptions, pesticide applications, encroachments on district rights-of-way, etc.
12)Observe and report maintenance needs or damage to the canal, laterals, drops, checks, turnouts, waste ways, canal roads, and/or other district structures and facilities.
13)Keep vehicle and other District property in proper repair and presentable condition.
14)During non-irrigation season, perform regular maintenance and repair on District vehicles and equipment, and on canal structures, head gates, spillways, roadways, and other district facilities and property.
15)Stay informed of State and Federal laws having to do with delivery of irrigation water in Wyoming, and obey and comply with the same at all times.
16)Obey all Wyoming Water Laws and all State, City, and Federal Rules and Laws.
17)Perform other duties and responsibilities as directed by the District Manager.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of: Water properties and flow characteristics; agricultural operations; safe work practices; purpose and use of basic hand and power tools; proper use of herbicides; proper equipment operation and maintenance; layout and boundaries of the irrigation district; Wyoming water laws as pertaining to canal operation
Ability to: Perform manual labor; work with little supervision; communicate with water users and other district officials; calculate water flows and system capacities; keep accurate records; assess condition and maintenance requirements of canal system components; read gages and meters; anticipate water demands and river fluctuations to avoid long lag times between user requests and actual delivery; change priorities and make decisions on short notice.
Environmental conditions: Work is mostly in a field environment with some work in a shop and equipment yard; requires travel from site to site; exposure to water, dust, noise, grease smoke fumes, chemicals, weather; work around heavy equipment.
Physical and Mental Conditions: Walking, standing, bending, reaching, working on uneven/slippery surfaces, lifting, carrying, constant water hazards. Stress of emergencies, disgruntled water users, and government mandates.
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Employee signature
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District Manager
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