Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero)

HIRING BONUS

ED3 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ED3 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

IRRIGATION CANAL OPERATOR (ZANJERO) TRAINEE

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision, this entry level classification will learn to deliver irrigation water and maintain water delivery records to agricultural customers and work to provide efficient scheduling and deliveries of irrigation water through the District’s canal system and all distribution facilities by monitoring, measuring, and adjusting of water flows, head and turnout gates, canals, and diversion structures on a timely basis.

Overall Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) training takes approximately two to three years. Employees in this job series may not transfer out of the Irrigation Operations (Zanjero) Department until after being an Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) for two years. Will work nights, weekends, holidays, and work alone, in all kinds of climatic conditions and be available for overtime and changing days off due to rotating schedule. The Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) Trainee position will not be scheduled to work evening shifts until they have become sufficient at running all laterals. Once the employee begins working the evening shift, they will receive a shift differential if qualified by current Rules and Regulations, based on time of shift worked.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected commensurate with the needs of the District. Each employee is responsible for his/her own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

- Observe and follow District Rules and Regulations, SOPs and Policies.

- Train to run Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) runs with very few call backs and lateral regulatory.

- Assist and train with other Irrigation Canal Operators (Zanjeros) on different runs.

- Make water deliveries for MSIDD customers; to measure water to maintain proper flow and assure that no water is wasted.

- Make water deliveries by turning on an off well, moving water from the main canal to laterals and sub lateral pipelines.

- Must be able to open and close gate valves, gates and canal gates by pulling, turning, or twisting with a torque in excess of 250 FT. pounds.

- Check and document equipment malfunctions on the delivery system and leaks, report breaks and damage to irrigation facilities, making immediate repairs where necessary or reporting the malfunction so repairs can be made. Notify Supervisors and coordinate water deliveries with District facilities repair/maintenance needs.

- Meet with farmers and irrigators to discuss water delivery problems and complaints. May make immediate adjustment to resolve complaints or refer the problem to Irrigation Operations (Zanjero) Supervisor. Check and document water usage delivered to District water delivery points while maintaining good working relations with irrigation customers.

- Record and update delivery records on the daily basis; of meters and users within a delivery area.

- Work in areas containing chemicals, dust, vapors, fumes, exhaust, insects, snake, dogs and other kinds of farm animals.

- Work and traverse uneven ground carrying heavy equipment in excess of 50 pounds.

- Work outside in unfavorable weather conditions and during hours of darkness.

- May drive a District vehicle in performance of duties in excess of 100 miles per day or night.

- Familiarize yourself with assigned area and patrol area daily performing assigned tasks.

- Read, understand and relate water measurement “tables” to manually measured and observed field conditions and situations.

- Communicate with System Operations Department prior to any gate adjustment or change in well status.

- Maintain accurate and legible written records in English; communicate effectively orally and in writing in English.

- Recheck questionable meter reading, problem deliveries and monitor regulatory and adjust as

necessary.

- Assist System Operations in checking suspected bad canal levels.

- Honor and prioritize scheduled and unscheduled water requests received in an irregular manner of order.

- Meet and confer with other Irrigation Canal Operators (Zanjeros) to discuss any problems or issues.

- Complete a daily report for Irrigation Operations (Zanjero) Supervisors.

- Keep grates clean; attend to and notify the appropriate authorities during emergency situations.

- Keep assigned laterals, wells, and all related structures clean from weeds and debris.

- Keep Distribution System free of obstruction and debris.

- Keep gate structures maintained and secured.

- Responsible for safe operation, properly maintaining and cleaning of vehicles and equipment.

- Operate equipment (non-CDL) to assist with the maintenance of the distribution system as directed.

- Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

- Maintain any related training and/or certification requirements.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications

- High School Diploma or GED.

- Must hold and maintain valid Arizona driver’s license.

- Must be able to operate vehicles with either stick shift or automatic transmission.

- Must pass pre-employment background check and drug screening test.

Abilities:

- Must have the ability to work independently or as part of a crew.

- The ability to perform basic math calculations and conversions.

- Must be able to comprehend written instructions for daily water deliveries.

- Must have the ability to perform corrective action in emergency situations.

- Must have critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

- Working knowledge of basic computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, and email.

- Ability to walk on sloping and irregular work surfaces, climb ladders, and bend, reach and pull/push in the operation of gates and the removal of weirs.

- Ability to obtain a Qualified Applicator Certification from the Arizona Department of Agriculture, if required.

Knowledge of:

- Safe work practices and proper use of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).

- Correct use and maintenance of hand tools and equipment.

Special Requirements

- The ability to work nights and weekends.

- The ability to work overtime or various shifts as assigned.

- The ability to multitask.

Preferred Requirements

- Valid CDL License.

EXPERIENCE:

- Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

- An agriculture or hydro related background is desired, but is not a requirement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

- Respond to emergencies during after-hours, weekends, and / or holidays. May have rotating scheduled and have to work overtime when required.

- May drive in excess of 100 miles per day on a regular basis.

- Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, occasionally lifting over 100 pounds.

- The employee is required to stand, walk and use hands to operate objects, tools or controls.

- Must be able sit or stand for long periods of time.

- Must be able to climb, balance, stoop and kneel.

- Must be able to perform physical labor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While Performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly must work within the following conditions:

- Close proximity to moving water in irrigation canals.

- Slippery and / or uneven terrain; working in mud and water or over water.

- Outside weather exposure.

- Various work locations, outdoors and occasionally in remote areas to the District office and shop.

- Work in areas containing chemicals, dust, vapors, fumes, exhaust, insects, snake, dogs and other kinds of farm animals.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Retirement plan

- Tuition reimbursement

- Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

- Maricopa, AZ 85138 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Maricopa, AZ 85138: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person