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Job Title: Ditch rider
Reports To: Management
Pay Range: $25.00/hr – $26.00/hr DOE

SUMMARY:

Responsible for the timely regulation and delivery of irrigation water to water users when on an assigned route during the water season. Will also perform routine and emergency canal maintenance tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

Working under the general supervision of the Field Manager, the incumbent receives very general oral instruction on work to be accomplished.

During the irrigation season, the incumbent is assigned responsibility for a specific ride. Following the initial introduction of water in his/her system, the incumbent establishes a daily routine which involves the following:
Receiving water orders (written, oral or telephone).
Determines the total amount of water to be turned into a laterals.
Keeps accurate and detailed records of diversions, deliveries, being responsible for accurately determining the effects of variations in flow, weather conditions, and/or outages on totals of such quantities during each 24 hour period.
Conducts inspections of the physical state of his/her system and the surrounding area in order to designate possible maintenance needs and to alleviate situations such as accumulation of weeds, silt, burrowing animals and moss growth.
Responsible for keeping waterways and weed racks free of weeds. Burn and/or remove debris on racks, walkways and on ditch rides. 
Pull and replace check boards as needed.
Replace and/or repair O&M signs as needed.
After the irrigation season, the incumbent drains their system and performs other related work necessary to the discontinuance of the system.
The incumbent may be required to operate a variety of transportation and earthmoving equipment.
The incumbent maintains continuous personal contact with office to confer with them on operational needs and policies, to collect water orders, to gather information.
Duties of the position require that the employee be generally available during the irrigation season, to perform emergency service to assure efficient operation and adequate protection of the irrigation system.
The incumbent will be required to perform various canal maintenance tasks during the non- irrigation season to include but not limited to cleaning and repairing canals, cutting, burning and clearing trees and brush.
The incumbent will perform vehicle maintenance and shop repairs as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The following job requirements are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

General construction, maintenance and water handling experience preferred
Irrigation background is helpful

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Basic knowledge of mathematics
Ability to operate hand tools and learn heavy equipment
Ability to maintain assigned ditch
Knowledge of general safety practices

Other:

Must possess a valid Montana State driver’s license. CDL Class “A” preferred (will help obtain if needed).
Good driving record (MVR must be provided as a condition of hire).
Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment.
Must display a positive attitude and promote team work.
Must display a courteous, respectful and tactful manner with supervisor, co-workers and the public.
Must follow all District safety policies.


Physical Demands:

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

Must be able to lift and/or pull up to 75 lbs.
Must be able to ascend and descend a ladder or scaffolding.
Must be able to bend, crouch, stoop, kneel, and stand for long periods.
Must be able to grip, grasp, and handle objects such as tools and small parts.
Must be able to reach and pull above your head.
Must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.

Working Conditions:

This position will expose the worker to environmental conditions found both indoors and outdoors.

May be exposed to extreme temperatures (heat and cold)
May be required to work in close quarters and cramped spaces.
Will frequently be exposed to fumes, odors, dust and other pollutants.
Will frequently be exposed to hazards such as rapidly moving water.
May be exposed to heights up to 20’
May be exposed to hazards such as moving parts, rotating blades, electrical current, etc.
May be exposed to loud noise levels

Compensation:

Wage: Hourly rate:  $25.00 –  $26.00/hr DOE

Benefits:

Health Insurance, including medical, dental and vision
8 hrs of annual & sick leave earned per month worked. New hires are eligible to take sick leave after 3 months and vacation leave after 6 months of employment.
Ten paid holidays when working
MT Public Employees Retirement System

This is a full-time position with possible layoffs in the winter due to conditions. During construction season normal hours will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30PM. During water season (April – September) working hours will vary each day to make 40 hours per week (alternating weeks will include different combinations to include some short Saturdays and/or Sundays.) Emergency callouts may be required.