Corcoran Irrigation District
Job Description
Job Title: Canal Operator
Department: Field Department
Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Operations Manager
Other: Safety Sensitive Position
Summary: Under general supervision, the Canal Operator regulates the flow and distribution of irrigation and flood water to units through reservoirs, canals, ditches and communicates with water users within the District. As well as, perform maintenance activities for District facilities.
Essential Functions:
- Regulates headgates, turn-offs, and diversion to ensure the maintenance of proper water levels in rivers, canals and ditches
- Records meter readings and staff gauge readings
- Installs, calibrates and maintains metering instruments
- Ensures distribution system remains free from obstructions
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, river units, suppliers, board members & public
Other Duties:
- Prepares a variety of reports including but not limited to water delivery and encroachment
- Communicate with the Operations Manager of problems or issues related to the delivery of water
- Maintains and repairs District buildings, fixtures, grounds, water structures and associated equipment
- Operates and maintains rubber-tired equipment (backhoes, Dump trucks, tractors,) & track-driven equipment (dozers)
- Maintains and repairs District buildings, fixtures, grounds, water structures and associated equipment
- May perform semi-skilled maintenance and construction work, welding, operating a variety of hand and power tools when necessary
- Performs related duties as assigned
Job Standards/Specifications:
Knowledge of:
- Basic Hydraulics and water flow
- Basic arithmetic
- Mechanical principles
- Various types of water gates, diversion, and turnouts
- Methods used in balancing water flow
- Geography of local area
- Proper work safety standards
Ability to:
- Respond and resolve complaints from water users
- Ensure that water is delivered in a timely manner
- Make accurate math calculations
- Work independently, without immediate supervision at job sites
- Perform heavy physical labor requiring strength, dexterity, and agility
- Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and outside agencies
- Operate assigned heavy equipment with skill and safety
- Perform a variety of maintenance and construction work
- Skillfully use the hand and power tools involved in construction and maintenance work
- Follow oral and written directions
Typical Physical Demands:
- Operate District vehicles in a safe and efficient manner
- Must be able to carry, push, pull, reach, and lift equipment, parts, etc. weighing up to 50 pounds
- Stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, and climbs during field maintenance and repair work
- Works in an environment with exposure to dust, dirt, cold swift flowing water, and significant temperature changes between cold and heat
- Communicate orally with District staff
- Uses telephone & computers
- Sits, stands and/or walks for extended time periods
- Walk or stand on unlevel surfaces ranging from 30-60 degrees
- Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction
- Works and drives at night
- Operates District vehicles and equipment in construction, maintenance, and repair work
- Work and drive at night
Environmental Factors:
- Exposure to extreme cold and extreme heat
- Exposure to wet and or humid conditions
- Work above floor level: some work on ladders, or other surfaces in high and/or precarious places
- Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals
- Exposure to usually loud noise levels
- Exposure to moving mechanical parts
- Irregular or extended work hours: Occasionally required to change working hours or work overtime
Desirable Qualifications:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or
- Two years related experience and/or training, or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
Certificates, Licenses, Registration Requirement:
- Drivers License: Possession of a valid California Class ‘C’ License required. Possession of a valid California Class ‘A’ License preferred. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
- Possession and proof of a good driving record is evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents.
The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.