Distribution System Operator / Construction Maintenance Worker

DEFINITION This position incorporates two job classifications and duties for the District. During the irrigation season this position operates under the Water Operations Department as a Distribution System Operator and during the non-irrigation season operates under the Construction and Maintenance Department as a Construction and Maintenance Worker. The irrigation season, depending on weather and District operations, can begin as early as March 1st and end as late as October 31st. Job duties for each classification are specified as follows:
Distribution System Operator:  Under general supervision of the Water Operations Manager and working through the Ag Water Operations Manager and various Water Operation Supervisors, to perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the scheduling and distribution of irrigation water to irrigators; perform minor repair work in, on and around irrigation works including cleaning and maintenance of irrigation canals, ditches, and structures as necessary to assure: (1) safe access to facilities, (2) proper operation of works, and (3) the proper conveyance and distribution of irrigation water; and perform related work as required.

 
Manage and control water for irrigation purposes and related duties for the extent of the irrigation season, working twelve (12) hours per shift, inclusive of ½-hour unpaid lunch break. As specified by the Water Operations Manager, Distribution System Operators will be assigned to work either the day shift or night shift schedule. The work schedule will typically include seven (7) consecutive workdays, and seven (7) consecutive days off throughout the irrigation season. The day shift schedule commences at 6:00 a.m. and concludes at 6:00 p.m. The night shift schedule commences at 5:30 p.m. and concludes at 5:30 a.m. the following morning. Work schedule and shift assignment are subject to change at the District's discretion.

 
Construction and Maintenance Worker:  Under general supervision of the Construction & Maintenance Manager and working through various Field Operations Supervisors, to perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the construction, repair, cleaning, and maintenance of irrigation canals, ditches, pipelines, pump lines, and structures; and to perform other duties as assigned.

 
This position may be assigned an Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) consisting of either a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule. Typically, during the non-irrigation season the 9/80 work schedule is assigned which consists of 9.5 hours per shift, inclusive of ½-hour unpaid lunch, Monday through Thursday with every other Friday off. The Friday that is scheduled to be worked is an 8.5-hour shift, inclusive of ½-hour unpaid lunch. Work schedule may vary depending upon District operations.

 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 
Employees of this class should have attained the degree of experience allowing them to function independently in a variety of irrigation and maintenance assignments with exceptional skill and efficiency. At times, employees may also be expected to assist in the cross-training of less experienced personnel. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR 
This work is extremely physical in nature, and it is essential that the employee be physically and mentally able to work as outlined under the "Typical Physical and Mental Activities" section of this job description. 

 
Accurately and completely follow the Rules and Regulations Establishing the Essential Duties of Distribution System Operators.

 
Personally contact irrigators to determine the number of acres that will be under irrigation, the types of crops that will be planted and other pertinent information either shown on District forms or specially requested by the District.

 
Drive pickups and other work trucks over various types of road and road conditions, sometimes while pulling a trailer or similar piece of equipment. 

 
Continuously patrol and inspect District canals, ditches, conduits in assigned division to assure that all is in order and that water delivery is as scheduled. 

 
Perform said patrols and inspections when not manually operating control gates, weirs, and valves, and when not physically cleaning, painting, and maintaining District structures and their appurtenances, and further, when not communicating with irrigators and compiling records required by the District. 

 
Use person-to-person contact and phone systems to communicate (speak) in English with departmental supervisors and management, other distribution system operators, maintenance supervisors, and irrigators. 

 
Coordinate irrigation deliveries, and the conveyance capacities of assigned irrigation ditches and pipelines, with adjacent distribution system operators. 

 
Schedule irrigation deliveries to maximize the flow capacities of the systems within assigned division while following established District procedures and required delivery intervals. 

 
Ensure that no water is wasted; measure and record water in OID facilities within assigned division, both what is being delivered and flowing in the drains. 

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

 
Maintain written records in English and keep current and accurate water usage records for each irrigator served. 

 
Minimize usage of deep wells and reclamation pumps; when channel capacity exists, maximize the delivery of surface water supplies. 

 
Have the physical strength and agility to manually operate oil, lube, and clean reclamation and deep well pumps and related equipment according to District procedures. 

 
Perform minor manual repair work in, on, and around irrigation works, including cleaning and maintenance of irrigation canals, ditches and structures as necessary to assure: (1) safe access to facilities, (2) proper operation of works, and (3) and the proper conveyance and distribution of irrigation water. 

 
Maintain and keep current time and equipment logs, materials and supplies used records, and rotation sheets. 

 
Make good judgment decisions involving safe and proper work procedures and the order in which assignments are completed.

 
Operate and monitor water operations and deliveries utilizing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

 
Know and stay updated on basic computer skills to track and record water deliveries, make notes, navigate various maps and utilize email services.

 
Complete work orders for repairs as necessary; coordinate and schedule service interruptions and outages to facilitate repairs and replacement of OID facilities.

 
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE 
Dig with a shovel; lift, cut, carry, and tie reinforcing steel; lift, set, and install form work and necessary shoring and scaffolding; place and finish concrete over-pour structures, pipelines, canal linings and related irrigation and drainage works.

 
Perform general carpentry, plumbing, painting, concrete, gunite, and other similar major and minor repair, alteration and maintenance work on District works and facilities using various hand tools and mechanical equipment.

 
Layout, install, disassemble, and repair gates, valves, ladders, rails, structures, machinery, equipment, and other components commonly found in and around irrigation and domestic water works.

 
Safely operate forklifts, and other mechanical equipment to lift, transport, and move raw materials, finished components, and other fixtures used to repair and improve irrigation and domestic water works and their appurtenances.

 
Operate a variety of light equipment. Drive pickups and other work trucks over various types of road conditions, sometimes while pulling a trailer or similar piece of equipment.

 
Perform various construction and maintenance tasks under field conditions, in adverse weather conditions, in confined spaces and on elevated work surfaces.

 
Keep supervisor apprised of changed working conditions, and of the need for materials, supplies, tools, and equipment purchases necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the Department. Apprise supervisor when work is complete and new assignments are needed.

 
Basic methods, tools, techniques, and materials used in the construction, maintenance, repair and cleaning of irrigation facilities. 

 
Uses and purposes of general construction and maintenance tools and equipment.

 
Safe and efficient processes and procedures used in the operation of hand tools used for digging, painting, cleaning, grinding, drilling and breaking concrete, and other concrete placement and finishing tools and equipment.

 
The operation of a variety of construction equipment and tools. 

 
Perform work in confined spaces, in the vicinity of load noises, in inclement weather, and on elevated platforms.

 
Perform related manual work as required.  Knowledge of :
Soil and crops.

 
Record keeping and reporting procedures. 

 
Safe work practices and procedures. Safe and efficient operation of a variety of construction equipment.

 
Operation of pickup with either a stick shift or automatic transmission. 

 
Ability to : 

 
Learn and use good judgment in the implementation of District policies and procedures with respect to the Essential Duties of a Distribution System Operator and the conveyance and distribution of irrigation water in a safe and efficient manner. 

 
Safely and efficiently perform a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks such as concrete work, painting, and high-water pressure cleaning used in the construction, maintenance, repair and cleaning of irrigation facilities. Safely and efficiently use a variety of hand tools and equipment in the repair and fabrication of concrete and metal structures such as hand saws, hammers, chisels, skill saws, electrical and air drills and jack hammers.

 
Work without direct supervision, alone or in a crew of many. 

 
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and those contacted in the course of work. 

 
Safely operate and properly maintain assigned vehicle. 

 
Operate and maintain a variety of construction and concrete placement equipment, including gunite, pipe laying, and other concrete application equipment.

 
Perform heavy manual labor in the control/operation of gates, valves, and weirs and in the use of hand tools such as weir hooks, hoedowns, shovels, and an assortment of specialty devices used to open and close inline valves. 

 
Walk on sloping and irregular work surfaces, climb fences, ladders, and bend, reach, and pull/push in the operation of gates and the removal of weirs. 

 
Perform mathematical calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 

 
Perform work on elevated work surfaces, within confined spaces, in the office, in assigned vehicle, under daylight and nighttime conditions, and out in the field under varying weather conditions.

 
Appropriate precautionary measures to mitigate occupational hazards of the trade and as occasioned in the performance of work in the field on irrigation and domestic water system works and their appurtenances.

 
Hazard and safety precautions to use when working with various chemicals and materials commonly used in the maintenance and construction of irrigation and drainage works.

 
Vehicular and safety codes and procedures affecting the operation of hoists, cranes, forklifts, trucks, and other equipment used in the transport, fabrication, and movement of materials, parts, tools, and equipment.

 
Keep track and tell time using Military time procedures. 

 
Work Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, and nights.

 
Work overtime or various shifts as assigned.

 
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Experience :

 
Knowledge of general construction and maintenance in the construction, maintenance, repair, and cleaning of irrigation facilities.

 
A farming background is desired but is not a requirement.  Education : 

 
Completion of formal or informal education sufficient to assure the ability to read and write in English and perform mathematical computations at the level required for successful job performance.  NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 
Must provide two forms of identification for proof of legal right to work in the United States. 
Possession of an appropriate California Driver's License, and a good motor vehicle driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years' duration. The driving record will not contribute to an increase in the District's automobile insurance rates. 
A Department of Motor Vehicles "Driver Record Information" printout will be required at the time of hire. 
Pass a chemical and physical examination and background check upon conditional offer of employment. TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ACTIVITIES 
Operates, in a sitting position, District vehicles and power-driven equipment to transport materials and to travel between job sites for periods of approximately 1 to 8 hours per day.
Intermittently kneels, squats, climbs, and carries for brief to moderate duration.
Communicates orally with District staff and constituents in face-to-face, one-to-one settings.
Uses a cellular telephone and email for communication.
Work involves exposure to environmental elements and various chemicals and materials used in the construction and repair of concrete structures and in the repair of metal alloy components.
Visual and physical hazards are common to remote construction sites, including poison oak, bees, snakes, rodents, and solar and cement burns.
Regularly ascend and descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, and the like using feet and arms. Frequently performs these activities while carrying tools, equipment, and materials used in the trade.
Employees may stand intermittently for durations ranging up to 10 to 15 minutes at each occurrence for approximately 3 to 4 hours or more per day. Standing will occur intermittently with walking, sitting, kneeling, squatting, crawling, and climbing.
Intermittent standing, sitting, pushing/pulling, crawling, reaching, carrying, stooping, twisting, and lifting for periods of approximately 1 to 3 hours per day. Some repetitive pushing/pulling with the use of arms, hands, feet, and legs. Twisting of the wrists and elbows may be performed in conjunction with reaching, pushing, pulling, bending, lifting, and gripping and grasping. Twisting of the knees and ankles will occur throughout the work shift. Intermittent twisting of the upper torso may occur for periods of 3 to 4 hours total.
Uses both hands and fingers to grip and grasp and to manipulate tools and components. These functions are intermittently performed for brief to moderate periods ranging from 5 to 7 minutes for daily totals between 5 to 7 hours. 
Frequently lifts, carries, and walks with heavy materials (60 pounds), such as cement and sandbags and concrete pipe units for periods of 1 hour or more daily. Lifting may be performed in conjunction with pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, gripping, and grasping.
Lift to the height of 3 to 6 feet various materials, tools, component parts, and equipment weighing up to 60 pounds for up to 2 hours daily, for distances normally not exceeding 100 feet.
Frequently pulls, and pushes objects, such as movement of materials to and from working sites and the installation and removal of different types of pipe forms. Such work involves frequent grasping with hands and strenuous use of back, stomach, and arm muscles.

 
Intermittent laying on back/stomach on various work surface types for moderate to extended periods (3 to 6 hours total).
Intermittent to continuous reaching and bending of the elbows, knees/ankles for brief to moderate duration, however, typically for periods of 5 to 7 hours or more. Reaching and bending functions are generally performed in conjunction with the other motor movements.
Stooping or bending may be performed while the employee is in a variety of positions, including standing, sitting, kneeling, and squatting. Intermittent stooping ranges from 7 to 10 minutes for a daily total of approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Employees will perform intermittent neck motion/flexion ranging up to 10 minutes at each occurrence for about 4 to 5 hours per day.
Continuous use of normal to corrected normal hearing and vision with good depth perception.
Frequently uses knowledge and experience to make proper judgment decisions involving work processes and procedures.
Occasionally it will be necessary for the employee to lie on his back/stomach and to crawl, especially when he has to reach something in a canal or get under a farmer's fence enclosure. 
Additionally, the employee may also use his hands and arms as well as feet and legs to push and pull the above-described tasks. 
Twisting of the wrist and elbows, the upper torso and knees and ankles will occur when the employee performs routine tasks such as the manipulation of gates that are of the larger variety. 
Some bending of the wrists may be repetitive in nature for brief to moderate periods of 10 to 15 minutes. Bending of the knees and ankles will total approximately 10 to 12 hours per day, with intermittent, brief to continuous movement, occurring throughout the day.
For a total of 2 to 3 hours or more per day, the employee will perform intermittent finger manipulation and some fine finger dexterity movements when using the phone and computer and to complete written reports. 
Read and speak in English at a level sufficient to communicate effectively over the phone, in person, and over the radio. Read, understand, and follow instructions, either written in English or verbally presented in English, which cover the safe use and handling of chemicals, and which are prepared to insure the safe and efficient completion of daily work assignments.