CANAL WORKER I/II/III

CANAL WORKER I/II/III 

DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the Water Division Supervisor the incumbent is responsible for the safe  operation and maintenance of the District’s water facilities in areas of assignment. The incumbent will  enforce equitable distribution of water to users through regulating the flow and distribution of irrigation  water.  

During the winter months, each canal worker can be assigned to Maintenance where the incumbent will  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 as needed. For further information on  Maintenance duties please refer to the Maintenance Worker I, II, III job description.  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Canal Worker I:  

This is the entry level in the class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of  the position at the II level or above but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually  exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Since  this is the training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Typically,  this position will ride with an experienced Canal Worker before assignment to a primary location. On-the-job  training is provided by the Water Division Supervisor, or an experienced Canal Worker. As the employee  gains experience, Canal Workers in adjoining locations will provide assistance when problems arise.  Employees will develop skills in working independently, providing irrigation water to growers and resolving  routine water delivery problems. 

Canal Worker II:  

This is the experienced level in the class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by  the performance of the full range of duties assigned, working independently, exercising judgment and  initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations  arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class  series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level  requiring two years of experience at the I level, successful performance, management recommendation and  budget availability. When hired from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience  which allows the employee to meet the minimum qualification standards for level II.

Canal Worker III:  

This is the expert level in the class series. Positions at this level may have supervisory responsibilities and  are expected to routinely suggest and implement new and improved procedures in performing tasks. Will be  the training instructor for future hires in the position. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and  positions at the III level are normally filled by advancement from the II level requiring 3 years of experience  at the II level, successful performance, management recommendation and budget availability. When hired  from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to  meet the minimum qualification standards for level III.  

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Illustrative list of essential functions not to be considered all-inclusive. 

Acting on behalf of CCID the incumbent will complete tasks such as:  

- Accepts requests for water, orders the amounts needed from the distribution system. - Ensures the proper flow and delivery of irrigation water in an assigned area. 

- Read Meters and head gates daily to accurately manage flows on community and private ditches. - Work with Water Billing Clerk on daily consumer usage. They will maintain daily log sheets,  document high water usages, and notifying those growers.  

- Help aid maintenance or put together work orders for ditch work. Have a general understanding of  Permanent Maintenance Agreements (PMAs) work.  

- Clean and repair Open Flow meters during the irrigation season and in the meter room during winter  maintenance.  

- Regulates head gates, turnoffs, and diversions to ensure proper water levels. 

- Records flow rate and staff gage readings as necessary. 

- Act as the District representative in handling inquiries and complaints. 

- Secures crop reports and completes other collecting or contacting as the District may require. - Patrols, cleans, and safeguards District facilities and equipment, noting and reporting any and all  unsafe or improper conditions or the repair, maintenance and construction of District facilities. - Performs other maintenance or operating duties as may be assigned.  

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS 

Knowledge of:

- General knowledge of Basic Math, English grammar, spelling and punctuation, reading and writing. - Specialized knowledge of principles of irrigation distribution systems, operation and mechanics of  irrigation canals, headgates, turnouts, diversions, pipelines, and other related facilities - Communication skills enabling the ability to communicate clearly with both internal team members  as well as external customers. 

Ability to:  

- Maintain detailed and accurate records. 

- Assemble data and prepare detailed and clear reports. 

- Perform simple Open Flow meter maintenance under direction of the Pumpman or Supervisor.  - Understand and Utilize District field maps and GIS mapping if needed.  

- Work effectively and independently in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities with general supervision and support.

Class Creation -8/2014 Current Revision 10/2025 

- Manage time effectively and anticipate and fill consumers’ requests for water in a manner the insures  safe and proper flow of irrigation waters. 

- Learn a variety of work in the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of District facilities,  canals, drains, SCADA sites, and other related facilities. 

- Learn proper application and use of equipment, tools and material used in repair and maintenance of  District facilities. 

- Properly follow District and OSHA policies related to safe work practices, procedures and regulations  including wearing protective equipment and safety devices.  

WORK SCHEDULE 

Normal work schedule varies with the demands of the irrigation season. During the winter months, each  canal worker will consistently be assigned to either Maintenance or Water. Generally, the time spent in each  department, the hours per day worked, and the pattern of days worked will be consistent with but not limited  to the following:  

DEPARTMENT Hours Worked Days Worked 

Maintenance 8/day-40/week Monday – Friday (1/2-hour lunch) 

Water 8/day-40/week 10 days on/4 days off (2-hr lunch) 

Water 8/day-50/week 12 days on/2 days off (2-hr lunch) 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed both indoors in a closed environment as well as outdoors in harsh field environments.  Adverse working conditions may include above average noise, traffic and machinery hazards, working in  water, exposure to (heat, cold, rain, wind, fumes, dust, and skin irritants), and standing and/or moving over  rough terrain for extended periods of time. Will by near road traffic, swift flowing water, and slippery  surfaces. 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Requires the mobility to work indoors and out in the field; ability to walk, stand, stoop, climb, balance, bend,  kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, twist, and reach while performing duties; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds  frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools and  controls; perform grasping and fine manipulation. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual  discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and  writing, and operating office equipment, tools and specialized equipment. 

Class Creation -8/2014 Current Revision 10/2025 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:  

Canal Worker I 

This is an entry level position that will consider candidates with no direct experience performing the tasks  indicated. 

PREFERRED:  

-Minimum of 1 year working within a water or irrigation district or experience in Agriculture providing  knowledge of general construction and maintenance in the construction, maintenance, repair, and cleaning of  irrigation facilities.  

Canal Worker II 

A minimum of two years working for CCID as a Canal Worker I.  

Equivalent experience working in another water, irrigation district, or facility will be accepted to meet the  two-year experience requirement.  

Canal Worker III 

A minimum of three years working for CCID as a Canal Worker II.  

Equivalent experience working in another water, irrigation district, or facility will be accepted to meet the  experience requirements.  

Education:

High School diploma or GED equivalent 

PREFERRED:  

-College coursework in Agriculture 

-College coursework in Computer applications (specifically Microsoft Office suite) 

Additional Requirements:  

Possession of a valid CADL. This position will require continual and expected travel to multiple locations  within the District. Maintain proof of clean driving record and remain in compliance with District Policy  regarding use of District vehicles. Under certain circumstance, the Director of HR or General Manager may  accept a valid driver’s license from another State if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a CADL  within 90 days by signing an acknowledgement form.  

This job description lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive.  Incumbents may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this  document. 

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