Irrigation Ditch Rider (Zanjero)

Definition Under supervision of the Irrigation Operations Supervisor, operates the Community irrigation systems north and south of the Arizona Canal and in Lehi. Performs on call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week on a bi- or tri-weekly basis; patrols canals daily to detect problems with the irrigation systems. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt and considered a DRIVING position, subject to working on-call. Essential Functions: (Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledges, abilities, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.) Examples of Tasks 1. Receives irrigation water requests from customers and schedules deliveries with Salt River Project (SRP). Consolidates individual water requests and informs supervisor of planned and anticipated water needs on a daily basis. 2. Measures proportions of water to water users; regulates water flow through adjustments of checks and gates from canals to field ditches; operates pump back systems to provide for efficient use of drainage water. 3. Keeps complete records of water orders, amount of water delivered and types of crops irrigated. 4. Continually observes the conditions of laterals, ditches, and irrigation structures and reports the need for repairs; performs minor maintenance such as removing debris around structures and makes minor repairs. Informs supervisor in emergencies and when irrigation maintenance requiring heavy equipment is required. 5. Operates deep well pumps; performs routine maintenance such as checking oil levels; reports pump failures to supervisor. 6. Assists in maintenance of the irrigation system by assisting the maintenance crew with tasks such as patching concrete structures, helps replace underground pipes and repair canal gates, as required. 7. Assists in control emergency flooding by building temporary diversions along irrigation canals and regulating water by rerouting to other canals; assists in controlling small brush fires by hauling water to fire area. Applies herbicides and insecticides for weed and insect control. 8. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with staff from other Departments, SRP and water users. Meets and deals tactfully with water users, land owners and others to gain cooperation and resolve conflicts. 9. Performs other job related duties that enhance and facilitate departmental operations. Knowledges, Skills Abilities and Other Characteristics: * Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community. * Knowledge of the locations of valves, gates, pumps, canals and laterals within the SRPMIC irrigation systems. * Knowledge of hydraulics in order understand the operation of the irrigation systems * Knowledge with the irrigation systems, including areas of land served by each system and leased by each farmer. * Knowledge of mathematics, specifically multiplication and addition to measure quantity of water going to each water user. * Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions associated with the use of herbicides, pesticides, and handling hazardous waste. * Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with working in the public rights-of-way. * Skill in using water measurement devices to measure quantity of water provided each customer. * Ability to work from management level requests, under oral and/or written instructions with minimal guidance and little hands-on supervision, and at remote locations when necessary. * Ability to make decisions, work independently and exercise sound judgment. * Ability to effectively and efficiently resolve conflict. * Ability to bend and stoop repeatedly or continually. * Ability to pick up and move heavy objects weighing 50 - 90 pounds or more long distances (more than 20 feet). * Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements. * Ability to follow oral or written instructions. Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience: Graduation from high school or GED and at least 2 years of experience as a ditch rider (zanjero) or related construction or water field. Equivalency - Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position. Underfill Eligibility:An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill. Special Requirements * Requires working after hours, weekends, and holidays on-call and in response to emergencies. * Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License. Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. "SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate. In order to obtain preference, the following is required:1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission). Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods: 1) attach to application 2) fax (480) 362-5860 3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources. Documentation must be received by position closing date. The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted. Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.

Created: 2024-11-26