May 2022- Kittitas Reclamation District is hiring for a Ditch Rider position. The job description is listed below and a link to the application is available at the bottom of the page. Once the application is filled out, please drop off application at the KRD Office at 315 N Water St, Ellensburg, WA 98926. Position open until filled. Start immediately. Questions? Contact KRD at 509-925-6158. 

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General Summary:  This position is responsible for making water deliveries to customers within an assigned area; maintaining dams, canals, laterals, weir boxes and other water distribution and delivery devices; patrolling canals and laterals; responds to customer calls for water, shut offs and equipment malfunction; and recording and reporting all water distribution activity. Will be required to respond to urgent or emergency situations as needed.

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Essential Duties:

  • Patrols canals and laterals and observes and reports problem areas and maintains as needed.  Responds to customer trouble calls relating to customer water delivery.

  • Takes daily water orders; regulates water distribution to customers as requested by increasing, decreasing or during off water flow.

  • Inspects turnout gates, weirs, weed screens and other water delivery components for proper operations.  Corrects and reports problems to ensure proper water flow.  Performs preventive maintenance as needed.

  • Maintains detailed records of calls received, work completed, parts used, equipment hours, vehicle mileage, animal carcasses, and reports as required.  Maintains accurate and detailed records on water adjustments.

  • Meets with customers as needed to assess issues and to create and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

  • Operates District vehicles and equipment as required based on daily and emergency job duties.

  • If assigned to reside in District housing, maintains dwelling and property neatly and sanitarily.  Performs minor dwelling and property upkeep and maintenance and reports other maintenance issues for repair.

  • Must be able to perform the functions of lower classifications when required.

  • Performs other duties as required.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: This is not a supervisory position but will be responsible to coordinate maintenance projects in their assigned area and oversee temporary laborers.

 

Qualifications: Three (3) years of experience related to the duties of the job is preferred. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

 

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

 

Knowledge of: Mechanical, electrical and water delivery regulation equipment; water delivery systems, equipment, components and of troubleshooting practices and methods. Knowledge of methods of measuring, projecting and determining water distribution needs.

 

Knowledge of: Buildings and grounds maintenance and the safe and efficient operations of District equipment, hand and power tools.

 

Ability to: Maintain, service, other water delivery devices on a scheduled basis and to identify problems with and repair irrigation distribution equipment and components. Ability to: maintain and prepare accurate, detailed and legible records and reports and to read and understand safety notices and equipment operating instructions.

 

Ability to: Operate District equipment and vehicles skillfully and safely and to operate hand and power tools safely and effectively.

 

Ability to: Communicate effectively orally and in writing in a clear, neat and understandable manner and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other District employees, water users, and others.

 

Physical Requirements: This is physically demanding work requiring heavy lifting and pulling up to 100 pounds, standing, kneeling, walking, sitting, crawling, bending, stooping, twisting, climbing, and navigating on uneven, steep and often rocky surfaces and canal banks.

 

Work Environment:  This position works outdoors in all weather conditions including sun, rain, wind, and other extreme and is exposed to bugs, animal carcasses, petroleum products, pesticides, mud, dust, water borne algae and weeds, and may include working in tunnels, siphons, and in tight or confined spaces.