Owyhee Irrigation District
Ditch Rider
Introduction
Owyhee Irrigation District (OID) has supplied the irrigation water to lands in Malheur County, including Adrian, Nyssa, and Ontario, Oregon, since 1932. The District was formed to provide agricultural water to the entire Owyhee Project and today remains the largest irrigation district in Eastern Oregon.
Job Scope
- Maintenance
- Mechanical
- Carpentry
- Concrete
Essential Functions
During the water season (April-October), the Ditch Rider position is responsible for delivering water to their area or “ride.” You will work closely with the District’s Water Master as well as its patrons. Work performed will involve ordering and delivering water, maintaining a good set of records, driving canal roadways, watching for problems, and reporting issues immediately. Removing all debris from the delivery system, keeping watch for gopher activity, and setting traps. During the off-season (November-March), Ditch Riders work on the maintenance crew. You will work with the Foremen to repair delivery systems, pour concrete, lay pipe, and complete outstanding projects. Responsibilities, in no particular order, include, but are not limited to:
- Measure and record the amount of water being delivered each day.
- Drive ride daily and watch for any problems such as seepage, leaks, and gopher holes
- Remove all weeds and trash from canals, laterals, and drains.
- Report noxious weeds, aquatic growth, and other maintenance work needed.
- Prepare reports in a timely manner.
- Keep accurate records and forms.
- Follow safety procedures and keep a safe work environment.
- Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicle.
- Operate hand and power tools and a two-way radio.
- Practice effective time management techniques.
- Other related duties and responsibilities as required.
Qualifications
- Work independently with little to no supervision.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Understand and convey information.
- Basic carpentry skills.
- Fundamental computer knowledge.
- Must be eighteen (18) years of age.
- A valid Driver’s License is required
Experience and Education
No previous experience is required, but a plus is a combination of education, training, or experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
- Mechanical: 1 year (Preferred)
- Maintenance: 1 year (Preferred)
- Carpentry: 1 year (Preferred)
- Concrete: 1 year (Preferred)
- CDL: (Preferred)
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary is negotiable and will be dependent on the qualifications and experience of the applicant. The District offers a benefits package that includes:
- Paid - vacation, sick leave, and eight (9) holidays.
- This position qualifies for 2 additional weeks of paid vacation leave per year
- Paid medical, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage for employee.
- Paid Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- Flexible Spending Account Available (FSA)
- PERS Retirement.
- District vehicle provided during water season.
Job Type
- Full-time
- Regular hours are:
- o During water season (April - October) hours subject to needs of the ditch ride.
- o Monday - Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm during off season (October - April)
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $20.29 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Maintenance: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- CDL (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
