To post a job opportunity (district or affiliated organization), please contact the OWRC office.
Distributes irrigation water to the users of the District’s water rights within their assigned area in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, District Policies and Procedures and District management direction using information based upon decrees, partial decrees, permits, licenses and transfers. The Ditch Rider encounters and must communicate with District patrons daily. The District places tremendous value on strong relationships and timely, respectful communication with its water users. The employee works under the supervision of the District Manager and/or Field Supervisor during Irrigation Season and Maintenance Season.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the distribution, measurement, and delivery of irrigation water to irrigators.
• Measurement and balancing of water distribution using weirs, meters, and basic math.
• Perform repair work in, on, and around irrigation facilities including cleaning and maintenance of irrigation canals, ditches, trash racks, pipelines and other structures as necessary to assure: (1) safe access to facilities, (2) proper operation of facilities (3) proper conveyance and distribution of irrigation water in a timely manner.
• Patrol assigned area by motor vehicle, by foot or any other management approved manner to detect leaks, breaks, weak areas, or obstructions and damage to the irrigation system.
• Remove debris and make emergency repairs to banks, structures, and gates.
• Curtail unauthorized or excessive diversions.
JOB QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Working knowledge of residential and farm-scale irrigation — open canals and piped systems – with an understanding of basic hydraulics, hydrology, and water measurement techniques.
• Working knowledge and experience with heavy equipment.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel (with basic proficiency in computer operations).
• Ability to read and understand plats, land surveys, and basic construction drawings
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions for accurate calculations
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate efficiently and proficiently via voice, text, and email. When writing formal letters, reports or emails, proper grammar and spelling is essential.
• Ability to establish an effective working relationship with other employees, supervisors, outside contractors, and the public.
• Possess excellent time management skills and ability to efficiently prioritize work tasks
• Ability to operate motor vehicles, machines, and tools safely and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and work rules.
OTHER DUTIES:
• Previous experience working with telemetry and GPS systems preferred.
• May learn semi-skilled maintenance, repair, and construction work in an assigned work area.
• Responds to emergency repair requests.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Maintains records of maintenance and inventory of all assigned equipment.
• Ensures proper safety precautions are observed.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
• The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls.
• The employee is required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk and balance on slippery and / or uneven terrain and narrow structures.
• Work in close proximity to moving water in irrigation canals and river diversions
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activities, occasionally lifting to 80 lbs.
• Ability to walk several miles in a day over rough terrain.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Outside weather exposure
• Occasionally the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration.
• Work emergency on-call during the irrigation season ( April 1 – October 31), to working a 40 hour work week that may include weekends during the irrigation season (with occasional over-time as necessary), and to carry a phone that is always on, and that you must respond to during the irrigation season.
ENVIROMENTAL FACTORS:
• Exposure to the sun: 25% to 100% work time spent outside a building.
• Use of ladders or other work surfaces from 1 to 12 feet above ground.
• Performs manual labor in sub-zero to 100-degree temperatures.
• Occasional work in the vicinity of constant/intermittent/loud noises/sounds.
• Frequently works on unusually wet and/or slippery surfaces.
• Frequent work in or around areas with small to large amounts of dust present.
• Occasional work where gases, fumes, and odors are present
• Confined/Restricted Spaces Infrequent entry into confined/restricted work environments.
• Frequent work involving oils, solvents, paints, greases, and lubricants
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
• A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be Graduation from High School or Equivalent.
• Experience working in an irrigation setting preferred.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT:
• Possession of a valid Oregon Driver License.
• Oregon Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Dam Operator Certification upon district request.
Possession and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration.
The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job and meeting the needs of the district.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
This full-time position is being advertised December 2024 until filled. Applications and resume should be submitted to the District office at [email protected] To view full job announcement visit our website at: https://www.tumalo.org/employment
Top candidates will receive an interview, and interviews will be held until the position is filled. Start date is flexible and negotiable, but candidates are encouraged to be ready, willing, and able to start as soon as possible.
Appointment to the position is through an open competitive process and will be based on the General Manager and Field Manager’s evaluation of merit, qualification, experience, and character. The starting wage for this position is competitive with similar jobs in the County and negotiable depending on experience
WHO WE ARE:
North Unit Irrigation District (NUID) is based in Madras, in beautiful Central Oregon. NUID has served the agricultural water needs of the community since 1945, although the district was formed and given water rights in 1913! We provide agricultural water and today we remain the largest supplier of irrigation water in Central Oregon.
NUID maintains approximately 300 miles of lined, piped, and open ditch water delivery systems to service 900 active accounts over 58,880 acres. In addition, NUID operates and maintains 2 reservoirs totaling 205,600 acre -feet and 1 pumping facility with a pumping capacity of 200 cubic feet per second (cfs).
NUID is an independent Special District governed by a board of 5 directors elected by district patrons. The district operates for the sole benefit of the land and people within the district boundaries. The General Manager is responsible for the operation, function, and administrative affairs of the district, their assistant will work in close consort to learn all aspects of the GM function.
NUID is well respected within the community and is viewed as an important contributor to the success and livelihood of the region being the sole source of water to the agricultural community.
WHAT WE VALUE
Our dedicated team of 28 employees are an established, resourceful, service oriented group who not only deliver water to the farmers and ranchers of the region, but work hard to maintain and rebuild our network of canals with modern pipelines.
We are in partnerships with other districts, the Deschutes Basin Board of Control, the Deschutes River Conservancy, the Oregon Water Resources Congress to name just a few. Innovation is one of our primary focuses as we weather the increasing shortage of snowpack in Oregon. We have multiple federal and regional grants that allow us to pipe portions of the 65 miles of main canal and 235 miles of laterals.
WHO YOU ARE
You are genuinely interested in agriculture, maintaining a healthy farming environment with sustainable water distribution. You are:
• Able to grasp detailed project schedules, budgets and stakeholder interests.
• Work with other districts to maximize water conservation and shift availability as necessary.
• Enjoy working as a team member to assist the General Manager in day-to-day operations of the district.
• Understands complex issues and can communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
• Assists the General Manager, with all aspects of the District’s policies, procedures, programs, and operations.
• Represents the District by attending and participating in meetings with State, Federal, and local agencies; responds to public inquiries regarding the District.
• Maintains continuous awareness of administrative practices and recommends changes that increase the efficiency and economy of the District operations.
• Assists with collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of the District.
• Contributes to long-term capital improvement plans.
• Attends meetings with Boards and Commissions.
• Reviews legislation; provides advice and consultation regarding such legislation to the District and Board.
• Conducts a variety of studies and surveys to determine the effectiveness of District programs.
• Assists with the administration of personnel-related matters, including employment procedures, grievances, classification and pay, and employer-employee relations.
• Supervise water storage, deliveries, and regulations to meet the water supply needs of District water users.
• Supervise the District’s maintenance operations, which are required for the efficient performance of equipment, vehicles, water storage, and conveyance infrastructure.
• Liaison with Operations Manager, Office Manager, Water Operations Specialist and Watermaster positions.
• Support the General Manager as directed in their absence or in other specific assignments by the General Manager.
• Supervise the administration and maintenance of the District’s Geographical Information System (GIS).
• Investigate and resolve water storage, delivery, and maintenance issues.
• Report to the General Manager on District operations and maintenance activities and on other specific assignments.
• Assist with preparation of the annual budget, review requests for expenditures.
• Performs related and other duties as assigned.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Annual salary range of $70,000 to $90,000 depending on experience, full-time, exempt
Medical, dental, vision insurance for employee and dependents 100% employer paid
Short term disability and life insurance coverage, employer paid
Employer funded Health Reimbursement Account
401(k) Employer match of 5.75% with employee contribution of 3%
Paid vacation, sick leave, 8 holidays, 80 hours of comp time
District vehicle, phone, and possibility of district housing
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] Feel free to tell us about your experiences and why you are interested in this position.
The Director of Communications (Director) reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for the development and execution of the marketing and engagement plan to direct KWUA’s community relations. The ideal candidate is poised, well-spoken, a good writer, and has the ability to communicate concisely about complex and policy-laden issues. They enjoy a fast-pace work environment and is ready, willing, and able to do a variety of public relations activities, including, content creation, media inquiries, social media strategies, strategic planning, and building relationships.
It is important that the Director articulate and promote KWUA’s vision and objectives through direct and indirect engagement with key media outlets, other stakeholders, and our local community. This role requires someone who is a proven leader, and who is capable of communicating ideas clearly and thoughtfully. In addition, the Director should have the ability to identify future trends and needs and be able to collaborate with others to achieve desired publicity outcomes for the organization. The responsibilities of this position will be carried out in a highly visible and sometimes controversial and politically-charged environment.
Key Functions of the Position
• Work with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to develop and implement plans and projects, and achieve set goals and objectives.
• Plan and implement effective communication strategies for multiple audiences, including local, regional, and national.
• Maintain website and create and post content.
• Make effective use of all social media platforms, analytics, and design.
• Respond to media as the main point of media contact for KWUA.
• Assist in organizing and managing community events.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key media, stakeholders, and policy personnel.
• Evaluate opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising on an ongoing basis.
• Write press releases, op-eds, newsletters, and magazine content.
• Compile engagement-related performance measures, outcomes, and relevant media stories.
• Be strategic; capable of identifying and curating public relations/marketing projects to benefit KWUA and its members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
The Ideal Candidate
This is a high energy and demanding job. It will also be rewarding for the right candidate. The ideal candidate must have high level communication skills, be collaborative, and an independent worker who works with little direction and produces timely and impactful work.
The ideal candidate must have the high level of expertise needed to successfully facilitate outcomes on short-, medium -, and long-range goals and implement the vision of the organization. The candidate must be effective in a variety of venues and possess the organizational and technical proficiency needed to develop and maintain the relations and understanding between KWUA and the public. This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2+ years’ experience in public relations or marketing, and effective us of social media.
Weekend and evening work is required for special events and in response to immediate needs; travel occasionally required for conferences and meetings. Must be able to work independently. Onsite work in Klamath Falls is preferred, but we will consider remote working relationships for the right candidate. The position is full-time employment, however, consideration of 3/4 time is optional for the ideal candidate.
Compensation
This is a senior level position and will be compensated as such. The salary range will be commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience. KWUA also offers a competitive employee benefits package that includes an employer-sponsored retirement program and health, vision, and dental insurance coverage for the employee.
KWUA is an equal opportunity employer. All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check and drug screening.
To Be Considered
Initially, applications will be treated confidentially. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Candidates should apply immediately. This position will be open until filled. However, candidates are encouraged to apply early in the process for optimal consideration. This recruitment may close at any time.
To be considered, candidates must submit a:
• Compelling cover letter;
• Comprehensive resume; and
• Three examples of work.
Electronic versions of all submittals are encouraged. Interested candidates may apply via email, mail, or delivery of a cover letter and resume to:
Chelsea Shearer, [email protected],
or
2312 S. Sixth St., Suite A
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Click HERE for full job description
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $26-$30/Hour DOE
Effective Date: March 1st, 2024
Application deadline: until filled
General Position Summary:
The Office Manager serves as the secretary, administrator, and human resource assistant under direction of the District Manager. This position will require the incumbent to effectively communicate daily activity to the District Manager and carry out assignments with specific deadlines to completion with minimal supervision.
Essential Functions/Major Assignments:
Secondary Functions:
Job Scope:
Supervisory Responsibility:
N/A
Interpersonal Contacts:
Specific Job Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:
Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure:
Required Qualifications
To be considered as a candidate, please submit a completed and signed application, resume and cover letter describing why you are interested in the position and how your experience translates to meet the requirements of the position description.
Submit by email or postal service to:
[email protected]
Attn:
Weslee Cyphers, District Manager
The Dalles Irrigation District
3503 Olney Rd.
The Dalles, OR 97058