Posted: 5/13/25
Salary:  $80,000
Location:  Hermiston, OR

Job Scope

Provide water to district patrons in the most efficient and cost-effective manner by further developing water conservation, improving delivery methods, and water management.

Improve the district’s financial standing by seeking outside funding opportunities.

Maintain positive working relationships; treat employees with respect and ensuring a safe work environment.

Provide exceptional customer service in a professional manner; maintain public trust through transparency and accountability.

Build relationships through honesty and cooperation.

Essential Functions

The District Manager may perform any of the following duties, however these examples do not include all of the specific tasks which the Manager may be expected to perform.

• Manage all aspects relating to the district, oversee accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and regulations such as those related to irrigation water, personnel matters, and safety programs.
• Work directly with the Board of Directors; update the Board on district operations including finances, and irrigation project status. Communicate pertinent issues, make strong, educated recommendations, and following the Board's direction.
• Develop short and long-range goals, select improvement projects, and prioritize to best meet the district's needs.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with contacts both inside and outside of the organization including but not limited to HID Board, Joint Committee, staff, patrons, the community, agencies, as well as other industry contacts.
• Monitor and evaluate employees to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness of service and compliance with procedures.
• Direct the district's work plan and coordinate with supervisors; assign tasks and areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
•  Manage the district's labor, interpersonal relations, policies, and procedures.
• Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvements; direct and implement changes.
• Evaluate district personnel; provide and organize staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversee financial aspects of District operations, including financial reporting to the Board, annual audits, development of the annual budget and approval of the projected funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenses and adjustment when necessary to maintain budget.
• Explain, justify, and defend district programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay aware of new concepts in water distribution management.
• Respond to and resolve sometimes difficult landowner complaints and disputes.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• The District Manager works primarily in the office, but also participates in field activities as needed; this position involves approximately 80% office and 20% field work.
• Fieldwork requires the ability to walk long distances across sloped, uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather including exposure to sun in 100-degree weather and sub-zero temperatures.
• Must be able to carry and use equipment and supplies up to 30 lbs.
• This position requires extended “on-call” hours during irrigation season (April to October) and there are some periodic weekend and evening hours.
• This position also involves periodic travel to meetings and training, some regular evening meetings and occasionally may require overnight stay of more than one day for training or conferences.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

• Capable of representing the district competently in a variety of professional settings with customers, the local community, other organizations, and all governmental agencies to guarantee positive relationships.
• Personable and innovative leader who will maintain superb public and diplomatic relations, with previous professional accomplishments.

Experience and Qualifications

• Any combination of education, training or experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a manager in the operation of similar irrigation works, or who shall have been employed for a period of at least five (5) years, in a responsible position, in the operation and maintenance of irrigation works equivalent in complexity to the project works.
• Education: Project Management, Agricultural Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, Business or Public Administration, or related field is preferred but not required.
• A valid Class C Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary is $80,000/annually and is negotiable depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

• This is an Exempt position

The District offers a benefits package that includes:

• Paid - vacation, sick leave, and 11 holidays
• Medical and vision coverage for employee and dependents paid by the District
• Employee paid Dental
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation

Important Information

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and application to:

Hermiston Irrigation District

366 E Hurlburt Avenue

Hermiston, Oregon 97838

Cover letter, resume, and application may also be submitted to Business@hermistonid.org

Propose start date: ASAP

Job announcement will remain open until the ideal candidate is found. First Round Applications to be submitted by June 6, 2025.

Hermiston Irrigation District is an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, or disability in accordance with state and federal law.

The information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied employment contract, and these provisions are subject to change.

The District will not be responsible for materials lost in the mail.