Posted: 4/30/25
Salary:  $70,000-$90,000
Location:  Madras, OR

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

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 are the largest supplier of irrigation water in Central Oregon and the second-largest Irrigation District in the State. NUID patrons grow over half the world's hybrid carrot seed, which is enough seed to produce enough carrots to feed over 1 billion people annually! District patrons produce many other crops and lead the way in efficiency and on-farm modernization.

NUID maintains approximately 300 miles of line, piped, and open-ditch water delivery systems toservice900 active accounts over 58,880 acres. In addition, NUID operates and maintains two reservoirs totaling 205,600 acre-feet and one pumping facility with a pumping capacity of 200 cubic feet per second (cfs).

NUID is an independent Special District governed by a board of five directors elected by District patrons. The District operates for the sole benefit of the land and people within its boundaries. The General Manager is responsible for the operation, function, and administrative affairs of the District. Their assistant will work in close collaboration to learn all aspects of the GM function.

NUID is well respected within the community and is viewed as an important contributor to the region's success and livelihood. NUID agriculture productions support approximately $83 million in direct economic output and an additional $53 million in economic output across the broader Jefferson County economy.

WHAT WE VALUE

Our dedicated team of 28 employees is an established, resourceful, service-oriented group that not only delivers water to the region's farmers and ranchers but also works hard to maintain and rebuild our network of canals with modern pipelines.

We partner with other districts, the Deschutes Basin Board of Control, the Deschutes River Conservancy, and 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. Multiple federal and regional grants 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 and 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 the 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 the 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, and vision insurance for employees 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 the possibility of district housing.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your resume and cover letter to nuid@northunitid.com Feel free to tell us about your experiences and why you are interested in this position.