Posted: 4/3/26

 

Title: Field Operator

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt                                         

Reports To: The Dalles Irrigation District – Field Operations Supervisor

Pay Grade/Range: $20.00-$22.00/Hour DOE     

Effective Date: March 23, 2026

 

 

General Position Summary:

Under direct supervision of the Field Operations Supervisor, The Field Operator is responsible for daily operation and on-going repair and maintenance of the district water distribution system to provide a consistent and reliable delivery of water to district patrons.

 

Essential Functions/Major Assignments:

• Under the direct supervision of the Field Operations Supervisor perform daily inspection, assessment, and repair of water distribution system, including all components and facilities to maintain and ensure a successful operation.
• Assist Field Operations Supervisor and Pumping Plant Operator in the startup and shutdown of the system.
• Perform preventative maintenance, repair, and installation on pipes, vaults, valves, meters, and telemetry stations throughout the distribution system.
• Monitor line meters and registers to track water usage and record meter readings at all turnouts throughout the pumping season.  
• Collect water samples as directed by the Field Operations Supervisor.
• Respond to patron calls and requests (Pressure, leaks, etc.).
• Perform utility locates in response to 811 calls.
• Clean screens at pumping plant reservoirs and assist pumping plant operator with cleaning large screen at river pumping plant.
• Assist pumping plant operator as needed.
• Apply formula for algae control at pumping plant reservoirs.
• Perform grounds maintenance at all turnouts, drains, air valves and pumping plants.
• Perform basic maintenance on vehicles (oil changes, replace air filter, wash).
• Perform Lock-Out-Tag-Out procedures, document confined space entry permits, and other OSHA required safety protocols.  
• Operate heavy machinery such as excavator, backhoe, and dump truck.
• Participate in the on-call schedule as needed.
• Participate in Safety training and document activities.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities.

 

Secondary Functions:

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

               

Job Scope:

• The Field Operator is a hands-on position requiring regular involvement with the operation, repair, and maintenance activities of the district’s water distribution system. The Field Operator is responsible for daily activity and regularly communicating needs, issues, and progress reports to the Field Operations Supervisor.

 

Supervisory Responsibility:

• N/A.     

 

Interpersonal Contacts:

• The Field Operator will have regular communication inside of the organization to communicate with other staff, exchange ideas and relay information.

 

Specific Job Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

• Ability to effectively follow directives in a precise manner.
• Knowledge of operational services and activities of a comprehensive water distribution program.
• Ability to respond to call outs while on call within 15 minutes.
• Knowledge of safety requirements and regulations pertinent to irrigation districts.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to learn preventative maintenance principles.
• Ability to understand and follow standard operating procedures.
• Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to efficiently prioritize work tasks.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations pertaining to water law and irrigation districts.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles, machines and tools safely and in conformance with applicable laws, regulations, and work rules.
• Skill and ability to learn the operations, services, and activities of the district.
• Skill and ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Ability to interpret maps and aerial photography.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to learn SCADA, Telemetry, and GPS Systems.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions for accurate calculations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a crew.
• Ability to obtain certifications as required.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites and other computer programs.
• Possess mechanical skills and ability to utilize them on components in pumping plants, electrical, and distribution processes.

 

 

Specific Job Effort:

• The Field Operator will constantly be responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system to ensure reliable delivery of water to patrons.

 

 

Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure:

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• 0-6 months experience in a related environment which included duties and qualification consistent with this job description.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

AND

• Driver license and an insurable driving record required.

 

 

Desired Qualifications

A minimum of 2 years related experience in the operation and maintenance of facilities and processes common to comparable public water distribution systems is preferred.

 

Working Conditions

• This position operates primarily in outdoor field conditions and hands-on operational and maintenance work is expected.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required of the position.
• Usual working schedule is Monday through Friday during traditional field hours, though deviations from the regular schedule may happen with or without prior notice, including evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Routinely uses mobile devices, radios, and other pieces of equipment.
• The work emphasizes vision, hearing, eye-hand-foot coordination, and manual dexterity and includes heavy lifting (75 pounds or more); prolonged periods of sitting, reaching, bending, grasping, pushing, pulling, and climbing.  Travel over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces is common. This is manual work in the performance of tasks of a physically demanding nature.  Therefore, the following traits are essential:

1. Dexterity: excellent hand-eye coordination to use tools and operate machinery.
2. Physical stamina: ability to perform laborious tasks repeatedly.
3. Physical strength: strength to lift heavy objects, including tools, repeatedly.

• Will drive an automobile.

 

For more information or to apply please contact: tdid@thedallesirrigation.org.