Irrigation Canal Operator; Zanjero

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• Type:
  Full Time
• Posted Date: 04/16/2026 3:34 p.m.

Department:
Irrigation Canal Operations Department.

Reporting Relationship:
Irrigation Operator Supervisor

***** HIRING BONUS*****

IRRIGATION CANAL OPERATOR (ZANJERO) TRAINEE

Under direct supervision, this entry level classification will learn to deliver irrigation water and maintain water delivery records to agricultural customers and work to provide efficient scheduling and deliveries of irrigation water through the District’s canal system and all distribution facilities by monitoring, measuring, and adjusting of water flows, head and turnout gates, canals, and diversion structures on a timely basis.

Overall Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) training takes approximately two to three years. Employees in this job series may not transfer out of the Irrigation Operations (Zanjero) Department until after being an Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) for two years. Will work nights, weekends, holidays, and work alone, in all kinds of climatic conditions and be available for overtime and changing days off due to rotating schedule.

The Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) Trainee position will not be scheduled to work evening shifts until they have become sufficient at running all laterals. Once the employee begins working the evening shift, they will receive a shift differential if qualified by current Rules and Regulations, based on time of shift worked.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected commensurate with the needs of the District. Each
employee is responsible for his/her own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

• Observe and follow District Rules and Regulations, SOPs and Policies.
• Train to run Irrigation Canal Operator (Zanjero) runs with very few call backs and lateral regulatory.
• Assist and train with other Irrigation Canal Operators (Zanjeros) on different runs.
• Make water deliveries for MSIDD customers; to measure water to maintain proper flow and assure that no water is wasted.
• Make water deliveries by turning on an off well, moving water from the main canal to laterals and sublateral pipelines.
• Must be able to open and close gate valves, gates and canal gates by pulling, turning, or twisting with a torque in excess of 250 FT. pounds.
• Check and document equipment malfunctions on the delivery system and leaks, report breaks anddamage to irrigation facilities, making immediate repairs where necessary or reporting the malfunctionso repairs can be made. Notify Supervisors and coordinate water deliveries with District facilities repair/maintenance needs.
• Meet with farmers and irrigators to discuss water delivery problems and complaints. May make immediate adjustment to resolve complaints or refer the problem to Irrigation Operations (Zanjero)
  Supervisor. Check and document water usage delivered to District water delivery points while maintaininggood working relations with irrigation customers.
• Record and update delivery records on the daily basis; of meters and users within a delivery area.
• Work in areas containing chemicals, dust, vapors, fumes, exhaust, insects, snake, dogs and other kinds of farm animals.
• Work and traverse uneven ground carrying heavy equipment in…