Irrigation Technician

Irrigation Technician (Agriculture)

POSITION TITLE: Irrigation Technician

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: DNR

MANAGER: Irrigation Program Manager

GRADE: NE5

The Irrigation Technician will assist the Irrigation Field Crew Supervisor in maintaining the Pueblo's ditch irrigation systems and insure conveyance of irrigation water to Pueblo lands. The Irrigation Technician will be under direct supervision of the Irrigation Field Crew Supervisor and duties will include, but are not limited to, assisting with operating gates, checks, turnouts, and be responsible for removing debris from all screened waterways and assisting in regulating and monitoring water flow into canals and laterals.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

• Manage vegetation along and within the Pueblos irrigation network to ensure its integrity and proper performance.
• Irrigate, mow, burn, and conduct other field activities which will require the use of hand and power tools (i.e. weed whacker, chainsaw, shovel, and hoe) and heavy equipment (i.e. tractor, tractor mower, roller compactor, and mini excavator).
• Must be able to repair both concrete and earthen ditches, as instructed by the Supervisor.
• Assist in patrolling the full extent of ditches and laterals by foot and/or motor vehicle to detect leaks, breaks, weak areas, or obstructions to the irrigation system. This includes non-Pueblo land from the north head gate at Algodones to the Pueblo's southern boundary, and all other ditches and laterals within the Pueblo.
• Remove debris from all screened waterways, report all emergency repairs, when needed, to the Supervisor before they are performed.
• Provide maintenance work before and during the irrigation season.
• Work in extreme environmental conditions (e.g., hot, dry summer weather) with potential hazards (e.g., rattlesnakes, chainsaws, and heavy equipment).
• Must be able to communicate and work well with other crew and community members.
• Must have open dialog with tribal Mayordomo's and respect to traditional ways.
• Performs other duties as required by Supervisor.
• Provides support and assists the Water Resources Division.

• Knowledge of proper safety techniques using equipment.
• Knowledge of wildlife, habitat, and native and exotic vegetation.
• Skill in operating tools, equipment such as hand tools, power tools, chain saw, tractors, water truck, roller compactor, mini excavator, hand-mowers/auger, and UTVs.
• Ability to exercise good independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work outdoors and in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying socio-cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to become certified in Sawyer Training, Wildland Firefighting, CPR and First Aid along with other certifications, as needed.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have experience in equipment and basic hand tools.
• Must be able to read and write and follow instructions.
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license and be insurable under the Pueblo's insurance.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee regularly is required to climb or balance; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Work is generally performed outdoors. Exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Situations where safety-toe shoes, safety goggles, gloves, or protective face shields are needed may occur. Travel within the Pueblo area is required for completing work orders and working in sensitive and/or hazardous areas is common.