New 
CANAL OPERATOR
 San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority | |
64,879 - Salary Grade 7. Depending on experience, generally starting salary begins at Step I.
| |
life insurance, vacation time, paid holidays, long term disability
| |
 United States, California, Mountain House | |
 Nov 12, 2026 | |
|
CANAL OPERATOR - TRACY
Application Deadline: 12:00pm on Monday, November 30, 2026
Starting Salary (depending on experience, generally at Step I): Salary Grade7: $64,879.76
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications:
Any combination of education and experience which would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Two (2) years in canal system operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities for a water district or related entity. License Requirement: Driver License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Possession and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) consecutive years. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis. The driving record will not contribute to an increase in the Authority's automobile insurance rates. Abbreviated Job Description: Under general direction of the Water Operations Superintendent, the Canal Operator regulates the flow and distribution of irrigation water through the Delta Mendota Canal and related facilities; performs related work as required. Examples of duties: The duties listed below are illustrative only and are not meant to be a complete and exhaustive listing of the duties and responsibilities of the classification. Ensures the safe and proper flow and delivery of irrigation water in assigned areas of responsibility. Locks and unlocks facilities as needed. Maintains proper water elevations within various facilities to maintain proper distribution of water and to minimize losses. Patrols and safeguards facilities and equipment, noting unsafe or improper conditions or failures. Performs miscellaneous maintenance such as: trash removal, signage replacement, fence repair, painting. Performs other related duties as assigned. Requires the Knowledge of: Basic hydraulics and water flow. Basic arithmetic. Mechanical principals. Various types of water gates, diversions, and turnouts. Methods used in balancing water flow. Geography of the local area. Tools and equipment used in repairing leaks to ditches and canals. Proper work safety standards. Must possess the Ability to: Apply knowledge of operating principles of agricultural and irrigation systems, mechanical systems applicable to irrigation water flows including distribution and diversion. Compute basic mathematics and practices. Use tools and equipment specific to agricultural and irrigation distribution systems. Keep records and prepare routine reports. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Occasionally required to work irregular or extended work hours. Regularly and consistently meet attendance/punctuality requirements. Follow instructions, work independently and cooperatively with others. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public. Typical Physical Activities include, but are not limited to: Works in areas that are designated as confined spaces, which may be below water level. Travels daily in remotes areas by automobile in conducting Authority business, up to eight hours per day. Works in an environment with exposure to dust, dirt, and significant temperature changes between cold and heat. Must be able to carry push, pull, reach, and lift equipment and parts weighing up to 50 pounds. Sufficient manual dexterity to allow for daily, repetitive use of hands and feet. Stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls, climbs, reaches, sits, stands and walks for extended time periods. Communicates orally with Authority staff and the general public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings. Regularly uses a telephone/cellular phone for communication. Uses office equipment such as computer terminals, copiers, and FAX machines. Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction. Environmental Factors include: Exposure to the sun: 90% to 100% work time spent outside a building and exposed to the sun. High temp: Considerable work time in manual labor in temperatures between 80-100 degrees. Cold temp: Considerable work time in manual labor in temperatures 40 degrees and below. Humidity: Work in areas with unusually high humidity. Fog: Considerable time spent driving in foggy conditions with poor visibility. Noise: Occasionally there are unusually loud sounds. Slippery surfaces: Occasional work on unusually slippery or unstable surfaces. Oil: Some parts of the body in contact with oil or grease occasionally. Dust: Works and drives in or around areas with minor to severe amounts of dust. Electricity: Considerable time spent opening electrical/control panels to access control switches and/or pushbuttons. Rotating machinery: Considerable time spent around rotating shafts, cable drums, and high-speed gear boxes. Venomous insects, spiders, and snakes: Considerable time spent in and around the habitat of hornets, wasps, venomous spiders and snakes. Trespassers: Occasional interactions with unauthorized persons on check structures, right-of-ways, and other Authority maintained facilities. SELECTION PROCESS Required Application Materials: A resume and cover letter must be submitted and received no later than the final filing date in order to be considered for this recruitment. Meeting the minimum qualifications for this position does not guarantee that you will be selected for further consideration. Only those individuals most suited to our particular needs will advance to any skills test and/or oral interview. Should you feel you need special accommodations for the skills test and/or interview, due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Human Resources Department at (209) 826-9696. Verification of Employment: The Authority conducts verification of a candidate's employment history, education and training and other information contained in the application and any other materials submitted by a candidate Conditional Offer of Employment: An offer of employment will be conditional upon legal ability to work in the United States and verification of a candidate's employment history, education and training, other information contained in the Employment Application, and any license requirements. This organization participates in E-Verify. BENEFITS Holidays: Employees receive eleven (11) paid holidays, including one (1) floating holiday. Vacation & Medical Leave: Vacation leave is accrued at the rate of 80 hours per year up through year four 4. At year five (5), leave increases to 120 hours per year. At ten (10) years of service, vacation leave is accrued at the rate of 140 hours and at fifteen (15) years of service, vacation leave increases to a maximum of 160 hours per year. Medical leave accrues at the rate of eight (8) hours per month. Retirement Benefits:
Three (3) medical benefit plans are offered:
Dental & Vision Benefits: The Authority contributes 100% of the premium for the employee and the employee's eligible family members. Employee Assistance Program: Available to employees and their household members. Optional/Voluntary Benefits:
| |