Job Announcement

Position : Irrigation System Operator (ISO) – Full-Time – (2)

Rate of Pay : $25.00/Hour

Job Status : Temporary/Seasonal/Field Position – During Irrigation Season

Department : Water Resources Department

Supervisor : Water Resources Coordinator

Opens : 02/09/2023 Closes : 02/23/2023

Description: Will be under the supervision of the Water Resources Coordinator and be responsible for irrigation needs on the Walker River Paiute Reservation. This person will become familiar with the operation of Weber Dam and the Walker River Indian Irrigation Project (WRIIP); will assist with water delivery to alfalfa fields on the reservation. This person will also work closely and under the direction of the BIA ISOs and staff currently responsible for management of the Irrigation Program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the ISOs:

Job Duties/Tasks:

• Regulate and distribute irrigation water from and between storage reservoirs, at diversions and in canals, and at all delivery points within the specified irrigation system.
• Will be responsible for the development of irrigation and water delivery schedules. Water will be delivered and adjustments made by the ISO to ensure efficient operation of the project. Schedules water deliveries based on water requests and location within the system.
• The ISOs will monitor the WRIIP facilities for safe operation and will immediately report any issues or deficiencies to the BIA-ISOs or WNA BIA staff.
• Reports needed maintenance and/or repairs of canals to supervisor and BIA staff.
• Sets turnout gates and check gates, etc. to assure the efficient operation of the irrigation system. Determines required diversions into the irrigation system and coordinates or makes water releases from dam.
• Repairs/Replaces various types of gates and accessories of gates (such as: stems, rings, frames, etc.)
• Operates and checks structures in the canals to control silting and pattern of water flow.
• Makes a physical check of operating facilities on the canals.
• Makes repairs to concrete lines canals, concrete structures, gates, etc. as necessary.
• Removes sediment from canals and keeps canals clear of vegetation (ie. by burning).
• Removes debris accumulating in canals, mechanically, physically or by burning.
• Operates heavy equipment as needed for canal and service road maintenance. Will also be responsible for maintaining and repairing equipment as necessary.
• Will be responsible for keeping records of water requests and delivery reports, when on duty. These records are to be given to the BIA-ISOs upon completion of irrigation of respective allotments and or assignments.
• Will keep irrigators informed of when they’ll receive their irrigation water.
• Reports to supervisor misuse on roadways, right-of-way encroachment, tampering with project structures, unauthorized diversions to non-project land and other improper or unauthorized use of the system. Takes corrective measures as necessary.
• May assist with weed control via of chemical, mechanical or by burning methods; ensuring that safety measures are taken at all times.
• Maintains and cleans work vehicles and equipment on a regular basis.
• Responsible for performing duties in a fashion which is consistent with the proper standards of health and safety; observes all safety regulations, complies with safety instructions issued by supervisor; responsible for insuring own safety and carries out work in a manner not endangering others.
• Completes other work as assigned by supervisor and BIA staff.

• Must have a valid Nevada Drivers License. Must provide a DMV driver’s history report for the past 3 years; this is required for Tribal insurance.
• Must be able to work independently and follow directions.
• Must have some knowledge of the irrigation system.
• Must be willing to work intermittent hours, including night-time and on weekends.
• Ability and knowledge to use measuring devices, such as Flow Probe devices, flumes and weirs will be helpful.
• Ability to calculate flow measurements using mathematics, such as determining slope of laterals, area of discharge and flow through pipes will be helpful.
• Must have the ability to work with others and take direction as necessary for proper operation of the system.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and other motorized/battery operated hand tools is required.

• Must be in good physical condition; must be able to endure outdoor environment and weather; must be able to walk on uneven ground and climb in and out of ditches.
• Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, pull and climb for water control and related activities.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and physically capable of working in outdoor conditions and walking on uneven ground, during the day and at night.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A high school diploma/GED; and two (2) years of knowledge and operation and maintenance of irrigation systems experience.
• Must pass an alcohol and drug pre-employment test.

How do you claim Native Preference and/or Veteran's preference?

• Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) or Tribal ID

• DD214 or DD215

Where and how can you apply?

To apply for a position all required documents must be submitted, including an application, DMV report, Driver’s license, tribal ID, etc.

Call Lianne Gibbs, Acting Human Resources Manager at 773-2306 x 2315 for any questions on the application process.

Drug Testing: Those hired must submit to a pre-employment drug testing, as required by the WRPT Personnel and Drug Free Policies. In order to work you MUST have satisfactory results.

Indian Preference and Equal Opportunity Employer: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Tribal members in accordance with the Indian Preference Act, Title 25, U.S. Code.