Irrigation Maintenance Technician

Definition

**IF YOU PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION**

Under general supervision of the Irrigation Maintenance Supervisor, operates and maintains agricultural irrigation pump, wells, tools, and operates irrigation heavy equipment as needed. Performs and conducts preventive maintenance and routine repairs on heavy equipment as needed. This job class is treated as FLSA non-exempt and considered a DRIVING position.

Essential Functions : (Essential functions may vary among positions, but may include the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification).

Examples of Tasks

Inspects, operates, and maintains the Arizona Canal irrigation pump station and performs preventative maintenance and repairs as needed. Services, repairs, and maintains various mechanical parts and equipment at irrigation pump stations. Monitors and ensures all pumping equipment remains operational at all time. Conducts daily inspections on pumping equipment to ensure all systems remain fully operational. Promptly notifies supervisor of any problems or concerns that could impact the operability of pumping equipment and disrupt the delivery of irrigation water to agricultural customers.

Operates heavy equipment including backhoe, excavator, motor grader, skid loader, etc., as needed to maintain agricultural irrigation system.

Inspects and performs preventative maintenance and routine repairs on irrigation heavy equipment and tools as needed. Maintains accurate inventory and records for all irrigation tools and equipment. Monitors and ensures all tools and equipment operates properly and notifies supervisor about equipment in need of repair or replacement. Performs periodic inspections on Department heavy equipment and performs routine repairs when possible. Coordinates major repairs for heavy equipment with the Transportation Department or equipment vendor as needed.

Inspects, operates, and maintains agricultural irrigation well pumps and performs maintenance and repairs as needed. Conducts regular inspections of well pumps and measures and regulates water flow as needed. Makes adjustments and repairs as needed to ensure all pumping equipment operates properly.

Coordinates with other SRPMIC Departments and/or outside contractors for major repairs to agricultural irrigation pump station equipment and pumps as needed. Uses fabrication skills (welding, metalworking, pipefitting, etc.) to repair and/or replace structures. Assists in maintenance of irrigation system to include patching concrete structures, replacing underground pipes, and repairing canal gates.

Continually observes the condition of laterals, ditches, and irrigation structures and reports the need for repairs. Performs minor maintenance such as removing debris around structures and makes repairs.

Assists in controlling emergency flooding by building temporary diversions along irrigation canals. Assists in controlling small brush fires by hauling water to fire area. Applies herbicides and insecticides for weed and insect control.

Performs other job related duties that enhance and facilitate departmental operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of locations of valves, gates, pumps, canals and laterals in the Community Irrigation system.
• Knowledge of operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, motors, heavy equipment, and other irrigation tools.
• Knowledge of agricultural irrigation techniques and best practices.
• Knowledge of the use of technical manuals, instructions, and schematics for use in repairing pump station, trash rack, pump well, agricultural irrigation equipment.
• Knowledge of diagnostic and repair methods, techniques, materials, tools, and equipment related to agricultural irrigation pumping equipment.
• Knowledge of routine preventative maintenance requirements and methods for performing minor repairs on heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in maintaining heavy equipment repair and associated tools.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions associated with the use of herbicides, pesticides, and handling hazardous waste.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with repair of pumping station and irrigation well pump equipment and tools.
• Knowledge of proper operation and maintenance of pump stations, pump wells, controls, heavy equipment and irrigation tools and general safety equipment practices.
• Knowledge of the principles in the operation and repair hydraulics pumping equipment.
• Knowledge of types of grease and varieties of lubricants used in the repair and maintenance of pump station, pump wells, heavy equipment and irrigation tools and equipment.

• Skill and accuracy in diagnosing, inspecting, and repairing agricultural pumps, wells, and related tools and equipment.
• Skill in safely operating heavy equipment used in daily agricultural irrigation operations.
• Skill in understanding and following written and verbal instructions.
• Skill in safely operating electrical, power, and manual tools and equipment.
• Skill in operating heavy equipment to grade surfaces to rough or fine specifications using good hand, foot, and eye coordination in a safe manner.

• Ability to bend and stoop repeatedly or continually.
• Ability to pick up and move heavy objects weighing 50 - 90 pounds or more long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Ability to follow oral or written instructions.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience: Graduation from high school or GED and at least two (2) years' experience in the maintenance, operation, and repair of irrigation pumps, controls, wells, and irrigation heavy equipment. Preference given to applicants with at least 1 year of agricultural irrigation experience, and/or experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment. Must have a valid CDL at time of hire.

• For enrolled Community members without a GED, must obtain a GED. Requires participation in the HR GED Program and successful completion of the Arizona state certified exam I order to continue employment with SRPMIC.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.

Underfill Eligibility: An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill.

Special Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License.

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified : Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods:

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

Documentation must be received by position closing date.

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted .

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.