Job Description - Ditch Rider

General Description:

The Ditch Rider reports to and assists the Superintendent in carrying out all responsibilities related to delivering water to the shareholders of the Fire Mountain Canal and Reservoir Company (Company), including conferring with shareholders, maintaining the canal, managing temporary and part-time employees, and dealing with contractors, equipment operators, and government officials. This position requires variable time commitment but is basically a 12-month per year job. The position may require considerably more than forty hours per week during the irrigation season but periods of no work activity during the non-irrigation season.

Responsibilities:

· Make daily readings of the headgate at Somerset and Leroux Creek;

· Regulate the flow according to water use and loss;

· Drive and evaluate the canal and check each headgate for proper flow;

· Check all leaks and cracks for problem signs of canal instability or failure;

· In conjunction with the Superintendent, check siphon valves annually and repair as needed;

· Monitor canal right-of-way for trespass and unauthorized use. Inform the Superintendent or Board if associated problems arise that cannot be resolved independently;

· Post signs, put up cables and gates that close the right-of-way in the off season;

· Maintain contact with contractors and equipment operators in case of emergency;

· Assist the Superintendant and Dam Tender in reviewing and implementing the Company’s Controlled Maintenance Items on a priority basis. Assist the Superintendent in developing a schedule of materials and costs required to perform the maintenance;

· Monitor the Leroux Creek headgate frequently during floodwater conditions;

· Assume responsibility for all ditch equipment, supplies, and their storage;

· Make required phone calls, as needed, to Superintendent, Company Directors, or government officials;

· Be familiar with all water rights, agencies, and persons pertaining to the canal system;

· Attend and report to the annual stockholders meeting, if requested by the Superintendent or Board;

· Develop a system of daily communication with Superintendent to provide readings and such other information as requested and required by the Superintendent in the performance of his/her duties;

· When contractors are working on the canal or related structures, ensure that their work performance is monitored by either the Ditch Rider or Superintendent;

· Keep a daily record of work performed, including time, and mileage associated with the work;

· Submit contractor or other invoices to the Superintendent or Secretary/Treasurer of the Board for payment on a schedule to be determined by Secretary/Treasurer of the Board;

· Be familiar with the Paonia Dam operations and procedures and SOP’s, and obtain and maintain dam tender certification as directed by the Board and as provided by the USBR and other agencies;

· Attend such other training programs or seminars as required by USBR, the State of Colorado, other agencies, or the Board; and

· In the absence of the Superintendent, inform the Company web master of emergency situations, planned water outages, water on / off dates, and other information, pertinent to the shareholders, so this information may be presented on the Company’s web site.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred for this position, plus one year experience in irrigation water delivery, inspection, maintenance and repair of irrigation canals, ditches, flumes, and other related structures and conveyances. Familiarity with Colorado water law as it pertains to irrigation is preferred. Demonstrated ability to interact comfortably and productively with the public, company shareholders, management and shareholders, and related government officials. Individual is expected to provide his or her own four-wheel drive vehicle, operating costs for which will be reimbursed by the Company. Able to safely use hand and power tools, pour and form concrete, use cell phones and computers, operate heavy equipment. Ability to repeatedly lift and move objects weighing fifty pounds in arduous outdoor environments. Occasional entry into confined environments, (e.g. siphons, dam elevators) is required. Must know how to contact pertinent public health and safety officials in the event of dam and/or canal emergencies. Must submit to random drug testing as required by the Board.

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The Board of Directors reserves the right to amend this job description and duties from time to time by presenting a completed and amended copy to the Ditch Rider for review.