Canal Operator

San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority; Byron (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority is seeking a Canal Operator to regulate flow and distribution of irrigation water through the Delta Mendota Canal and related facilities. The role involves operating gates, maintaining water elevations, patrolling facilities, and performing routine maintenance to minimize losses.

Applicants should have at least two years of canal operation experience, basic hydraulics and arithmetic, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years in canal system operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities for a water district or related entity.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Canal operations

Water distribution

Hydraulics basics

Mathematics basics

Record keeping

Job description

Application Deadline: 12:00pm on Monday, November 30, 2026

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.