Agricultural Water Operations Manager at Oakdale Irrigation District, CA

About the Department

Under general direction of the General Manager, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the Agricultural (Ag) Water Operations Department through subordinate supervisors. The Department is comprised of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) responsible for delivering irrigation water to customers through OID’s irrigation conveyance system, including canals, pipelines, and pumping facilities.

The Assistant Manager provides leadership in water operations, supervises and evaluates staff, and develops programs to improve system efficiency, reduce water waste, and ensures timely and equitable water distribution. This position also coordinates with other District departments on system maintenance and improvements, oversees SCADA monitoring, and assists in long-term operational planning for both irrigation and non-irrigation seasons.

Position Duties

Department Leadership and Management

     1. Provide day-to-day oversight of the Ag Water Operations Department, including staffing, scheduling, and budgeting to ensure effective and efficient operations.
     2. Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities in alignment with District strategies.
     3. Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinate supervisors and DSOs; ensure staff performance meets operational and safety standards.
     4. Review and recommend personnel actions, including promotions, merit increases, and disciplinary measures.
     5. Maintain a culture of safety and accountability, ensuring compliance with District policies and applicable regulations.
     6. Develop and implement training programs for DSOs and supervisors to enhance technical proficiency and operational consistency.
     7. Represent the department in meetings with the General Manager, management staff, and external agencies.

Operational Oversight and Coordination

1. Plan, organize, and direct water delivery operations through the canal and pipeline system to meet agricultural irrigation demands.
2. Manage and coordinate daily water allocations and distribution, ensuring equitable delivery across service areas.
3. Oversee operation and integration of SCADA systems and other automated technologies to monitor and control water flow, diversion, and discharge.
4. Analyze water operations data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and minimize waste or spillage.
5. Coordinate with irrigation users to discuss delivery schedules, improve irrigation practices, and resolve service-related concerns.
6. Inspect canals, ditches, conduits, gates, trash racks, and related facilities to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
7. Evaluate water delivery performance and develop management tools to ensure consistent application of District rules and regulations.
8. Coordinate closely with the Construction, Maintenance, Water Utilities, and SCADA departments to schedule and complete repairs, upgrades, and system improvements while minimizing customer impact.
9. Monitor field operations to ensure the efficient use of pumps, wells, and drainage systems; take corrective action to address inefficiencies or wasteful practices.
10. Manage stormwater control efforts and assist in emergency response related to flood or drainage events.

Reporting and Documentation

1. Prepare and review reports, correspondence, and records related to water delivery, usage, and system operations.
2. Maintain detailed water use and efficiency reports tied to crop production and system performance.
3. Prepare progress and budgetary reports; assist in the development and administration of contracts and specifications related to assigned operations.
4. Monitor and report major expenditures, personnel issues, and system irregularities to the General Manager.
5. Participate in the review of development and subdivision plans to ensure the protection of District interests.

Customer and Community Relations

1. Confer with irrigators, landowners, and the public to address water delivery issues, explain District procedures, and promote efficient irrigation practices.
2. Work collaboratively with other local and regional agencies on water management issues as directed.

    3. Represent the District professionally in public meetings, presentations, and stakeholder discussions.

Other Duties

1. Share standby and on-call responsibilities with other supervisory personnel.
2. Assist in accident investigations and safety reviews.

    3. Perform other related duties or special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises subordinate supervisors and DSOs within the Ag Water Operations Department. Responsibilities include training, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems in accordance with District policies and applicable laws.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Agricultural Engineering, Water Resources Operations Management, Agribusiness, Water Science or a closely related field.
• Experience:
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in irrigation operations, water distribution, scheduling, and water management, including automated system operations (e.g. SCADA).
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience managing and evaluating employees.
• Experience managing budgets and operational project preferred.

Additional qualifying supervisor experience at a water agency may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of water storage, conveyance, irrigation, and drainage systems.
• Supervisory principles, employee development, and performance evaluation.
• SCADA and other water monitoring and control technologies.
• Water measurement, scheduling, and conservation techniques.
• California Water Code as applied to irrigation operations.
• Engineering and maintenance practices relevant to irrigation infrastructure.
• Safe work practices, record-keeping, and reporting methods.

Ability to:

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise complex water delivery operations.
• Interpret and apply District policies and procedures.
• Analyze data, identify issues, and implement practical solutions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with employees, customers, and partner agencies.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and presentations.
• Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively in emergencies.
• Work under variable weather and field conditions.

Licensing and Certification

• Valid California driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Possession of a Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS) certification, or ability to obtain within 3 years of employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass a pre-employment chemical and physical examination.
• Must maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy.

Other Qualifications

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; telephone; calculator; construction plans; reference materials; and standard office and field equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work performed in both office and field settings.
• Regular exposure to variable weather, uneven terrain, dust, noise, and vibration.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying up to 60 lbs.
• Operation of District vehicles for canal and facility inspections for extended periods.
• Requires manual dexterity for gate and control manipulation, report preparation, and equipment handling.
• Must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing.
• Requires ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Apply Now