Sub-Foreperson - Irrigation & Drainage

This is field inspection, operational and supervisory work with responsibility to monitor and adjust water levels to provide irrigation to the local agricultural community and prevent flooding. An incumbent conducts field inspections to monitor the volume and salinity of water across the regional network of irrigation and drainage ditches; determines required adjustments to increase or decrease water to desirable levels; establishes and maintains liaison, and provides support to members of the local agricultural community; monitors SCADA system and pump stations to determine potential impacts to regional irrigation and drainage systems and determines required actions; supervises, directs and performs work related to the installation and maintenance of the irrigation and drainage system; and participates in the planning of projects associated with the irrigation and drainage network. An incumbent exercises considerable independent judgement and action in the work. Work performance is reviewed by a superior in terms of efficient operation and adherence to established standards.

Conducts field inspections to monitor the volume and salinity of water across the regional network of irrigation and drainage ditches; takes water samples to test salinity; ensures for acceptable water and salinity levels for irrigation during farming season; and ensures for sufficient drainage to prevent flooding.

Makes manual field adjustments by opening and closing intake points for river water to increase or decrease water levels; assesses impact of adjustments across adjacent properties in terms of acceptable water volume and salinity levels relative to agricultural needs and seasonal impacts.