Salary
$23.71 - $28.33 Hourly
Location
Yakima, WA
Job Type
Full-time
Department
Public Works
Division
Irrigation
Opening Date
05/14/2025
Closing Date
5/28/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
AFSCME
- Description
- Benefits
- Questions
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview And Minimum Class Requirements
The Water/Irrigation Division is looking for a motivated, mechanically inclined team player to join our irrigation crew! If you have experience with irrigation or water systems and enjoy hands-on work in the field, this is a great opportunity to grow your skills and make a real impact. Apply today and be part of a team that keeps essential water systems running smoothly!
Minimum Requirements
High School diploma or GED and one (1) year experience in irrigation systems or related systems.
Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License. Must possess and maintain a Basic First Aid/CPR Certificate, Traffic Flagging Certificate, and a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with an air brake endorsement within nine (9) months of appointment.
Job Summary
Under general supervision, participates in the activities of a field crew in the systematic preventative maintenance, inspecting, repair and installation of the irrigation river diversions, canals and distribution system. Performs related work as assigned.
Essential Functions
Performs a variety of duties and services within the Water/Irrigation division including, but not limited to:
Irrigation Services: Participates in making street cuts using concrete saw, asphalt grinder and/or jackhammer. Ensures proper safety measures are implemented such as traffic signing, flagging and proper trenching and shoring. Assembles materials for service connections. Participates in taping irrigation mains, heat fusion welding, laying service pipe and installing shut off valve and valve box. Participates in excavation, backfill and compaction operations using hand tools and/or powered compactors. Turns services on or off.
Irrigation Main Installation and Repair: Participates in making street cuts using concrete saw, asphalt grinder and/or jackhammer. Ensures proper safety measures are implemented such as traffic signing, flagging and proper trenching and shoring. Participates in taping irrigation mains, heat fusion welding, laying pipe and installing valves, tees, bends, crosses and thrust restraints. Cleans pipe and installs repair bands or sleeves and/or replaces broken sections of pipe. Participates in excavation, backfill and compaction operations using hand tools and/or powered compactors.
Irrigation System Operation: Operates river diversions by opening, closing or adjusting diversion gates; and/or installing check boards on diversion dam. Follows directions from the Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure proper operation of fish barrier systems. Maintains adequate water levels in canals by adjusting gates, valves and check boards. Participates in keeping canals, reservoir and pump screens clean by mowing weeds and/or removing debris from screening facilities. Adjusts flows from canals and overflows to other irrigation companies and pump stations. Operates, monitors and adjusts flow from pump stations.
Preventative Maintenance: Participates in valve maintenance program including valve box cleaning, adjusting valve boxes to grade and exercising valves. Inspects and services pumps and motors, fish screens and diversion gates, requiring use of atmosphere testing equipment. Participates in irrigation system flushing program by opening and closing of valves. Ensures proper safety measures are implemented such as traffic signing, flagging, and proper trenching and shoring.
Contributes to the effectiveness of the Water/Irrigation Division by exhibiting an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources.Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Note: This position is designed to prepare individuals for career advancement to an Irrigation Specialist II with increasingly specialized knowledge and skill to meet the competencies and expectations of the higher-level position, including, but not limited to: proficiency of operations of backhoe/loader, front end loader, dump truck, equipment trailer, jackhammer, and in reading irrigation system related maps and charts.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
MAJOR WORKER CHARACTERISTICS: Knowledge of irrigation canals and distribution systems, including types of equipment and materials used; traffic control procedures; and safe techniques and procedures for the appropriate use of materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment necessary
Knowledge of city, state and federal traffic laws, rules and regulations with ability to direct traffic utilizing proper flagging processes and procedures. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns.
Knowledge of time management and work flow practices, record keeping and retention processes, and practices. Knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
Working knowledge of office equipment and applicable computer programs, including but not limited to: Microsoft Outlook, and basic internet access capabilities.
Ability to identify and analyze abnormal conditions and render a timely and appropriate course of action to correct; read and interpret maps of distribution systems; operate a personal computer, necessary mobile devises and other standard office equipment; read, research, understand and utilize equipment repair resources. Must maintain accurate logs and/or records; perform basic mathematical calculations efficiently and accurately; and troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively.
Ability to use hand and power tools including, but not limited to: a jackhammer, powered compactors and an air compressor; and operate medium to heavy equipment. Perform strenuous physical work and occasionally lift heavy equipment.
Ability to work independently with self-direction; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Strong mechanical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, and members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, utilizing effective communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English. Must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other departments, and members of the public, continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs.
Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements. Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is primarily performed outside. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/ grasping/ keyboarding and other fine motor skills manipulation while performing duties operating on computers and other machinery. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. On rare occasions may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices up to 100 pounds. Regularly ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/ hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work at heights, confined spaces, alone, with others, or in noisy work area. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs and maintenance items. Occasional kneeling/ crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. May require constant moving, sitting, kneeling or standing for excessive periods of time. May work outside with all weather extremes, be exposed to: members of the public; insects; pollen; mud; dust; smoke; electrical hazards; noxious odors; fumes; chemicals; solvents; oil; ink; construction debris; asbestos; cement pipe; vibrations; needles; drug paraphernalia; traffic; and other hazards. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May come in contact with upset, agitated or emotionally disturbed customers. May be required to work weekend, standby, or on-call assignments. Shall be subject to random controlled substance and alcohol testing, pursuant to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including 49 CFR Part 40 and Section 302 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.
The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- FREE healthcare clinic!
- WA State PERS pension plan
- 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
- Leave accruals:
- Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
- Sick – 8 hours/month
- Personal holiday – 2 days
- Observed holiday – 11 holidays
- Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
- Life Insurance
- Much more!
The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
01
Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?
02
I have reviewed the job posting for this position, and acknowledge the salary range is defined as listed on the posting.
03
What is your highest level of education?
- High School diploma/GED
- Some College
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Technical/Trade Certification
- None of the above
04
How much experience do you possess working with irrigation or other related systems?
- None
- Less than 1 year
- At least 1 year
05
If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)
06
Do you possess a valid WA Class A Commercial Driver's License with an air brake endorsement?
- Yes
- Yes, but not the airbrake endorsement
- No
- No, but will be able to obtain one within 6 months
- No, but i possess a CDL permit
07
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.
Required Question
Employer City of Yakima
Address 129 N. 2nd Street
Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone (509) 575-6090
Website http://www.yakimawa.gov