CAREERS

Be part of our incredible team and join us on our journey of innovation, sustainability and growth. 

The Western Irrigation District provides irrigation water to over 400 farms and 1o0,000 acres of land. In addition, it supplies municipal water to over 12,000 people in four different communities through 2,100 km of canals and pipelines. Like other irrigation districts in Alberta, the WID operates under the rules and procedures of the Irrigation Districts Act. We are headquartered in Strathmore, Alberta, approximately 40 kilometers east of Calgary.

SOME PERKS OF WORKING HERE
The WID provides a friendly, diverse and inclusive work environment, competitive wages, comprehensive benefit packages to enrich your health and wellbeing, and a pension plan for salaried employees.
Western Irrigation district field and canal photo

Current Opportunities

We would like to thank everyone for their application;
however only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

This is a position for an experienced Fencing Lead. The Fencing Lead will lead a crew responsible for constructing temporary and permanent wood/wire fencing to assist the construction and/or maintenance departments.

Requirements

  • Minimum valid class 5 driving license required.
  • Legally able to work in Canada.
  • Physical stamina and strength to perform heavy labor.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills.
  • Willing and able to work in all weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to safely lift, push, pull, and carry heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
  • Standing, kneeling, and bending for extended periods.
  • Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Work Environment

  • Construction sites, which may include ditch banks, working around water and uneven terrain.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions and temperatures.
  • Potential exposure to loud noise and equipment.

Reporting

  • Reports to Foremen and/or Superintendent.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Comply with all W.I.D. policies and company safety standards.
  • Complete all daily reporting for time and attendance and safety.
  • Completing operational paperwork (job reports, truck inventory logs, site checklists, etc.) as directed.
  • Ability to train and lead a team of workers that have various levels of experience.
  • Coordinate tasks according to defined priorities.
  • Manage fencing crew to ensure all finished work meets AT Standards and is completed on time.
  • Review project and timelines provided by management and ensure the timelines are followed.
  • Competent in the use of powered mobile equipment.
  • Ensure manpower and resources are adequate for daily tasks.
  • Driving W.I.D. vehicles to and from site.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment including vehicles and equipment.

Career Advancement

  • Opportunities for advancement may include supervisory positions.

This job description provides a general outline of the duties and requirements of a Fencing Lead.

Specific responsibilities and qualifications may vary.

The GIS Administrator will have knowledge of utilizing and maintaining an ESRI ArcGIS Pro/ArcMap Environment as well as ArcGIS Online.  Perform editing of existing datasets, creating new datasets and maps, file research, data mining, creating data models, management of project mapping and geodatabase information. 

Requirements

  • 1-5 years in a GIS Technician/Analyst type role.
  • ESRI Certification, Post Secondary Training, or equivalent direct work experience in a GIS position.
  • Ability to effectively configure, process and analyze data.
  • Detail oriented thinker.
  • Knowledge in MS SQL/Python languages.
  • Experience in developing SharePoint/OneDrive processes would be an asset.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and willingness to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team as required.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Discretion and confidentiality.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Candidate must be proficient in creating and maintaining ESRI geodatabase models, creating GIS Web Apps and Web Maps through ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro.
  • Build, update, and maintain databases, GIS software and hardware.
  • Design, develop and implement systems and databases for geospatial data.
  • Assist end users with ESRI Desktop data edits and provide client guidance in the use of web maps and GPS GNSS field operations.
  • Ability to conduct field GPS GNSS data collection.
  • Review data for accuracy.
  • Build reports and presentations utilizing GIS data for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Administer and troubleshoot applications and GIS solutions.
  • Basic IT troubleshooting for maintaining the server environment/backups etc.
  • Other duties as required.
  • Promote and drive a proactive and positive HSE culture within WID.
  • Driving WID vehicles to and from site.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment including vehicles and equipment.

Schedule

  • Monday to Friday with some after-hours work as required.
  • Minor travel to our field locations throughout the district.

Position Overview

The Water District Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and managing the operations and maintenance including the supply, distribution, and monitoring of water throughout a canal and pipe system for irrigation, domestic, and other uses in an established service area.  They are responsible for all related operations and maintenance of infrastructure within the District. The Water District Supervisor coordinates with management and irrigators/landowners to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Key Responsibilities

Water Operations – Water Season April 16 – September 30

  • Supervise and coordinate the daily operations of water delivery throughout the water season.
  • Removal of aquatic weeds and debris from trash racks.
  • Manual gate adjustments for water orders and release of stormwater.
  • Regular checks throughout the district making flow adjustments and other tasks.
  • Monitor general maintenance of control structures (weed removal, servicing, and general upkeep) and report any deficiencies.
  • Develop and implement operational procedures, including start-up, shutdown, and emergency response protocols.
  • Complete all reporting requirements daily, including water levels, water rates, hazard assessments, safety checks, etc.
  • Collaborate with management and other peers to optimize delivery processes and implement improvements.

 Facility Maintenance – October 1 – April 15

Under the direction of the Water Coordinator, you will participate in the fall/winter maintenance programs, assisting with preliminary technical evaluations and general maintenance assignments

Depending on experience you may be asked to operate the following:

  • Backhoe, loader, dozer, track hoe, surveying, tampers, and general hand tools
  • Complete all safety reporting requirements daily
  • General laboring may be required

Qualifications and Skills

  • Experience in and around the district preferably with irrigation knowledge.
  • Experience with safety programs and regulations.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact with staff, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
  • Proficiency in using computerized systems and software for data analysis, reporting, and management.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Water District Operator role. Actual job requirements may vary depending on the selected individual’s abilities, knowledge, and experience. Past experience in utility operations, water treatment process operations or power engineering would be beneficial. However, training and direct supervision will be provided for this role.

Who We Are

The Western Irrigation District provides irrigation water to over 400 farms and 100,000 acres of land. In addition, it supplies municipal water to over 12,000 people in four different communities through 2,100 km of canals and pipelines. Like other irrigation districts in Alberta, the WID operates under the rules and procedures of the Irrigation Districts Act. The WID is headquartered in Strathmore, Alberta, approximately 40 kilometers east of Calgary.

Where We Work and Live

Our Headquarters is in the town of Strathmore and each Water District Supervisor will be working within the boundaries of the Western Irrigation District.

About the Role

We are seeking a Head Works Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for monitoring, controlling and recording water diversions, reservoir storage, and canal systems to ensure efficient water flow to meet downstream requirements. This position requires a strong aptitude for technology, attention to detail, and excellent problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities – Water season April 16 – September 30th

  • Operate and monitor Bow River diversions using combined SCADA technology and onsite visits to maintain steady water flow.
  • Balance internal reservoir storage and canal water flows out of reservoirs to meet downstream flow requirements.
  • Inspect and monitor canal infrastructure for issues and ensure its safe and effective operation.
  • Monitor stormwater inflows, assessing volume and potential contaminants.
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare reports using software tools such as Microsoft Excel and Word.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and stakeholders to address inquiries and ensure excellent service.
  • Work independently with limited supervision.
  • Be available to work irregular hours during rainfall events and other emergencies.

Facility Maintenance – October 1 – April 15

  • Under the direction of the Water Coordinator, you will participate in the fall/winter maintenance programs, assist with preliminary technical evaluations and general maintenance assignments.

Depending on experience, you may be asked to operate the following:

  • Backhoe, Loader, Track Hoe, Surveying equipment, Tampers and general hand tools.
  • Complete all safety reporting requirements daily.
  • General labouring may be required.

Qualifications

  • Experience with SCADA technology or similar systems is beneficial.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and Word.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
  • Must be physically able to perform some manual labor (cleaning of debris from trash racks).
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Flexibility to work odd hours during weather-related events. (Water Season)
  • Previous water operations would be beneficial
  • Experience with heavy equipment operations (dozer, track hoe, skid steer, backhoe) would be an asset.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Water District Operator role. Actual job requirements may vary depending on the selected individual’s abilities, knowledge, and experience. Past experience in utility operations, water treatment process operations or power engineering would be beneficial, however, training and direct supervision will be provided for this role.

Send resumes to careers@wid.net, mail or drop them off at the WID office located at: A-1000 Pine Street, Strathmore, T1P 1C1

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