CAREERS
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The Western Irrigation District provides irrigation water to over 400 farms and 140,000 irrigation acres. 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.
Current Opportunities
Send resumes to careers@wid.net, mail or drop them off at the WID office located at: A-1000 Pine Street, Strathmore, T1P 1C1
Reporting to: Project Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Position Summary
This position is responsible for supporting the successful planning, estimating, scheduling, budgeting, and delivery of routine construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and operational projects across the District. The role serves as the primary resource for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates, project plans, schedules, and cost forecasting for a high volume of small to mid-sized projects, generally under $100,000.
The ideal candidate will bring practical estimating experience gained in a competitive civil construction environment, with the ability to develop accurate, efficient, and cost-effective estimates based on real-world construction practices. Experience with earthworks, canal systems, dam infrastructure, utilities, or other heavy civil construction is highly valued and will support practical project planning and execution.
Reporting to the Project Manager, this position works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to support the planning and delivery of routine operational and maintenance projects. The role helps ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with District priorities while supporting continuous improvement in estimating accuracy and project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Budget Development
- Prepare detailed and competitive cost estimates for routine construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, and operational projects.
- Develop conceptual, preliminary, and detailed project budgets throughout the project
- Analyze labour, equipment, material, subcontractor, and indirect costs using practical knowledge of construction methods and productivity.
- Review project scopes, drawings, and specifications to identify cost drivers, risks, and opportunities for
- Maintain estimating databases, historical cost information, productivity benchmarks, and unit pricing to improve estimating accuracy.
- Assist with annual operating and capital budget planning for routine infrastructure and maintenance
- Support project planning by providing timely estimating information to assist with project prioritization and decision-making.
Cost Control
- Monitor project expenditures against approved
- Track committed costs, purchase orders, contracts, invoices, and change
- Identify cost variances and provide timely reporting to project
- Prepare project cost forecasts and estimate-at-completion
- Support financial controls and cost management processes across operational and maintenance
- Collaborate with Finance to ensure project costs are accurately coded, tracked, and
Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain project schedules and milestone tracking
- Coordinate planning activities to support efficient execution of multiple concurrent operational
- Monitor project progress against planned
- Identify schedule risks, resource constraints, and opportunities to improve project
- Assist with work prioritization, resource planning, and coordination between Operations, Maintenance, and project teams.
- Maintain project reporting systems and schedule
Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare project performance reports, dashboards, and
- Provide regular updates on project status, budget performance, schedule progress, and key
- Analyze estimating accuracy, project costs, productivity, and project performance to support continuous
- Maintain accurate project records and supporting
- Support management reporting and operational planning
Project Support
- Support procurement and tendering activities through cost analysis, bid comparisons, and estimate
- Assist with project planning, business cases, and funding requests where
- Coordinate project documentation and reporting
- Participate in project meetings and provide estimating, planning, and project controls
- Support continuous improvement of estimating practices, project management processes, tools, and reporting systems.
- Assist with implementation and optimization of project management and estimating
Qualifications
Must Have
- 3–5+ years of experience in civil construction; estimating, project planning, project coordination, construction management, or project delivery.
- Experience preparing competitive construction estimates for small to medium-sized projects, preferably within a contractor or competitive bidding environment.
- Practical experience in civil
- Experience developing project budgets, estimates, and financial
- Experience monitoring project costs and
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and project reporting
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s
Skills
- Competitive construction estimating and cost
- Strong analytical and problem-solving
- Excellent attention to detail and
- Strong organizational and project coordination
- Effective communication and stakeholder
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and construction
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on improving estimating accuracy, efficiency, and project
Assets (Nice to Have)
- Diploma or degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related
- Project Management Professional (PMP), Gold Seal through Canadian Construction Association, or other estimating or construction-related certification.
- Experience with municipal, utility, irrigation, water infrastructure, or heavy civil construction
- Knowledge of procurement, tendering, and contract administration
- Experience with grant-funded projects.
Reporting to: Operations Manager
Department: Water Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Position Summary
This position serves as the organization’s advisor and subject matter expert for health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance programs. The HSER Advisor is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving systems, programs, and processes that support safe operations, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and risk management across the District.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role provides visible leadership in both field and office environments, supporting operations, maintenance, construction, land management, and water service activities. The HSER Advisor works closely with employees, contractors, leadership, and regulatory agencies to identify risks, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement in HSER performance.
Health & Safety Leadership
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the District’s health and safety management system, policies, procedures, and programs.
- Provide visible field leadership through inspections, audits, observations, and direct engagement with employees and contractors.
- Support hazard identification, risk assessments, incident prevention initiatives, and emergency preparedness activities.
- Facilitate the Joint Health & Safety Committee and ensure compliance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
- Lead environmental compliance programs and ensure adherence to applicable legislation, permits, licences, approvals, and reporting requirements.
- Support environmental stewardship initiatives by identifying risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and promoting sustainable operational practices.
- Coordinate environmental monitoring, incident response, investigations, corrective actions, and regulatory
- Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, consultants, and external stakeholders on environmental and compliance matters.
Risk Management
- Act as the District’s subject matter expert on occupational health and safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Lead and maintain the COR program, compliance audits, inspections, and continuous improvement
- Monitor legislative and regulatory changes and recommend actions to ensure organizational
- Support enterprise risk management, business continuity, and emergency response planning.
Incident Management & Continuous Improvement
- Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, environmental events, and hazards using root cause analysis methodologies.
- Develop, monitor, and verify corrective and preventative actions to address identified risks and improve
- Analyze HSER trends, metrics, and performance indicators to identify opportunities for
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness and regulatory.
Training & Culture
- Develop and deliver HSER training, orientations, awareness programs, and toolbox
- Coach and support employees and contractors in the application of safe work practices and compliance
- Promote a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
- Identify competency gaps and recommend training and development.
Systems, Reporting & Administration
- Administer HSER management systems and ensure the integrity of compliance, training, incident, and inspection records.
- Prepare reports, dashboards, presentations, and compliance documentation for leadership, committees, and the Board.
- Monitor and report on HSER performance indicators, compliance obligations, and organizational
- Recommend process and system improvements that enhance efficiency, accountability, and reporting.
Operational Support
- Maintain a strong field presence and partner with departments to integrate HSER requirements into daily operations and projects.
- Support contractor onboarding, compliance monitoring, and performance management
- Provide practical guidance and real-time coaching to support safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible work execution.
- Participate in operational planning and project reviews to identify and mitigate HSER.
Qualifications
Must Have
- Post-secondary education in Occupational Health & Safety, Environment, Agriculture, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in health, safety, environmental, regulatory compliance, or risk management roles.
- Strong knowledge of Alberta occupational health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Working knowledge of the Alberta Water Act and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), including associated approvals, protocols, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
- Experience with COR programs, regulatory compliance, incident investigations, audits, inspections, risk assessments, and WCB claims management.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HSER management
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence with an acceptable driving.
Skills
- Regulatory interpretation and compliance
- Environmental stewardship and risk
- Incident investigation and corrective action
- Strong communication, coaching, and relationship-building
- Independent decision-making, sound judgment, and problem
- Data analysis, reporting, and continuous.
Assets (Nice to Have)
- NCSO, CRSP, CHSC, EP, Ag., P.Biol., ASET, Certified COR Auditor, or equivalent designation.
- Experience in irrigation, water management, utilities, agriculture, aggregate operations, land development, construction, or municipal environments.
- Experience with environmental permitting, regulatory approvals, environmental monitoring, and emergency response planning.
Department: Water Operations
Position Summary
This position is responsible for coordinating the District’s daily water operations by monitoring the water delivery system through the SCADA control system, leading the Water Operations field team, coordinating customer water orders and scheduling, and maintaining operational records and reporting.
Working from the District’s control room, the Operations Coordinator monitors water delivery across the District’s canal and pipeline network, identifies operational issues, coordinates field response, and ensures timely communication between the control room, Water Operators, and customers. The position supervises the Water Operators and Water Operator(s) in Training, providing day-to-day leadership, work coordination, and performance support. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this position plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable water delivery throughout the District.
Key Responsibilities
Water Operations Leadership
- Lead and provide day-to-day direction to Water Operators and Water Operator(s) in Training.
- Establish daily work priorities and coordinate field operations.
- Support employee development and performance.
- Coordinate daily operational activities to support reliable water delivery.
Customer Service & Operational Coordination
- Receive, log, and schedule customer water orders.
- Coordinate daily water delivery scheduling with the Water Operations team.
- Serve as a central point of contact for irrigator inquiries and service requests.
- Coordinate work order intake, prioritization, tracking, and status updates.
- Prepare operational notices and customer communications.
- Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
- Compile operational, water-use, and regulatory reports.
- Maintain records supporting daily operations and system performance.
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Environmental or Water Resources, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in operations coordination, control room monitoring, scheduling, or dispatch, including experience leading a team.
- Demonstrated experience assigning work, developing staff, and managing performance.
- Ability to interpret operational data, including water levels, flows, and trends, and recognize abnormal operating conditions.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
Skills
- SCADA or control room monitoring experience, or demonstrated aptitude and willingness to learn.
- Sound judgment and the ability to assess urgency and escalate issues appropriately.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- High attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Assets (Nice to Have)
- Experience with SCADA systems, particularly VTScada.
- Experience leading field, trades, or operations staff in a utility or agricultural environment.
- Water or Wastewater Operator Certification.
- Understanding of hydraulics, water conveyance, or canal systems.
- Familiarity with irrigation, water utility, or municipal operations.
- Experience using work order, asset management, or document management systems.
- Experience with data analysis, reporting, and dashboards.
Department: Water Operations
Position Summary
This position is responsible for learning the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of irrigation water throughout an assigned section of the District’s canal and pipeline network under the guidance of experienced Water Operators. The Water Operator Trainee progressively develops the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to independently manage water distribution, fulfill customer water orders, operate water control infrastructure, monitor system performance, and respond to operational issues.
During the off-season, the Water Operator Trainee assists with maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and construction activities throughout the District while developing proficiency in the operation of heavy equipment. The incumbent follows a structured training program designed to prepare them for advancement into a fully qualified Water Operator role. The position reports directly to the Operations Manager and is an integral member of the District’s field operations team.
Key Responsibilities
Water Delivery Operations
- Learn to manage daily irrigation water delivery within an assigned operational area under supervision.
- Assist with receiving, coordinating, and fulfilling customer water orders in accordance with operational priorities and water availability.
- Learn to monitor water flows and adjust delivery rates to optimize system efficiency and minimize water losses.
- Operate manual and automated water control structures, including gates, checks, valves, and SCADA- controlled infrastructure, as competency is demonstrated.
- Develop an understanding of system conditions and respond appropriately to changing operational requirements.
System Inspection & Monitoring
- Conduct routine inspections of canals, pipelines, reservoirs, control structures, and related infrastructure.
- Identify operational deficiencies, maintenance requirements, safety hazards, or infrastructure concerns and report them to supervisors.
- Collect water quality samples, field measurements, and operational data.
- Complete daily operational logs, inspection reports, maintenance records, and required documentation.
- Learn to monitor SCADA systems and field instrumentation.
Maintenance & Heavy Equipment Operations
- Assist with maintenance, repairs, vegetation control, and infrastructure rehabilitation throughout the District.
- Learn to safely operate heavy equipment including backhoes, loaders, excavators, dozers, and other equipment required for maintenance and rehabilitation activities.
- Support construction, capital improvement, and emergency repair projects.
- Conduct routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
- Maintain tools, equipment, and vehicles in safe operating condition.
Operational Support & Response
- Respond to operational issues, customer concerns, and emergency situations under the direction of experienced operators.
- Participate in seasonal on-call rotations as competency and training milestones are achieved.
- Assist with stormwater management and emergency water releases when required.
- Support other operational areas during peak workloads or emergency situations.
- Work collaboratively with Water Operators and other District staff to ensure reliable district-wide operations.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Complete hazard assessments and required safety documentation before commencing work.
- Perform all duties in accordance with District safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrate a strong safety mindset by asking questions, recognizing personal competency limits, and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Identify hazards and participate in the reporting and investigation of incidents and near misses.
- Successfully complete required training and maintain certifications provided through the District.
- Promote safe work practices and contribute to a positive safety culture.
Qualifications
Must Have
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- Eligibility and willingness to obtain a Class 3 Driver’s Licence with Air Brake (Q) Endorsement.
- Mechanical aptitude and a demonstrated willingness to learn.
- Willingness to work extended hours during the irrigation season and participate in an on-call rotation as training progresses.
- Physical ability to perform demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
Skills
- Ability to work independently as competency develops while accepting coaching and direction.
- Strong troubleshooting abilities.
- Basic computer skills for operational reporting and recordkeeping.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to learn heavy equipment operation safely and effectively.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize competing operational demands while maintaining service standards.
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to continuously develop new skills.
Assets (Nice to Have)
- Agricultural, irrigation, construction, utility operations, or heavy equipment experience.
- Farm or rural background with practical equipment experience.
- Class 3 Driver’s Licence with Air Brake (Q) Endorsement.
- Water or Wastewater Operator Certification or enrollment in an operator certification program.
- Heavy equipment operator certification.
- Experience using SCADA systems, including VTScada.
- Water quality sampling experience or certification.
- First Aid, H2S Alive, Confined Space Entry, or other industry safety certifications.
Department: Water Operations
Position Summary
This position is responsible for administering, supporting, and improving the District’s core business systems and technology platforms. The IT Specialist manages the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, work order and asset management system (Element XS), and develops and maintains internal applications using the Base44 low-code platform. The position provides end-user technical support, maintains system integrity, supports data integration between operational systems, and works with external IT vendors to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient technology services across the District.
The IT Specialist plays a key role in supporting day-to-day operations by developing technology solutions that improve business processes and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Business System Administration
- Administer and support the District’s CRM/customer service platform, including system configuration, user management, and workflow administration.
- Administer and support the Element XS work order and asset management system, ensuring data integrity, reporting functionality, and user support.
- Configure and maintain business system settings to support operational requirements.
- Maintain system documentation, asset registers, and configuration records.
IT Support
- Provide first- and second-level technical support for hardware, software, business applications, and connectivity issues.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and provide timely support to end users.
- Support endpoint management, user accounts, permissions, and access control.
- Coordinate with external IT vendors on escalated support requests and technology projects.
System Monitoring & Reporting
- Assist with system monitoring, backups, software updates, and security practices.
- Build reports and dashboards that support operational decision-making.
- Monitor system performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Qualifications
Must Have
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in IT support, systems administration, application development, or a related technical role.
- Experience administering business systems such as CRM, work order management, asset management, ERP, or similar platforms.
- Demonstrated experience building applications using low-code/no-code platforms such as Base44, Microsoft Power Platform, or similar tools.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
Skills
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong documentation and end-user support skills.
- Ability to translate operational needs into practical technical solutions.
- Data literacy, including experience with SQL, spreadsheets, and reporting/dashboard tools.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while supporting multiple users and systems.
Assets (Nice to Have)
- Experience with Element XS.
- Experience with SCADA systems, including VTScada.
- GIS experience.
- Knowledge of networking and IT infrastructure fundamentals.
- Experience working in irrigation, utility, municipal, or other infrastructure-based operations.
