Irrigation System Operator

Department Of The Interior • Saint Ignatius, MT

33d

About The Position

This position is located with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Superintendent, Flathead Agency Irrigation Project in Saint Ignatius, Montana. This is a temporary position NOT-TO-EXCEED 6 MONTHS. However, the position may be extended up to SIX (6) ADDITIONAL MONTHS WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION. NOTE: THE PAY FLEXIBILITIES OF A RECRUITMENT BONUS, RELOCATION BONUS OR STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT MAY BE AUTHORIZED, PENDING AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND MANAGEMENT APPROVAL.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (title 25, USC Section 472). Form BIA -4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.
• If you are a male applicant born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
• A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Incumbent is required to operate a government motor vehicle, must possess a valid driver's license, and have a safe driving record within the 4-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607.
• You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
• TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE.
• This is a temporary position NOT-TO-EXCEED 6 MONTHS. However, the positions may be extended up to SIX (6) ADDITIONAL MONTHS WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION.
• EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for Technical and Medical Support Positions, GS-5 0459 and IOR ).
• GS-5: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level OR 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required.
• SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
• Farming or ranching work that provided knowledge of soil and water conservation practices and irrigation procedures used in the geographical area for which application is made.
• Construction, maintenance, or operating work that provided a knowledge of the control, regulation, distribution, and measurement of water.
• Control, clearing, maintaining irrigation ditches, canals, and equipment; or soil conservation or engineering technician work where the duties provided a knowledge of irrigation procedures.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and ensure water delivery to eligible water users.
• Log all water requests pertaining to operations.
• Communicate with water users involving maintenance and water deliver.
• Resolve water disputes as it pertains to Irrigation operations, maintenance, and water delivery.
• Repair or replace structures in canals and laterals.
• Prevent flooding of crops.
• Clean debris out of the canal to prevent damage to equipment.
• Maintain equipment usage and repair to prevent flooding of canals.
• Perform various irrigation duties including dam operations, dam safety and early warning systems with little or no supervision.
• Plan and schedule work activities for irrigation assignments requiring completion.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Environmental Quality Programs
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees