Watertender

The Watertender is responsible for delivering irrigation water to District water users during the irrigation season. This includes receiving and recording irrigation water delivery orders for agricultural customers, creating work orders and services requests using enterprise software, and physically making water deliveries by setting valves, checking meters, and measuring water flows. The Watertender also provides direct customer service to farmers and irrigators, addressing water delivery concerns and resolving complaints to ensure reliable service.

Outside of the irrigation season, the Watertender supports the maintenance of District infrastructure, including canals, pipelines, pumping plants, roads, buildings, and other facilities. This work helps ensure the system remains in good working order year-round.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of local agricultural crops, weather patterns, irrigation water distribution, and canal systems. They should possess excellent customer service and communication skills and be capable of working independently in an outdoor environment.

 For more information, view the full job description:

www.sidwater.org/DocumentCenter/View/2357/Watertender-REV-102022

Salary Information

Salary Range: $27.62 – $45.19 (Range 116 – 140)

Salary placement is based on the number of qualifying licenses and certifications held. Candidates without certifications will be placed at the entry level range.

 

Qualifying Licenses and Certifications:

·      Class B Driver’s License

·      California State Water Resources Control Board Grade Level D-2

·      Cal Poly Irrigation Training and Research Center, Hydraulics I & II

·      Cal Poly Irrigation Training and Research Center, Pumps I & II

·      Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) for Right-of-Way Pest Control (Category C) issued by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

 

Possession of:

·      No certifications = $27.62 – $33.58 (Range 116)

·      1 certification = $29.05 – $35.31 (Range 120)

·      2 certifications = $30.89 – $37.53 (Range 125)

·      3 certifications = $32.82 – $39.93 (Range 130)

·      4 certifications = $34.93 – $42.48 (Range 135)

·      5 certifications = $37.21 – $45.19 (Range 140)

 

Qualifications

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities stated above and the ability to perform the duties of the position.

 

Experience and Education

One (1) year of experience in the distribution of irrigation water to water users is desirable; and graduation from high school (or equivalent).

 

Licenses and Certification

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record to maintain insurability.

 

If you do not meet all the qualifications listed but possess similar experience or skills, we encourage you to apply. Your qualifications will be assessed based on the position’s needs, the applicant pool, and your potential to fulfill the required qualifications within a specified timeframe.

 

Benefits

Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) – 5% increase effective December 16, 2025.

Retirement – Solano Irrigation District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

·      Classic Members: 2%@60 formula with final compensation based on the highest 36 consecutive months and credit for unused sick leave. Employee contributes 7%.

·      New Members: 2%@62 formula with a 3-year final compensation period and credit for unused sick leave. Employee contributes 6.75%.

Retiree Health Insurance – Employees are eligible for retiree health insurance benefits following 10 years of full-time service.

Deferred Compensation – 457 plan available, with Employer match up to $100 per pay period.

Health Insurance – Plans include Anthem Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans and a Kaiser Permanente plan. The District pays a portion of the premium for employee and dependent coverage.

Dental Insurance – Dental provider is Delta Dental. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.

Vision Insurance – Vision provider is VSP. District pays full premium for both employee and dependents.

Life Insurance – Benefit is equal to 2x annual base salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, up to a maximum of $300,000. Premium is paid by the District.

Educational Assistance – District reimburses up to $850 per fiscal year for eligible expenses.

Flexible Spending Account – Tax deferred payments for dependent care, health care, and certain benefit premiums.

Vacation and Sick Leave – Vacation is accrued bi-weekly at 80 hours per year during the first year. Employees accrue 12 days of sick leave per year, calculated bi-weekly.

Holidays – 11 scheduled holidays and 2 floating holidays per calendar year.

 

For a detailed overview of benefits, view the full Benefits Summary.

www.sidwater.org/DocumentCenter/View/2689/

 

How to Apply

Open Date: November 10, 2025

Filing Deadline: December 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)

 

Interested candidates should apply online at https://sidwater.bamboohr.com/careers on or before the final filing deadline. Applications must be submitted through the BambooHR system.

 

Please note: Paper copies of applications are not accepted.

 

For any questions, please contact the Human Resources department at hrdept@sidwater.org.