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#ThankAFarmer Today and Every Day

Amid a pandemic not seen in modern history, the federal Coronavirus Task Force in a memorandum and Governor Gavin Newsom in an executive order recognized agriculture as a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure, and a matter of national security.

On March 23, 2020, President Donald Trump celebrated the nation’s farmers, officially proclaiming March 24 National Agriculture Day. “As our Nation continues to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, we pay tribute to the unbeatable strength of America’s agricultural producers as they once again answer the call to feed our country and the world,” stated the Presidential Proclamation. “On this National Agriculture Day, and now more than ever, we salute and honor the men and women who contribute daily to our national prosperity.”

Fortunately for Americans, the San Joaquin Valley of California has just the right combination of climate and soil for food production. Thanks to a thriving domestic agricultural industry, a strong supply chain, and dedicated farmers, we can rest easy knowing abundant, nutritious crops are possible, even during a global crisis. Just like farmers and workers who support farming across the nation, the agricultural community in Westlands is hard at work planting, tilling, irrigating and harvesting to bring crops to grocery store shelves.

March and April are prime planting months for our favorite summer crops like tomatoes, cantaloupes and peppers. Blossoms for almonds, cherries and apricots have gently fallen to the ground, pistachios closely behind, exposing new buds for nuts and fruit that will be used for almond milk, cherry pies and pistachio ice cream on hot July nights.

Garlic, another westside staple, is in its irrigation phase and will be ready to harvest by the end of summer. Garbanzo beans, a crop that has seen a surge in acreage planted the last few years, is growing steadily and will be harvested in July to make food staples, like hummus.

Lettuce planted in January and February is now being harvested and will continue through April. Tall stalks of asparagus, a perennial crop, have also entered the harvesting phase and will be in season through June.

As we band together during this time of uncertainty, one thing remains certain and unchanged – abundant, nutritious crops will continue to grow domestically thanks to our nation’s farmers and workers. Farmers in Westlands know the American people rely on them for health and a secure source of food. Westlands is proud to serve the agricultural community, who proudly serve all of us, and we thank them.

What is happening in the District 

Winter in California agriculture can commonly evoke images of beige balding trees, desolate fields and long solitary country roads. However, a much more colorful and vibrant picture exists thanks to the Central San Joaquin Valley’s Mediterranean climate, rich soil and availability of surface water – citrus harvest happens in the dead of winter all across the Valley. Bright tangerines, yellow lemons, plump oranges, and blush grapefruit lay hidden within the thick greenery of citrus trees, ripe for harvest. 

There’s always something colorful happening in the District, it is out there just waiting to be discovered. 

By The Numbers – Citrus:

The Central San Joaquin Valley is truly unique as its one of only five[1] Mediterranean climates globally. The combination of climate, soil and water make this region a year-round producer of your favorite fruits, vegetables, fiber and legumes. Stay tuned for the magic of blossom season, you won’t want to miss thousands of acres in bloom! 

What else is happening in the District?

In Westlands, a network of underground, fully enclosed pipelines serve water users. District staff work closely with growers in order to ensure every drop of water running through over 1,000 miles of that underground network is preserved, delivered, and efficiently used. 

District staff is constantly working to improve its delivery system. One of the projects Westlands is undertaking this year is the replacement of approximately 1.5 miles of piping, named lateral* 27R, located in the southern part of the District.  This replacement project will improve the ability of the District to provide its users with a reliable water supply.

The 27R project is scheduled for completion this month, until then, you may see plenty of neon vested individuals working diligently in an effort to continue carrying out the District’s mission of providing timely and reliable water services to landowners and water users in western Fresno and Kings counties.

Interested in learning more about the District?

In every season of the year, growers in Westlands are busy planning, planting, irrigating, harvesting, and transporting in order to provide nutritious, delicious and sustainable fruits, veggies and fibers we use and enjoy daily. 

If you are interested in experiencing the District and the agriculture in this region of the world, contact the Public Affairs department for a tour. We will show you why and how this area of the world has become industry leaders in technological innovation, water conservation and production. 

Public Affairs Contact information:
Email: pubaffairs@wwd.ca.gov 

[1] International Union for Conservation of Nature

Bargaining Unit: Unrepresented
Salary Code: 14
FLSA Designation: Nonexempt
Revision Date: 09/01/19

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision of the Supervisor of Human Resources and Administration, performs a variety of specialized clerical and technical duties in the administration of the centralized human resources system; including Employee Benefits, Classification and Compensation, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Recruitment and Selection, and Workers’ Compensation and Risk Management. Human Resources Assistant is a single confidential position classification.

The Human Resources Assistant is an entry level classification. The Human Resources Assistant differs from the Human Resources Technician in that this position performs duties under close supervision.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

The information below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

1. Performs a variety of specialized clerical and technical duties in the administration of the centralized human resources system and office services including filing, duplicating, collecting and distributing materials, processing forms and applications, assisting District employees and applicants with completing paperwork.
2. Prepares and processes employee status transactions into the District’s Human Resources database.
3. Provides information and assistance to District employees, job applicants, and the general public regarding assigned personnel functions, responds to inquiries and provides information concerning related standards, requirements, policies and procedures.
4. Provides assistance in the administration of the District’s employee training and safety programs, schedules employee and safety training classes and prepares and updates related policies and procedures.
5. Provides assistance for completeness, accuracy, and compliance, and processes transactions for health, life and disability insurance documents.
6. Assists with the preparation of reports, correspondence, and statistical data related to classification surveys, Equal Employment Opportunity, and California Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
7. Maintains confidentiality and discretion of information related to personnel files, procedures, forms, records and personnel actions of employees, supervisors, managers and District operations.
8. Serves as a resource for District employees, supervisors, and managers related to wages, benefits, personnel procedures, promotional opportunities and other general Human Resources Department questions.
9. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of assigned duties.
10. Operates a variety of office equipment including calculators, copiers, fax machines, computers, and assigned software.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be:

Possession of a United States’ high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and Two (2) years of full-time, paid comprehensive human resources experience in a comprehensive human resources system.

OR

Four (4) years experience performing administrative support, clerical-technical; paraprofessional work which involved the knowledge, interpretation, and application of policies, rules, regulations, and procedures calling for interaction with the public, staff at various organizational levels, or representatives from other agencies or organizations.

Knowledge of

• Terminology, methods, techniques, principles, procedures and practices of human resources administration, including recruitment and examination, job analysis, position classification, benefit administration, risk management and safety training programs.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs.
• Understanding, interpreting and applying rules, regulations, policies, laws and ordinances.
• Modern office practices and procedures, filing systems, and records management.

Skills/Abilities to

• Work independently with minimum supervision and direction.
• Develop and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Demonstrate and maintain a high degree of maturity, integrity, and good judgment.
• Manage a variety of duties which may be interrupted or changed by immediate circumstances.
• Analyze technical information, evaluate alternatives, and make independent judgements within established guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality concerning employee files.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Prepare complete and accurate reports and documents.
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels as well as the public.
• Operate a District vehicle observing legal and defense driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Lifting, carrying, and/or pushing of supplies and materials up to 10 pounds.
• Possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including the sustained posture at a computer station for prolonged periods.
• Faced with interruptions and noisy work environment.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider is required.

Effective July 1, 2019

JOB TITLE	CODE	MONTHLY PAY RANGE	UNIT	FLSA
ACCOUNTANT	20	$5,199 – $6,320	Assoc	N
ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN	16	$4,277 – $5,199	Assoc	N
ASSISTANT CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER	Band B	$10,417 – $25,000	At Will	E
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER	26	$6,967 – $8,469	Assoc	E
ASSOCIATE GENERAL MANAGER – WATER POLICY	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
ASSOCIATE RESOURCES ANALYST	20	$5,199 – $6,320	Assoc	N
AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC	15	$4,093 – $4,976	OE3	N
BUYER	17	$4,491 – $5,459	Assoc	N
CARETAKER	15	$4,074 – $4,952	Non Rep	E
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER	Band B	$10,417 – $25,000	At Will	E
CIVIL MAINTENANCE WORKER	15	$4,093 – $4,976	OE3	N
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE	16	$4,277 – $5,199	Assoc	N
DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL	Band C	$7,917 – $14,584	At Will	E
DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER – EXTERNAL AFFAIRS	Band B	$10,417 – $25,000	At Will	E
DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER – FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION	Band B	$10,417 – $25,000	At Will	E
DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER – RESOURCES	Band B	$10,417 – $25,000	At Will	E
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING RESOURCES	Band C	$7,917 – $14,584	At Will	E
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE	Band C	$7,917 – $14,584	At Will	E
ELECTRICIAN	23	$6,048 – $7,351	OE3	N
ELECTRICIAN-APPRENTICE	20	$5,224 – $6,350	OE3	N
EQUIPMENT MECHANIC	17	$4,513 – $5,486	OE3	N
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR	18	$4,739 – $5,760	OE3	N
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR-APPENTICE	16	$4,277 – $5,199	OE3	N
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
FIELD ENGINEER *	24	$6,320 – $7,682	Non Rep	E
FINANCIAL ANALYST	21	$5,459 – $6,636	Non Rep	E
GENERAL COUNSEL	Band A	$12,500 – $35,000	At Will	E
GENERAL MANAGER	Band A	$12,500 – $35,000	At Will	E
HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST	20	$5,199 – $6,320	Non Rep	E
HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT	14	$3,880 – $4,716	Non Rep	N
HUMAN RESOURCES TECHNICIAN	15	$4,074 – $4,952	Non Rep	N
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ANALYST	24	$6,320 – $7,682	Non Rep	E
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICER	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
LAW CLERK	22	$5,732 – $6,967	Non Rep	E
LEAD ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN	25	$6,668 – $8,105	OE3	N
MACHINIST	18	$4,739 – $5,760	OE3	N
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULER	19	$4,952 – $6,019	Assoc	N
MAINTENANCE SUPPORT WORKER	15	$4,074 – $4,952	Assoc	N
MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE WORKER	15	$4,093 – $4,976	OE3	N
OFFICE ASSISTANT	10	$3,192 – $3,880	Assoc	N
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE TRAINEE	14	$3,898 – $4,739	OE3	N
OPERATOR	15	$4,093 – $4,976	OE3	N
PIPE FITTER	18	$4,739 – $5,760	OE3	N
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WORKER	15	$4,093 – $4,976	OE3	N
PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVE	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
RESOURCES ANALYST	23	$6,019 – $7,316	Assoc	E
RESOURCES ENGINEER	23	$6,019 – $7,316	Assoc	E
SCIENCE ADVISOR	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT	24	$6,320 – $7,682	Assoc	N
SENIOR AUTOMOTIVE & WAREHOUSE COORDINATOR	20	$5,199 – $6,320	Assoc	N
SENIOR CIVIL MAINTENANCE WORKER	20	$5,224 – $6,350	OE3	N
SENIOR ELECTRICIAN	25	$6,668 – $8,105	OE3	N
SENIOR ENGINEER	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SENIOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST ANALYST	26	$6,967 – $8,469	Non Rep	E
SENIOR MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE WORKER	19	$4,976 – $6,048	OE3	N
SENIOR OPERATOR	19	$4,976 – $6,048	OE3	N
SENIOR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WORKER	19	$4,976 – $6,048	OE3	N
SENIOR WATER MEASUREMENT SPECIALIST	20	$5,224 – $6,350	OE3	N
SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE GENERAL MANAGER	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SPECIAL PROJECTS PROGRAM MANAGER	Band B	$10,417 – $25,000	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF CIVIL & PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF CUSTOMER ACCOUNTING	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF FIELD ENGINEERING & PLANNING	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF GENERAL ACCOUNTING	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF OPERATIONS	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF PROCUREMENT & FLEET SERVICE	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
SUPERVISOR OF RESOURCES	Band D	$5,084 – $12,500	At Will	E
WATER MEASUREMENT SPECIALIST	18	$4,739 – $5,760	OE3	N
WATER MEASUREMENT TECHNICIAN	17	$4,513 – $5,486	OE3	N
WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER	Band B	$10,417 – $25,000	At Will	E
* Correction made to Monthly Pay Range for Field Engineer

Catalog of Enterprise Systems

Name	Vendor	Purpose	Category	Primary Custodian	Collection Freq.	Update Freq.
ArcGIS Desktop	GIS	Geographic Information Systems	GIS	IT	As Needed	As Needed
AutoCAD	Autodesk	Engineering, Design, Management	Engineering	IT	As Needed	As Needed
Mailstore Server	Mailstore	Email communications	Email System	IT	Daily	Daily
Microsoft Office 365	Microsoft	Email communications, scheduling/calendar	Other	IT	Daily	Daily
Microsoft SQL Server	Microsoft	Data Management	Accounting	IT	Daily	Daily
NI Lookout	National Instruments	Scada, Alarms	Operations	IT	Daily	As Needed
Sage MAS 500	Sage	Finance, Accounting, HR System	Accounting	IT	Daily	Daily
Symantec Backup Exec	Symantec	Data Management	Other	IT	Daily	Daily