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Writer's pictureFresno Irrigation

Celebrating California Water Professionals Appreciation Week

Last week, Fresno Irrigation District celebrated California Water Professionals Appreciation Week, which recognizes the important role water professionals play in ensuring safe and reliable water across the state. To mark the occasion, FID highlighted a few of our dedicated employees.

Chuck Canen, Water System Operator

Meet Chuck, a dedicated Water System Operator who has been with the Fresno Irrigation District for 26 years.


In his role, Chuck secures the safety of our growers’ property and ensures they receive their water deliveries. Water System Operators like Chuck play a vital role during the water delivery season, coordinating with growers on their deliveries and managing the distribution of irrigation water to their canals and ditches.


During the non-delivery season, Chuck assists with the construction and maintenance of canals and pipelines, helping FID prepare for the next season’s reliable water deliveries to our customers. Thanks Chuck, for your hard work and dedication!

David Burrow, Watermaster

Having grown up in the farming and agriculture industry, it was no surprise that David would pursue a career in the field.


As the District’s Watermaster, David is responsible for the District’s water operations, ensuring growers get the amount of water they are allotted. His tasks include analyzing data from the Kings River Water Association and Friant Water Authority to track FID’s usage and entitlement, so the District can maximize the water we receive.


The most rewarding part of David’s job is helping deliver water to sustain our local agriculture – an industry that feeds the world. To young water professionals, he emphasizes the importance of careers in the water industry and how fulfilling they can be.


Water is the lifeblood of our nation. The water industry is a rewarding career that will always be needed to keep our economy going,” David said.


Watch the video below to learn about David's role as Watermaster.



Doug Gutierrez, Supervisor Assistant

There’s a lot that goes into ensuring that our customers receive their water deliveries, and thanks to FID employees like Doug, our customers are in good hands.


As Supervisor Assistant, Doug monitors incoming maintenance tasks. In his role, he prioritizes the urgency of repairs, making sure maintenance crews have the tools, parts, and materials needed to complete tasks. He works closely with FID’s Equipment Operator, Water Supervisors, and Water System Operators to assign crews to the tasks necessary to maintain reliable water deliveries.


For young water professionals, Doug believes that keeping a positive attitude is key to success.


“It’s most important to maintain a positive attitude. Pay attention to your supervisors, coworkers, and mentors during your training periods to meet and establish a good working relationship with our customers.”

DeAnn Stork (Hailey), Controller and Chief Financial Officer

For California Water Professionals Week, we’re celebrating DeAnn Stork, the Fresno Irrigation District’s Controller and Chief Financial Officer!


DeAnn is responsible for the financial health of the District. To ensure FID’s financial stability, she oversees a wide range of responsibilities, including preparing financial statements and audits, managing payables, receivables, and District assessments, and securing future funding.


She finds the most rewarding part of her job to be the impact it has for the District and the community.


“I enjoy making a difference for the employees, the growers, and the region. The comradery at the District is the best. The people that work here are here for all the right reasons and work together to get the job done,” DeAnn said.


With eighteen years of experience at the District, DeAnn firmly believes that the learning never stops. Her years in the field have taught her the value of continuous growth and networking, something she passes on to young professionals.


Make friends and keep learning! You can learn so much from people who have been in this industry and in finance for many years. Water is the lifeblood of this Valley. It’s how Fresno was born. Learn the history.”

Watch the video below to learn more about DeAnn and her role.


Virginia Irion, Water System Operator

This week we’re highlighting Virginia Irion, Water System Operator!


Virginia works closely with our customers, managing their water deliveries by effectively regulating water flows in her assigned area. In this key role, she ensures customers receive their deliveries on time, addressing issues that could cause disruptions and providing updates on delivery times.


With 23 years of experience as a water professional, Virginia learned that communication is key to a successful water delivery season.


“Communication is essential for a successful delivery of water. Careful coordination with customers ensures that water deliveries are distributed as efficiently as possible.”


When she’s not hard at work, Virginia enjoys spending time outdoors, attending motor sporting events, and most importantly, with her children and grandson. Thanks for all your hard work, Virginia!

Felix Vaquilar, Engineering Supervisor

Celebrating Water Professionals Appreciation Week with Felix Vaguilar! As Engineering Supervisor, Felix plays a vital role in the District’s field activities, overseeing the planning and design of capital improvement projects, such as pipeline replacements, recharge basins, canal lining and more.

 

When he’s not managing projects, Felix monitors groundwater levels, maps and surveys District facilities, and supports the Operation and Maintenance Department in facilitating water deliveries to our customers.

 

With the help of Felix, the District can reconstruct and enhance its facilities, increasing water storage and ensuring reliable deliveries to our customers. For new and young water professionals, Felix offers this advice:

 

“Never stop learning and network with individuals that are active in the water industry. Learn where your water comes from, learn how it gets to us as end users and learn what you can do to continue to conserve and protect its use for the future.”


Watch the video below to learn more about Felix and his role at FID.



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