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Ditch Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview The Rider/Performer role involves physical performance, acting, stunt work, guest interaction, and upkeep of props and costumes during live dinner shows. It requires strong fitness ...

Position Overview The Rider/Performer role involves physical performance, acting, stunt work, guest interaction, and upkeep of props and costumes during live dinner shows. It requires strong fitness ...

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How much do ditch rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ditch rider in the United States is $18.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Ditch Riders and how can they be addressed on the job?

Ditch Riders often deal with issues such as fluctuating water levels, equipment malfunctions, and coordinating water delivery schedules with multiple stakeholders. Weather changes and unexpected maintenance needs can require quick problem-solving and flexibility. Building strong communication with farmers, water users, and supervisors helps ensure smooth operations, while staying organized and proactive with routine inspections can minimize disruptions. Familiarity with irrigation systems and a willingness to work outdoors in various conditions are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Ditch Rider vs Water Plant Operator?

AspectDitch RiderWater Plant Operator
CredentialsMay require state-specific water distribution certificationsTypically requires a water treatment operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, rural or agricultural settings managing irrigation ditchesIndoor/outdoor, water treatment facilities or plants
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, irrigation districts, agricultural sectorsMunicipal water treatment plants, public utilities
Job FocusMaintaining irrigation ditches, water delivery, minor repairsOperating water treatment equipment, ensuring water quality

While both roles involve water management, a Ditch Rider primarily focuses on maintaining irrigation ditches and water delivery systems, often outdoors and in agricultural settings. A Water Plant Operator manages water treatment processes within facilities, requiring specific certifications. Both roles are essential in water management but differ in environment, responsibilities, and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ditch Rider, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ditch Rider, you need knowledge of irrigation systems, water distribution, and basic maintenance skills, often supported by experience in agriculture or water management. Familiarity with tools like flow meters, water gauges, and sometimes GPS or mapping software is important for accurate monitoring and reporting. Strong communication, attention to detail, and reliability are crucial soft skills for coordinating with landowners and responding to changing conditions. These skills ensure efficient water delivery, prevent resource waste, and support agricultural productivity in managed irrigation districts.

What are ditch riders?

Ditch riders are individuals responsible for managing and maintaining irrigation ditches, canals, and waterways used for agricultural or municipal water distribution. Their primary duties include monitoring water flow, ensuring proper allocation to users, repairing minor damages, and clearing debris to prevent blockages. Ditch riders often travel along the irrigation routes to inspect and operate control gates and valves. They play a critical role in ensuring water is delivered efficiently and fairly to all users within an irrigation district.
More about Ditch Rider jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Ditch Rider jobs? The most popular types of Ditch Rider jobs are:
Infographic showing various Ditch Rider job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,608 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
PERFORMER RIDER

PERFORMER RIDER

Royal Productions Inc

Las Vegas, NV • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

The Rider/Performer role involves physical performance, acting, stunt work, guest interaction, and upkeep of props and costumes during live dinner shows. It requires strong fitness, teamwork, vocal talent for speaking roles, and strong horse-handling skills in a fast-paced setting.

The role requires hands-on experience of entertaining and acting in front of a large audience. It involves acts with horseback riding. The Rider/Performer is a role that is played during live-action performances in front of a crowd. The Performer contributes to the overall show quality by consistently maintaining a standard of excellence in performing horseback riding, horse acts, and stunt choreography.

Role Gender: Male

Age Portrayed: 20 to 30 years old

Key Responsibilities:

  • Study, rehearse, and perform lines, gestures, and fights for theatrical productions.
  • Portray roles on stage and provide narration as required.
  • Execute acts, stunts, and choreographed fights to engage audiences.
  • Choreograph and perform original acts; demonstrate acrobatic, aerial, and riding skills as needed.
  • Exhibit mastery of various weapons for stunts and contribute to the show’s vision.
  • Maintain safety and quality of props; handle, ride, and perform stunts with horses.
  • Interact with guests, sign autographs, take photos, and assist with special events.
  • Improvise and take on additional assigned duties as necessary.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to authentically portray a character in their 20s to mid-30s, as required by the story's core artistic vision.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Physical agility, ability to perform all physical requirements of the show.
  • Ability to swing swords and other props and weapons overhead and strike them against other fighters.
  • Ability to ride and safely fall off horses.
  • Ability to work with and around horses.
  • Physical ability to stand, walk, and run for extended periods on uneven surfaces and in the sand.
  • Ability to communicate with Team Members and Guests.
  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Training in stage combat and horse safety will be provided to ensure all performers can safely execute required stunts.

Work Environment

  • Shows are held in an enclosed arena where chemical fog and pyrotechnic effects are present.
  • The position involves working in dusty, dirty, and variable temperature conditions.
  • Exposure to live animals, loud noises, and backstage activity is frequent.
Qualifications
  • 1-2 years of Horse-Riding or Horse-Skills and experience required.
  • 1-2 years of acting and performance in front of large crowd is preferred.
  • Experience as stuntman, actor and entertainer with sword fighting and acting skills will be considered as an asset.
  • Must be able to authentically portray a character in their 20s to mid-30s, as required by the story's core artistic vision.