For Immediate Release: March 20, 2025
Othello, WA.- The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID) has promoted Bobby Bischoff to Deputy Assistant Manager of Operations & Maintenance. He has served with the District for 15 years, most recently as Special Projects Administrator.
Bischoff, a native of Moses Lake and graduate of Big Bend Community College, first joined ECBID as a temporary canal maintenance worker. From there, he worked as a Ditchrider and Relief Rider before transferring to Othello for the Assistant Watermaster position, eventually being promoted to the Othello Watermaster before transitioning to Special Projects Administrator.
The Deputy Assistant Manager of Operations & Maintenance is a new position at ECBID. In this role, Bischoff will continue to manage various projects, while also stepping into a leadership role with the Operations and Maintenance team to help coordinate efforts for maximum efficiency. He is working closely with longtime Operations and Maintenance Assistant Manager John McCourtie.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to take on this new role and continue to support the District and landowners. I’ve learned a lot in my time at ECBID, and look forward to continued learning and the opportunity to serve in an expanded capacity,” he explained.
“We’re pleased to have Bobby in this new role. He has shown tremendous initiative and thoughtfulness, and brings a strong work ethic. I have no doubt that he will thrive in this position,” said District Secretary-Manager Craig Simpson.
Located in central Washington State, the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District is the largest district in the state, with authorization to irrigate 472,000 acres. Currently, 169,000 acres are developed and managed by 4,500 landowners within the federal Columbia Basin Project. Additionally, the District is involved in the development of 87,000 acres associated with the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP). The District provides a reliable supply of water which irrigates cropland that produces food shipped domestically and internationally.
