IRRIGATION SPECIALIST

Irrigation Specialist

Under general supervision to maintain, inspect, and repair irrigation systems at City parks parkways, open space, and other public areas; performs a variety of skilled work utilizing equipment and power tools; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

Operates, inspects, installs, repairs, troubleshoots, and makes modifications and / or additions to all components of automated and other types of irrigation systems, including automatic controllers, valves, irrigation lines up to and including large (2-6") piping, lateral lines, sprinklers, pumping systems, and backflow devices at landscaped sites; inspects and repairs pumping systems; confers with contractors; assists in reviewing landscape and irrigation plans; checks daily schedule and service requests for work to be completed; inspects equipment and reports safety hazards and maintenance problems; excavates and repairs broken or damaged irrigation main lines; performs rough carpentry and cement work; constructs forms and pours concrete for pump enclosures and irrigation controller pads; cuts, removes, and replaces concrete sections in conjunction with making necessary repairs to irrigation infrastructure; traces, locates, excavates, and repairs low voltage direct burial wiring; utilizes leak, line, and wire locators and hand tools; may be required to perform additional functions including, but not limited to, basic tree maintenance and removal; may supervise and train employees and others in irrigation system repairs and landscape maintenance of parks and other municipal properties; operates various City vehicles including, but not limited to truck with trailer, trencher, backhoe, loader, mowers, renovators, sprayers, cultivators, hedge trimmer, water truck, and others; operates a variety of power and pneumatic hand tools and equipment such as generators, concrete saws, mixers, coring tools, jackhammers, pressure washers, air compressors, and compaction tools; assists in reporting graffiti and vandalism; ensures safety of property and persons by placing or directing to be placed warning devices and other safety apparatus at job sites; applies pesticides on lawns, shrubs, and trees; may perform semi-skilled work and assist in skilled work including minor electrical work, cement and cement block work; drives on City business.

Minimum Qualifications

Employment Standards :

Knowledge of basic mathematics; installation and repair of irrigation systems; plumbing and irrigation concepts and techniques; machinery, equipment, and tools necessary to perform work; principles of hydraulics; electrical and electronics testing and detection procedures; basic horticulture knowledge for watering needs of plant material, soil, and moisture conditions; water conservation methods; irrigation controller programming procedures; traffic safety laws and regulations and proper vehicle operations; safety and basic repair procedures of irrigation systems; principles landscape maintenance; central computerized irrigation control system operation and management; building cleaning and maintenance; applicable safety rules, practices, and procedures; a wide variety of tools and other power equipment used in maintenance of grounds and parks; maintenance of athletic fields and common plants found in public areas throughout the City; centralized irrigation control systems; proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation in order to effectively perform the essential functions of this classification (this is not a language restriction as defined in California Government Code Section 12951).

Skill in using standard and specialized landscape maintenance equipment; working with various segments of the population in a variety of situations; discerning potentially dangerous situations; mechanical aptitude; irrigation system maintenance and management; irrigation system design, installation, and repair; training others in assigned duties; and fostering a teamwork environment.

Ability to safely perform manual work of landscape maintenance, irrigation systems' installation and repair; read blueprints, diagrams, and schematics associated with general construction projects and irrigation systems; program irrigation controllers; repair, troubleshoot, and install irrigation systems; operate hand and power tools including a jackhammer and other heavy tools; oversee the work of contractors and maintenance personnel working with irrigation systems; follow safety practices and recognizes hazards; walk, stand, and kneel for prolonged periods of time; provide effective customer service; follow and give written and oral directions; learn, comprehend, and apply department policies and regulations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare written reports; work holidays, weekends, after hours, and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions while exposed to the elements; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees and the public.

Education / Training : Graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of recent paid full-time experience in irrigation installation, maintenance, and / or water systems maintenance and repair, of which including one year managing irrigation systems and repairs for a municipality or landscape company. Special Conditions & Requirements : Employees in this classification, who are required by applicable laws and regulations to have respiratory protection, shall comply with the American National Standards Institute's requirements on Practices for Respiratory Protection; possess and maintain physical condition required to perform essential functions of the classification which include the physical ability to lift, pull, lower, and carry considerable amounts of weight (for weight in excess of 50 pounds, tools or other appropriate assistance are recommended to perform the function); climb ladders; bend in all directions, stoop, kneel, reach, twist; squeeze with arms and hands; stand for extended periods of time. License & Certificates : A valid California Class "C" driver's license or equivalent at time of appointment. A valid California Class "A" driver's license or equivalent and an Irrigation Technician Certificate issued by the Irrigation Association must be obtained within one year of appointment. All required licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this classification.

Supplemental Information

Desirable Qualifications : California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate and / or California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator License.