Grounds Maintenance Worker 2 - Irrigation Tech

Southern Oregon University•Ashland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position reports to the Landscape Department Coordinator and supports the Landscape Maintenance team through irrigation system maintenance, underground utility work, and associated earthworks across the SOU campus and Student Apartments and Family Housing (SAFH) properties. The primary focus of this role is the installation, operation, troubleshooting and repair of campus irrigation mainlines and distribution piping, along with related site infrastructure and landscape systems. This position performs complex field work including trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraint installations, site restoration, and emergency response repairs, while also participating in general landscape maintenance activities, equipment operation, and seasonal response tasks. The role works closely with other landscape staff to maintain safe, functional, and visually appealing campus grounds while supporting the long-term performance an reliability of irrigation and site infrastructure systems.

Requirements

Pesticide applicator’s license may be required based on position duties
Two years experience as a grounds keeper which included plant care
OR An Associate’s degree in Landscape Technology or Horticulture
OR Completion of a Landscape Certification program or license in a horticultural specialty.
Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship
Must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License
Must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check

Nice To Haves

3 + years of construction industry experience, preferable in municipal, commercial, institutional or agricultural settings, including experience serving as a crew lead or foreman.
Demonstrated experience in the operation of heavy equipment, including forklifts, backhoes, compact excavators, skid-steers, light trucks, and equipment trailers.
Large-scale irrigation systems or underground site utility experience in municipal, commercial, institutional or agricultural environments, including installation, repair and operational management.
Experience reading and interpreting construction plans and as-built documentation.
Familiarity with underground utility installation practices, trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraints, and pressure-rated irrigation piping systems.
Certifications from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or equivalent water-industry training programs are highly desirable.
Irrigation Association certifications (including CLIA, CID and CIC) are valued.
Public Pesticide Applicator License through the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Must have the license category "Ornamental and Turf-Herbicide". Applicants must obtain this certification within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair campus irrigation and water distribution systems.
Perform underground utility and earthwork tasks including trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraints, and site restoration.
Respond to leaks, system failures, shutdowns, and emergency repairs.
Place and manage underground utility locate requests and coordinate safe excavation.
Maintain field documentation and system records using mobile and GIS-based tools.
Perform general landscape maintenance including mowing, edging, planting, pruning, mulching, aeration, and grounds upkeep.
Identify and address irrigation, turf, plant health, pest and disease issues.
Apply herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and soil amendments as directed.
Perform seasonal snow and ice removal, debris cleanup and storm response.
Operate and maintain landscape, irrigation, and construction equipment.
Perform routine inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repairs; coordinate major repairs.
Assist with material staging, equipment logistics, and job-site organization.
Provide occasional crew leadership to temporary workers.
Maintain shop, vehicles, and equipment.
Attend meetings and training.
Maintain required work files and records.
Interact with faculty, staff, students, vendors and visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.