Irrigation Apprentice

City of Lubbock • Lubbock, TX

8d

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Park Maintenance Foreman, the Irrigation Apprentice assists with inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing irrigation systems serving municipal parks, public grounds, landscaped areas, and athletic fields. This is an entry-level, training-oriented position designed to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and safe work practices needed for progressively independent irrigation maintenance work. Duties are performed within established procedures, training, and assigned authority. The apprentice may not independently authorize system modifications, major repairs, or irrigation schedule changes without supervisory approval.

The position requires following safety procedures, using assigned tools and required personal protective equipment, documenting assigned work, and communicating completed work and identified issues to the Maintenance Foreman. The apprentice must be available for assigned on-call rotations and respond to urgent or emergency maintenance situations as directed by authorized supervisory personnel.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Ability to follow verbal and written work instructions.
• Ability to identify visible damage, leaks, broken components, and other obvious maintenance deficiencies.
• Ability to document completed work and record basic maintenance information when required.
• Ability to learn irrigation system components, functions, and maintenance procedures through structured training and practical experience.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to maintain dependable attendance and punctuality in accordance with City policies and assigned work schedules.
• Physical ability to continuously lift and carry up to 25 pounds; frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds; and occasionally lift and carry up to 100 pounds.
• Physical ability to continuously walk and stand during the shift; occasionally climb ladders, stairs, and inclined surfaces; frequently bend, kneel, push, and pull; occasionally flex or rotate the upper trunk; frequently reach above, at, or below shoulder height; and coordinate eye, hand, and foot movement to operate a vehicle or equipment.

Nice To Haves

• One year of irrigation-related experience or grounds maintenance work, or a combination of relevant education and experience.
• Knowledge of basic hand tools and their common uses in maintenance and repair activities.
• Knowledge of basic landscaping, grounds maintenance, and turf care practices.
• Knowledge of common irrigation components, including sprinkler heads, nozzles, valves, piping, fittings, and irrigation controllers.
• Knowledge of basic workplace safety practices when using tools, handling materials, and performing outdoor maintenance work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspection, routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of irrigation systems under direct supervision.
• Identify and report deficiencies such as leaks, broken sprinkler heads, malfunctioning valves, damaged piping, controller issues, and uneven water distribution; assist with approved repairs as assigned.
• Install, adjust, clean, and replace sprinkler heads, nozzles, valves, fittings, piping, and other irrigation components in accordance with training and supervisory direction.
• Identify and report water waste, overspray, runoff, leaks, and other irrigation inefficiencies; assist with approved schedule adjustments and water-conservation practices.
• Safely use assigned tools and equipment, keep work areas organized, assist with inventorying supplies, and report equipment or material needs to the Maintenance Foreman.
• Follow City safety policies and procedures, use required personal protective equipment, observe underground utility and excavation requirements, and protect coworkers, park visitors, facilities, and public property.
• Complete assigned work orders, maintenance logs, inspection records, and repair documentation; communicate completed work, problems, and unresolved issues to the Maintenance Foreman.
• Participate in assigned on-call rotations and respond to emergency or urgent maintenance situations as directed by the Maintenance Foreman or other authorized supervisory personnel.
• Perform related duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED