Irrigation Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, this position designs, oversees, assigns, directs, and performs tasks in the installation, maintenance, and/or operation of irrigation systems. The purpose of this Irrigation Specialist position is to, under limited direction, manage the ground’s irrigation and water systems including potable, non-potable, and rainwater sources.

Requirements

Knowledge of power tools.
Knowledge of installation and operation of irrigation systems.
Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures.
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable to work being performed.
Knowledge of water conservation initiatives and methods.
Knowledge of irrigation controllers.
Knowledge of backflow principles.
Skill in irrigation system layout.
Skill in planning, directing, or organizing the work of others.
Skill in preparing simple reports.
Skill in working from drawings, blueprints, plans, and specifications.
Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in installing and maintaining irrigation systems.
Texas Class C Driver License.
Texas Landscape Irrigator’s License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
Appropriate certification(s) or license(s) as specified for the assignment.
Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues; and tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement.
Ability to adapt to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, stretching and reaching; and frequently walk and sit when leading various recreational activities.
Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and/or inclement conditions; and in confined spaces.
Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing non-potable water systems.
Work experience using hand tools, powers tools and other maintenance equipment (e.g,drills, reciprocal saws, hammer drills, augers, snakes,).
Experience with minor repairs in the areas of – restroom fixtures, drinking fountains, sinks, showers, and toilets.
Experience with wireless remotes, icloud, Rainmaster, Hunter, Weathermatic, tablets in the fields to operate irrigation systems and perform data entry.
Back-flow Prevention Assembly Tester License or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
Intermediate computer skills, including knowledge in creating spreadsheets, memos, emails and asset management tracking reports.
Ability to travel to more than one location.

Responsibilities

Designs and develops specifications for irrigation systems.
Installs, troubleshoots, inspects, audits, and repairs irrigation systems.
Provides technical expertise to design professionals, gardeners, volunteers, vendors, and City staff.
Plans and implements water conservation programs.
Monitors water quality and ensures compliance with all laws, regulations, and ordinances.
Maintains detailed blueprints, diagrams, records, and reports associated with City irrigation systems.
Creates accurate depictions of actual field installations (as-built drawings).
Creates and oversees watering schedules with consideration to rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed, temperature, and other factors.
Operates all necessary equipment for the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Tests, as necessary, backflow devices.
Performs cross-connection checks in accordance with City of Austin standards.
Obtains local permits for new installs and repairs.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.