Irrigation Specialist

Downey Unified School District•Downey, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Operations Supervisor or designee, the Irrigation Specialist performs skilled and semi-skilled duties in the maintenance, improvement, and establishment of irrigation systems. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, year-round. This is a promotional-only recruitment for permanent District employees who meet the qualifications. The recruitment will establish an eligibility list to fill a vacancy and may be used for future permanent vacancies during the list’s life.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three years of grounds-maintenance experience, including two years repairing and installing irrigation systems.
Valid California driver's license.
Must be and remain insurable under the District's vehicle driver's insurance policy at the standard rate.
Knowledge of math used to calculate irrigation-system requirements; tools and equipment used for irrigation and sprinkler-system work; planting and landscape maintenance methods; electronic irrigation systems and troubleshooting; irrigation-system functions in landscape design; computer-based record keeping and irrigation controls; applicable safety rules, codes, and regulations; reclaimed-water requirements; basic record keeping; and laws and defensive practices related to driving.
Ability to perform skilled and semi-skilled irrigation-system maintenance and installation; operate groundskeeping equipment, electrical testing meters, and soil chemical testing instruments; read and interpret landscape and irrigation diagrams; adjust and repair electronic and hydraulic sprinkler systems; work cooperatively; communicate orally and in writing; meet attendance and mental-acuity requirements; produce high-quality work; work in stressful situations; and maintain an appropriate work pace.

Nice To Haves

Certification from an accredited irrigation school or program is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Install, repair, and replace electric, hydraulic, and manual sprinkler control valves and irrigation systems, including micro-irrigation systems.
Install, replace, and repair PVC, galvanized, and copper irrigation piping and sprinkler heads.
Verify watering schedules and inspect lawns and plants to ensure appropriate watering; set time clocks based on seasons, soil conditions, athletic activities, and campus events.
Adjust, lubricate, and repair electronic and hydraulic sprinkler-system timing controllers.
Assist with installing new irrigation and micro-irrigation systems.
Receive work requests and prioritize activities; ensure the necessary tools, parts, materials, and equipment are available for assigned projects.
Locate and repair underground low-voltage electrical cable and locate valves, pipes, and underground low-voltage wire runs as needed.
Determine parts needed from irrigation drawings and provide cost information.
Operate power tools and equipment, including a trencher, tractor, skip loader, dump truck, electrical testing meters and equipment, soil chemical testing instruments, and chain saw; lift heavy objects, load trucks, dig trenches, and perform other irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair work.
Communicate with staff, faculty, administrators, and outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities, and resolve irrigation-system, safety, and related concerns.
Perform related duties as assigned.