Irrigation Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

3d•$23 - $26•Hybrid

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 grounds irrigation, ponds, streams and water systems including potable, non-potable, and rainwater sources. Additional assistance is provided in support of satellite sites.

Requirements

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
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.
Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists.
Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
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.
Knowledge of turf restoration practices.
Intermediate computer skills, including knowledge in creating spreadsheets, memos, emails and asset management tracking reports.
Experience with wireless remotes, icloud, Rainmaster, Hunter, Weathermatic, tablets in the fields to operate irrigation systems and data entry.
Experience/knowledge of GIS application/operation.
Back-flow Prevention Assembly Tester.

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.