Irrigation Specialist

Arapahoe County•Centennial, CO

1d•$27 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

The Irrigation Specialist is a field-based position with an emphasis on landscape irrigation systems, including but not limited to athletic fields, natural grass areas, perennial beds, urban tress, and agricultural irrigation pivots. The Specialist will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the irrigation systems at Arapahoe County Open Spaces properties. This position also serves as a member of the Operations Team supporting general field operations and maintenance of County open spaces, parks and trails as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of irrigation (including central controller management, start-up, and system winterization) management, maintenance, and repair.
Extensive knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools, and equipment used in irrigation and park maintenance and repair.
Knowledge in the use and application of GPS devices, geographic information systems, evapotranspiration, and other technologies to collect field data, monitor, and manage irrigation systems and associated assets.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of parks, open space, trail and landscape management and maintenance.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Ability to train and educate field staff on these practices.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of Best Management Practices in turf management and irrigation system installation, operation,monitoring, and maintenance.
General knowledge of horticulture includes annuals, perennials, plant identification and basic landscape design and installation.
Use of maintenance management and work order software to track time and effort required to manage irrigation, turf and horticultural programs and activities.
Ability to work independently on a regular basis and occasionally lead a team of field staff.
Ability to apply pesticides/herbicides as part of an integrated pest and turf management program.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions which includes communicating in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing. Ability to produce field reports and provide data summaries.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with County officials, general public, internal and external customers.
Accountability
Accessibility
Inclusivity
Integrity
High school diploma or GED
Four (4) or more years of grounds maintenance experience with a focus on turf irrigation (pump station maintenance / VFD controllers, ET-based central control systems).
Two (2) or more years of experience coordinating a work crew and/or volunteer groups.
Any equivalent combination of education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in landscape horticulture, turfgrass management, soil science, or related field.
Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, Irrigation Technician, or related field.
Possession of or ability to obtain within six (6) months, a valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Possession of a valid Colorado Class R Driver’s License (Motor Vehicle Report is required at time of interview. Maintenance of acceptable driving record is necessary.)
Ability to obtain a Colorado Class A Commercial Driver’s License within one (1) year of employment. Must be able to pass Commercial Driver’s license health exam and maintain CDL license while employed with Arapahoe County Open Spaces.
Must pass pre-employment motor vehicle check, physical, background check and drug screen.

Responsibilities

Maintains irrigation systems for parks, open spaces, and agricultural sites to include installing new systems / parts, irrigation start up and winterization, routine inspections and maintenance, and minor and major repairs/renovations.
Troubleshoots and diagnoses plumbing, electrical, pump and controller issues related to irrigation systems to ensure efficient system operations. Must be able to operate an irrigation central control system and manage associated clocks and monitoring equipment.
Performs routine maintenance on irrigation systems including irrigation clocks, spray heads, lateral/main lines, booster pumps, backflows, agricultural irrigation pivot systems to optimize equipment functionality and efficiency of water delivery.
Implements irrigation operational plans and water conservation programs for divisional properties.
Reads construction documents relating to irrigation plans to understand system components, system design and operations. Provide input for plans for new irrigation systems, landscape, and turf areas in partnership with planning division staff.
Performs installation, maintenance, and repairs on wells, pumps, and their associated electrical systems not requiring a licensed electrician. Maintain irrigation ponds including but not limited to maintaining water levels, removing vegetation/debris and other issues affecting irrigation ponds.
Operates parks, horticulture, forestry and trail maintenance equipment including but not limited to county vehicles, seeders, mowers, spray equipment, chainsaws, plows, power tools, tractors, UTVs, dump trucks, trailers, skid steers, front-end loaders, bucket trucks, and mini excavators.
Assesses conditions of turf, natural areas, horticultural beds, and irrigated trees. Oversees appropriate irrigation system maintenance, programming, and monitoring to support plant health and resiliency.
Performs landscape and grounds maintenance duties on Arapahoe County parks, turf, irrigation systems, traditional/synthetic sports fields, landscape beds, and other related facilities.
Coordinates with management staff to ensure well permits with the State of Colorado are kept up to date. Responsible for staying within permitted water rights usage volumes. Position reports water meter readings to various water authorities on established timeframes.
Understands and adheres to safe work practices and procedures. Monitor parks, open spaces, trailheads, and trails for safety issues and compliance with County standards and policies.
Maintains assorted records and reports utilizing County software applications to track work reporting/monitoring, develop work orders, and ensure efficient use of irrigation water.
Supports the overall operation of all Arapahoe County Open Spaces properties when necessary.
Supports the removal of debris and snow from open spaces, parks, trailheads, trails, and sidewalks using sweeping and snow removal equipment. Supports County level snow removal and emergency management operations when necessary.
Supports the operations and logistics associated with special events occurring at the 17-Mile House Farm Park, the Fairgrounds Event Center or through Departmental partnerships.