Irrigation Specialist - Public Services

Mt Thompson South Carolina•Mount Pleasant, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Irrigation Specialist performs skilled work in the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of municipal irrigation systems. This position ensures efficient water usage, supports landscape health, and maintains public assets in a safe and functional condition. The position supports the reliable operation of irrigation infrastructure serving parks, athletic fields, landscaped areas, and other Town-owned facilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial or municipal irrigation systems
Valid South Carolina Driver’s License
Must have or obtain Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) within one (1) year of date of hire
Must have or obtain Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification within one (1) year of date of hire
Knowledge of irrigation system components, installation methods, and maintenance practices, including controllers, valves, piping, sprinkler heads, and backflow devices
Knowledge of water conservation principles, irrigation efficiency practices, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations
Knowledge of landscaping, turf management, and grounds maintenance practices related to irrigation systems
Knowledge of irrigation system hydraulics, water pressure, flow characteristics, and system efficiency.
Ability to identify root causes of irrigation system failure and recommend cost-effective corrective actions.
Knowledge of department safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices
Skill in diagnosing irrigation system issues and performing repairs in a timely and effective manner
Skill in the use of hand tools, power tools, and light equipment associated with irrigation and grounds maintenance work
Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to effectively interact with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public
Ability to read and interpret irrigation plans, construction drawings, diagrams, and blueprints
Ability to operate, program, and troubleshoot irrigation controllers, including smart irrigation systems
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work in a detailed and accurate manner
Ability to maintain accurate records, process service requests and work orders, and enter data into applicable systems and software
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, coworkers, and the public
Ability to respond to and resolve complaints or concerns from members of the public in a professional and tactful manner
Ability to diagnose irrigation system failures and determine appropriate corrective actions.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply irrigation plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
Ability to program and troubleshoot irrigation controllers and related technology.
Ability to prioritize multiple work assignments while responding to emergency repairs and changing operational needs.
Exercise sound judgment when working around underground utilities, mechanical equipment, and public facilities.
Ability to maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, inspections, and regulatory documentation.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, vendors, and the public.
Ability to recognize hazardous conditions and follow applicable safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)
Additional Irrigation Association certifications or other recognized irrigation or water management certifications

Responsibilities

Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, rehabilitates, and repairs municipal irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, piping, wells, pumps, and backflow prevention devices
Inspects irrigation systems on a routine basis to identify leaks, inefficiencies, drainage concerns, and operational issues; performs necessary adjustments and repairs
Performs inspection, maintenance, and repair of irrigation well systems including pumps, motors, controls, and related equipment
Programs, monitors, and adjusts irrigation controllers, including seasonal scheduling, smart irrigation systems, and water conservation measures
Performs preventative maintenance to ensure efficient system operation, regulatory compliance, and water conservation
Assists with irrigation system rehabilitation, renovation, and improvement projects
Assists in the review, turnover, startup, and acceptance of newly installed irrigation systems to ensure compliance with Town standards and operational requirements
Provides input regarding irrigation system design standards, system performance, and operational improvements for Town-owned properties and facilities
Coordinates and communicates with contractors, vendors, and internal staff regarding irrigation repairs, installations, and project activities
Reads and interprets irrigation plans, blueprints, diagrams, and system layouts
Locates and identifies underground utilities prior to excavation in accordance with applicable safety standards
Operates hand tools, power tools, trenching equipment, and light equipment necessary for irrigation installation and repair work
Responds to weather-related conditions, irrigation system failures, emergencies, special events, and urgent maintenance needs as required
Maintains accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, irrigation system performance, and water usage data
Completes work orders and service requests using applicable departmental software and systems
Communicates effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public regarding irrigation issues, repairs, and system status
Ensures compliance with applicable safety procedures, water conservation standards, cross-connection requirements, and regulatory requirements
Supports grounds maintenance and departmental operations as needed to maintain Town-owned properties and facilities
Provides support to Public Services and other Town departments’ project managers, including field coordination, technical assistance, and irrigation system-related work.
Assists the Turf Specialist, Grounds Division staff, and other divisions with irrigation system installation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and troubleshooting, including coordination with staff for repairs to private irrigation systems when damaged during Town operations.
Performs other related duties as assigned