Irrigation Tech I-Sr AS6407

Oklahoma State University•Stillwater, OK

8d•$15 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

This position reports directly to the Facilities Management Irrigation Supervisor and works closely with the Landscape Services Department shops: Design, Installation, Maintenance, and Shop Support. The role provides routine labor to support other Facilities Management departments as assigned and supports the Irrigation Supervisor with all aspects of irrigation installation, maintenance, and repairs. Key responsibilities include adhering to University dig permit guidelines, submitting one-call Okie dig permits, and ensuring permits are current. The role also involves conducting irrigation utility locates, operating irrigation equipment like trenchers, and using shovels and plumbing tools. Adjusting irrigation heads, valves, backflows, drip lines, and other components is a frequent task. The position assists with preventive and repair maintenance on irrigation systems, winterizes the system as directed, and inspects irrigation zones, reporting any issues to the supervisor. Safety is paramount, requiring adherence to policies, use of personal protective equipment, and participation in safety training. The role serves as a backup for the supervisor during emergency overtime calls and helps maintain irrigation equipment, materials, and tools. Attendance at irrigation team and LS Maintenance project meetings is required, along with picking up litter at job sites and while traveling on campus. Collaboration with the Landscape Services Urban Forester to protect trees during irrigation construction projects, following the Campus Tree Care Plan, is also a responsibility. This role requires being on rotating standby for emergencies and/or any other event weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays, and working overtime or shift work when necessary. The employee must be able to perform snow and ice removal tasks and respond at any time of the day or night when scheduled by management, deeming them essential personnel. This may require work during non-business hours, including evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and when the University is closed. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment is mandatory. The work involves exposure to extreme heat and cold, precipitation, high levels of dust, operating equipment with hazardous noise levels, and handling odoriferous chemicals. This position is heavy in manual labor and requires the physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and in excess of 50 pounds occasionally.

Requirements

High School/GED (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)
Ten years of landscape commercial irrigation maintenance-related work experience with a high school diploma or GED (for Senior Irrigation Technician)
Fifteen years of landscape commercial irrigation maintenance-related work experience with a high school diploma or GED (for Irrigation Technician I)
Two years of landscape maintenance or plumbing-related work experience with a high school diploma or GED (for Irrigation Technician II)
Five years of landscape residential irrigation maintenance-related work experience with a high school diploma or GED (for Irrigation Technician III)
Valid driver’s license (must have before hire and maintain after hire).
Strong attention to work detail, following instructions, and organizational skills.
Strong work ethic and initiative for quality and customer service.
Ability to follow routine verbal and written instructions.
Ability to multitask and coordinate projects through to completion and in a timely manner.
Knowledge, keen understanding, and operational skills of irrigation and plumbing systems.
Knowledge of plant and landscape needs and soil conditions.
Must be able to work under minimal supervision.
Computer skills.
Ability to work outdoors in extreme heat and cold, around high levels of dust, pollen, and chemicals, and operating hazardous equipment with loud noise levels.
Ability to use a shovel, irrigation trencher, lift 50 lbs., and work in inclement weather.
Must work safely and promote a safe environment.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a landscape maintenance-related certification program through an accredited educational institution or professional organization (for Senior Irrigation Technician).
A related university associate or bachelor's degree (for Senior Irrigation Technician).

Responsibilities

Provide routine labor to support other Facilities Management departments as assigned.
Support the Irrigation Supervisor with all aspects of irrigation installation, maintenance, and repairs.
Adhere to University dig permit guidelines, submit one-call Okie dig permits as needed, and ensure permits are current for scheduled tasks.
Conduct irrigation utility locates as requested through the work order system, ensuring timely completion and proper documentation.
Operate irrigation equipment like trenchers, and regularly use shovels and plumbing tools.
Frequently adjust irrigation heads, valves, backflows, drip lines, and other components as instructed.
Assist with preventive and repair maintenance on irrigation valves, backflows, clocks, and related components.
Winterize the irrigation system as directed.
Inspect irrigation zones and promptly report any issues or concerns to the direct supervisor.
Perform duties safely and efficiently to maintain a safe work environment, following safety policies, using personal protective equipment, and participating in required safety training.
Act as the backup for the supervisor during emergency overtime calls as needed.
Help maintain irrigation equipment, materials, and tools.
Attend irrigation team and LS Maintenance project meetings as required.
Pick up litter at job sites and while traveling on campus.
Collaborate with the Landscape Services Urban Forester to protect trees during irrigation construction projects, following the Campus Tree Care Plan.
Be on rotating standby for emergencies and/or any other event weekday evenings, weekends and holidays.
Work overtime when work requires.
Work shift work when work can’t be accomplished during regular hours, and when the Management staff deems necessary.
Perform snow and ice removal tasks, and respond at any time of the day or night when scheduled by management.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment as required (gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.).