Irrigation Technician

Missouri Botanical Garden•St. Louis, MO

About The Position

Responsible for the maintenance and repair of the irrigation systems. This involves both repair and new irrigation installation work and requires frequent hand digging and use of trenching and/or mini-backhoe. Assist the Plumber with the management of the yearly backflow inspection of irrigation devices. Assisting fountain and pump maintenance.

Requirements

Five (5) years experience installing, repairing, and servicing commercial irrigation piping systems and controls required.
Knowledge of approved industry standards related to commercial irrigations systems.
Knowledge of local plumbing codes and general construction methods.
Knowledge of acceptable safe work practices including wearing the necessary personal protective equipment and proper use of hand tools and equipment including trenches and mini-backhoe.
Ability to read blue prints and keep accurate records of new or repaired irrigation piping.
Must be able to set and/or adjust priorities depending on climatic conditions and specific time constants due to building occupancies and scheduled events.
Self-starter, achieving high productivity with strong attention to detail; ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner is required.
Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
Some local travel required– less than 20%.
Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.
High school diploma or the equivalent required.
Familiarity navigating through various PC applications including, but not restricted to Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Outlook, Word, etc.).
Ability to use Internet to search for repair parts and to obtain manufactures’ literature and required safety data sheets(SDS).
Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).
Ability to read and comprehend instructions and information to effectively execute and achieve results.
H.S. basic math and geometry as necessary to order materials and perform new installations.
Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and clean, insurable driving record (prior to employment).
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid chauffeur’s license within (2) months of hire required.
Manual labor - Ability to work outdoors all year round in all weather conditions (i.e., in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
Requires hand digging for extended periods of time and some work may be performed in trenches or holes which will require shoring.
Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, walk boards and walkways and work at varying heights, including on roofs and to operate a wide variety of personal lift equipment.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including SCBA and/or respirators; fall restraint harness; required to operate various pieces of equipment including fork fort lift, mini excavator and trencher, sewer machine and various hand tools.
Will be required to work with chemicals including greases, oils, refrigerants, etc.
Must be able to work around, under, and in large pieces of equipment which may be hot and/or moving parts.
Ability to lift a minimum of 60 lbs; stand for extended periods of time and work with arms above your head and off ladders at varying heights.
Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time-- 90% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with commercial and residential plumbing fixtures and methods is a plus.
An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Maintains and repairs garden wide irrigation systems which includes performing spring startup and fall winterization and coordinates contracted annual testing of irrigation backflow devices.
Participates in the planning and construction of new irrigation systems and will monitor contractors perform work.
Creates and maintains accurate records and drawings showing the location of all buried utilities.
Inspects area irrigated to ensure adequate soaking and prevent waste of water.
Provides site protection for garden staff and visitors by barricading and covering all open trenches and holes while making repairs to below ground utilities
Assist the plumber with installation, repair and servicing of plumbing fixtures, water and sewer pipes, sump pumps, chemical and grease traps and related equipment.
Assists with fountain maintenance.
Maintains inventory of frequently used supplies and replacement parts.
Identifies and initiates immediate corrective actions for any plumbing code or safety violations.
Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed: informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them.
Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards.
Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
May assist HVAC staff with the installation of new piping systems.
Meets expected attendance guidelines.
Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
Behave & communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
Performs other duties as assigned.