Maintenance Specialist Irrigation Management- Landscape

City of Palmdale•Palmdale, CA

12d

About The Position

The Maintenance Specialist is an advanced journey-level classification in the Maintenance Division. The position manages, operates, installs, inspects, troubleshoots, and maintains weather-based centralized irrigation control systems and related equipment within Landscape Maintenance Districts and General Benefit Areas. The systems include more than 400 irrigation controllers supporting 485 acres of landscape across 106 square miles. The role works closely with City staff, contractors, and other personnel responsible for grounds and green-space maintenance. The position supports efficient water use and plant and tree health by minimizing system downtime, maintaining regulatory compliance, improving water-use efficiency, and controlling operating costs. It also coordinates irrigation projects and contractor work, oversees assigned staff, maintains records, supports budgets and procurement, and promotes safe and sustainable landscape-management practices. The classification is distinguished from Senior Maintenance Specialist, which is a working supervisory role responsible for organizing, assigning, training, and monitoring subordinate staff.

Requirements

At least four years of progressively responsible experience in irrigation management, preferably involving smart weather-based centralized irrigation control systems.
Four years of increasingly responsible experience performing skilled work in a specialized trade with an agency, company, or organization, or an equivalent qualifying combination of education and experience.
Equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.
Valid California driver's license by the time of appointment.
Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) certification required at the time of appointment.
Knowledge of ET-based irrigation, soil moisture management, weather stations, and water-conservation practices.
Strong knowledge of irrigation systems, backflow prevention devices, booster pumps, valves, controllers, sprinklers, point-source irrigation, and water-management practices.
Ability to read irrigation plans, system layouts, and basic technical documents.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.
Knowledge of practices and techniques related to skilled maintenance in the area of assignment.
Ability to plan, schedule, supervise, and review staff work and train staff by explaining jobs and assignments.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, City employees, and members of the public.
Ability to demonstrate good customer service.
Ability to work on-call and stand-by duty and respond to after-hours emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory or management experience.
Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA); ability to obtain within one year of appointment.
Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Designer (CID).
Certified Irrigation Manager (CIM).

Responsibilities

Manage, operate, install, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain irrigation systems and related equipment, including software applications, radio networks, booster pumps, valves, controllers, and centralized irrigation control systems.
Develop, implement, and adjust irrigation schedules based on site conditions, soil characteristics, plant requirements, water availability, weather, and applicable water-use regulations.
Monitor water consumption and identify ways to improve irrigation efficiency, conserve water, and reduce operating costs.
Maintain records of irrigation schedules, inspections, water use, maintenance, repairs, and system performance.
Monitor weather forecasts and environmental conditions and adjust irrigation programs to optimize water use and support plant health.
Inspect irrigation systems and coordinate troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, repairs, and system improvements.
Manage and schedule annual testing and repairs for 600 back-flow prevention devices to ensure regulatory compliance.
Administer landscape and irrigation maintenance contracts and oversee contractor and other personnel performance.
Inspect contractor work for compliance with contractual terms, specifications, schedules, safety requirements, and applicable standards.
Supervise, train, provide lead direction to, and evaluate contract irrigation staff and City employees as assigned.
Coordinate irrigation upgrades, installations, repairs, renovations, and modifications.
Perform and evaluate soil analyses to determine treatments that support plant and tree health, growth, and vitality.
Evaluate irrigation system performance and recommend improvements, upgrades, equipment replacements, and emerging technologies.
Respond to irrigation emergencies, water leaks, equipment failures, and system malfunctions, and coordinate corrective actions.
Manage irrigation-related budgets, supplies, equipment, materials, contractors, and service providers.
Assist with procurement of commodities and contract services and process purchase requisitions and related documentation.
Prepare operational and management reports and assist with preparing, administering, and monitoring operating budgets.
Promote safe work practices and ensure employees and contractors properly use tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
Ensure irrigation and landscape-maintenance practices comply with environmental regulations, water-use requirements, and safety standards.
Promote sustainable landscape-management practices, including water conservation and green-space biodiversity.
Perform and review USAS Dig Alert Utility Markings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.