Title: Irrigation Tech Specialist A

Department: Facilities Management

Duration: Indefinite

Job Summary

Safely performs all tasks of the most difficulty and complexity for maintaining, repairing existing and installing new irrigation systems, including irrigation clock installation, wiring of valves, tracing of water, and programming controllers, operating smart controller systems, providing bi-monthly water use reports from system and adjusting system as needed based on evapotranspiration rates and plant zones. Individual will also coordinate calls for major irrigation mainline leaks/repairs existing under hard surfaces with approved vendors for full repairs of system and pavement. These tasks serve both the sports fields and landscaped areas. Individual will also have backflow certification within Los Angeles County. This is the highest and fully qualified position and level for an irrigation specialist.

Level 7 per the Occidental College & Teamsters Contract.

Job Duties

• Uses a variety of grounds maintenance hand tools (e.g. rake, shovel, hoe, pipe cutter, pipe threader) and power tools, (e.g. ditch witch) to perform the basic duties required at the College in support of all irrigation systems.
• Basic duties include: replacement of broken and damaged pressurized mainlines, replacement of broken and damaged sprinklers, valves, PVC and steel pipes; low voltage wiring and electrical connections; digging and backfilling trenches; moving and replacing sod, installing new runs of PVC pipes, sprinklers, valves, and controllers, including smart controllers and potential temporary battery operated systems.
• Basic duties also include layouts of new installation irrigation systems, including the appropriate sizing for pipes, based on friction loss and total gpm outflow and sprinkler placement to meet needs of the area to be irrigated, having a good understanding of basic plant, soil, and watering relationships.
• Keeps track of own labor, materials and supplies used and reports these accurately.
• Keeps track of all irrigation upgrades throughout campus and updates as- built documents.
• Manages the list of inventory items on a bi-annual basis to ensure appropriate parts are available for quick irrigation repairs as needed.
• Provides communication to Grounds Manager on major issues in a timely manner and provides quick solutions for repairs, irrigation adjustments, and improvements with the focus of healthy plant material and water conservation.
• Receives only general guidance from immediate supervisor as to work assignments and quantity and quality of work expectations.
• Able to read and interpret irrigation layout blueprints and layout in the field. Able to troubleshoot and diagnose irrigation system problems including electrical.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must have a working knowledge of turf and landscaping watering needs, and the methods and equipment to irrigate.
• 5-7 years of experience in landscaping or grounds irrigation and maintenance.
• Minimum one year of certification as a Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) through the Irrigation Association (Irrigation Association Home Page).
• Must remain in good standing.
• CITs must submit 20 continuing education units per two-year cycle.
• Required to work outside in all types of weather.
• Able to bend, stoop, climb and lift and not afraid of heights.
• Requires moderate physical strength.
• Must have a pleasant interactive personality.
• Read, write and understand directions in English.
• Available for emergency calls regarding irrigation during non-working hours.
• Valid CA driver’s license. Maintain college’s Authorized driver status.
• Must be available for after-hours response.

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: The starting base hourly rate for this position is $32.29/hr. After 6 months, the base hourly rate increases to $32.82/hr, and after 12 months, the base hourly rate increases to $33.17/hr. We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package.