Horticulturist - Irrigation Specialist

Universal Studios; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 93,677,000 - 99,187,000; Full time

Job summary

NBCUniversal is seeking an Irrigation Specialist (Horticulturist) to maintain, repair, and optimize irrigation systems across the property, supporting landscape health and water efficiency. This role works independently on irrigation tasks while coordinating with landscape and operations teams to support daily park functions, seasonal needs, and special events.

Responsibilities include installation, inspections, troubleshooting, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Associate degree or equivalent professional experience in irrigation/horticulture.
• Minimum three (3) years of commercial irrigation system experience.
• Knowledge of Calsense and Motorola irrigation systems.
• Ability to read irrigation plans and measurements.
• Ability to apply water-efficient practices.
• Strong plant care and landscaping knowledge.
• Ability to work weekends/holidays.
• Able to work in environments requiring climbing, trenching, or fall protection.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, replace, and adjust irrigation components (valves, heads, piping, controllers, wiring).
• Conduct routine inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and repair to ensure proper coverage, pressure, and performance.
• Map irrigation zones and assist with layout for new installations or modifications.
• Dig trenches and install piping, pumps, controllers, and timers.
• Support irrigation scheduling and water-efficiency practices.
• Complete documentation using computerized maintenance systems.
• Coordinate with landscape teams to support plant health and show quality.
• Operate power equipment and safe hand tools; perform pruning and cleanup as related to irrigation.
• Follow safety, environmental, and operational procedures.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Associate degree in horticulture, irrigation technology, or related field

Tools

Calsense

Motorola irrigation systems

Maximo

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

The Irrigation Specialist (classified as a Horticulturist) is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and optimizing irrigation systems across the property to support landscape health and water efficiency. The role works independently on assigned irrigation tasks while coordinating with landscape and operations teams to support daily park functions, seasonal needs, and special events.

Responsibilities - Irrigation System Maintenance & Operations

• Perform installation, repair, replacement, and adjustment of irrigation system components including valves, heads, piping, controllers, wiring, and related equipment.
• Conduct routine system inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Troubleshoot issues and make necessary repairs to ensure proper coverage, pressure, and performance.
• Map irrigation zones and assist with layout and preparation for new installations or system modifications.
• Dig trenches and install irrigation piping, lines, pumps, controllers, and electrical timers as required.
• Support irrigation scheduling and water-efficiency practices in accordance with established guidelines.
• Complete required documentation, reports, and work orders using computerized maintenance systems.

Responsibilities - Landscape & Horticulture Support

• Coordinate with landscape teams to support plant health, show quality, and site standards.
• Operate power equipment and hand tools safely, including trenchers and other irrigation-related equipment.
• Perform limited landscape support tasks such as pruning, trimming, and general cleanup as related to irrigation work.
• Follow all established safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within scope of classification.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Associate degree in horticulture, irrigation technology, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of commercial irrigation system experience.
• Knowledge of Calsense and Motorola irrigation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret irrigation plans and measurements.
• Ability to evaluate irrigation needs and apply water-efficient practices.
• Strong knowledge of plant care and landscaping principles.
• Ability to work varied schedules including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work in environments requires climbing, trenching, or fall protection.

Required Certification

• Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) or equivalent Irrigation Association certification – active certification required.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate with employees at all levels.
• Proactive, self-directed, and able to work under pressure.
• Ability to interpret technical documents, safety rules, and instructions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; familiarity with Maximo.
• Experience in theme parks, resorts, campuses, or large-scale properties

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Exposure to weather, temperature extremes, noise, and hazardous materials.
• Duties may include working in confined spaces or at heights.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, trench, and traverse uneven terrain for extended periods.

Pay rate starting at $32.78 per hour.

Additional Information:

NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

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