Irrigation Apprentice

City-of-Lubbock,-T; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lubbock is seeking an Irrigation Apprentice to assist with inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of irrigation systems serving municipal parks and athletic fields. This entry-level role develops technical knowledge under direct supervision.

The position emphasizes safety, proper documentation, and adherence to established procedures while building foundational skills in irrigation components and water conservation.

Qualifications

• Completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent.
• Physical exam required.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License required.
• On-call rotations and emergency response may be required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspection, routine maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems under supervision.
• Identify and report deficiencies and assist with repairs.
• Install, adjust, clean, and replace irrigation components.
• Identify water waste and assist with schedule adjustments.
• Follow safety policies and PPE; observe underground utilities.
• Complete work orders and maintenance logs; communicate issues to Foreman.
• Be available for on-call rotations and respond to emergencies as directed.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Verbal and written instructions

Identify maintenance deficiencies

Documentation of work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Basic hand tools

Irrigation components knowledge

Job description

Under direct supervision of the Park Maintenance Foreman, the Irrigation Apprentice assists with the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of irrigation systems serving municipal parks, public grounds, landscaped areas, and athletic fields.
This is an entry-level, training-oriented position intended to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and safe work practices necessary for progressively independent irrigation maintenance work. The apprentice performs duties within established procedures, training, and assigned authority. The position does not independently authorize irrigation system modifications, major repairs, or changes to irrigation schedules without supervisory approval.

• Assist with the inspection, routine maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems serving municipal parks, public grounds, landscaped areas, and athletic fields under the direct supervision of the Maintenance Foreman.

• Identify and report irrigation system deficiencies, including leaks, broken sprinkler heads, malfunctioning valves, damaged piping, controller issues, and uneven water distribution; assist with approved repairs as assigned.
• Install, adjust, clean, and replace sprinkler heads, nozzles, valves, fittings, piping, and other irrigation components consistent with training and supervisory direction.
• Identify and report water waste, overspray, runoff, leaks, and other irrigation inefficiencies; assist with approved irrigation schedule adjustments and water conservation practices.
• Safely use assigned tools and equipment, maintain organized work areas, assist with inventorying supplies, and report equipment or material needs to the Maintenance Foreman.
• Follow City safety policies and established procedures, use required personal protective equipment, observe underground utility and excavation requirements, and protect coworkers, park visitors, facilities, and public property.
• Complete assigned work orders, maintenance logs, inspection records, and repair documentation; promptly communicate completed work, identified problems, and unresolved issues to the Maintenance Foreman.
• Be available for assigned on-call rotations and respond to emergency or urgent maintenance situations as directed by the Maintenance Foreman or other authorized supervisory personnel.
• Perform related duties as required.

Completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Physical Exam Required.

Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

Preferred

• One year of irrigation related experience or grounds maintenance work; or
  any combination or relevant education and experience.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of basic hand tools and their common uses in maintenance and repair activities.
• Knowledge of basic landscaping, grounds maintenance, and turf care practices.
• Knowledge of common irrigation components, including sprinkler heads, nozzles, valves, piping, fittings, and irrigation controllers.
• Knowledge of basic workplace safety practices when using tools, handling materials, and performing outdoor maintenance work.
• Skill in following verbal and written work instructions.
• Skill in identifying visible damage, leaks, broken components, and other obvious maintenance deficiencies.
• Skill in documenting completed work and recording basic maintenance information, when required.
• Ability to learn irrigation system components, functions, and maintenance procedures through structured training and practical experience.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to maintain dependable attendance and punctuality in accordance with City policies and assigned work schedules.

Physical Requirements:

• Continuously lift and carry up to 25 pounds;
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds;
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 100 pounds;
• Continuously walk and stand during the shift;
• Occasionally climb ladders, stairs and inclined surfaces;
• Frequently bend and kneel during the shift;
• Frequently push and pull objects;
• Occasionally ?ex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially at the knees;
• Occasionally rotate upper trunk to the right or left while sitting or standing;
• Frequently reach above, at or below shoulder height;
• Coordinate eye, hand and foot movement in order to operate a vehicle or equipment.