Irrigation Senior Specialist

City of El Monte; El Monte (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of El Monte is seeking a skilled journeyman-level Irrigation Technician to design, install, inspect, and repair commercial irrigation systems across City facilities including parks and medians.

You will diagnose issues, service backflow devices, program controllers, and ensure efficient water usage. Candidates need 3 years of experience and a California Driver’s License, plus Landscape Irrigation Technician certification.

Qualifications

• Methods and techniques used in irrigation system design, repair, and installation.
• Operation and installation requirements of backflow prevention devices.
• Installation, programming, and operation of all types of irrigation controllers and timers.
• The design and installation of low-volume irrigation systems, including drip irrigation.
• The operation and basic maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to irrigation work.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service in public settings.

Responsibilities

• Perform design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of commercial irrigation systems for City facilities.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair irrigation system components across City properties.
• Install, inspect, and repair backflow devices on City properties.
• Install and service irrigation controllers and electronic valves.
• Disassemble and replace sprinkler heads and lines as needed.
• Monitor water usage to minimize runoff and waste.
• Trains lower-level staff in irrigation system operation and maintenance.

Skills

Irrigation design

Diagnostics & repair

Blueprints reading

Customer service

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with irrigation training

Tools

Backflow devices

Irrigation controllers

Trenching & hand tools

Job description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of skilled duties in the design/mapping, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of commercial irrigation systems, including parks, sports fields, medians, and other landscaped areas; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and equipment; provides technical and specialized assistance to assigned management and supervisory staff; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of commercial irrigation systems for City facilities. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair activities of commercial irrigation systems for City facilities.
• Diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs all components of commercial irrigation systems throughout City-owned property.
• Installs, inspects, and repairs backflow devices throughout City-owned properties.
• Installs, inspects, and repairs electronic valves and controllers.
• Disassembles, repairs, and replaces a wide variety of sprinkler heads and lines.
• Monitors and adjusts sprinklers and water usage levels to eliminate runoff.
• Monitors contractors working with and around irrigation systems and related equipment to ensure the work is appropriately performed; addresses discrepancies as necessary.
• Trains lower-level staff in the maintenance and operation of irrigation systems.
• Repairs and replaces freestanding drinking fountains, including drainage systems.
• Digs ditches and trenches to install irrigation systems.
• Operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools and equipment, including compressors, jackhammers, and trenchers.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Communicates status of repairs to appropriate personnel, working cooperatively to schedule repairs in accordance with established and special operational priorities.
• Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used; maintains billing and account records for various vendors; prepares reports as required.
• Provides information to the public concerning irrigation related activities; responds to complaints and answers questions from public or refers to supervisor, as necessary.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques used in irrigation system design, repair, and installation.
• Operation and installation requirements of backflow prevention devices.
• Installation, programming, and operation of all types of irrigation controllers and timers.
• The design and installation of low-volume irrigation systems, including drip irrigation.
• The operation and basic maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform skilled work in the diagnoses, maintenance, repair, and installation of backflow prevention devices on City irrigation systems.
• Read, interpret and apply information from blueprints, drawings, landscape plans, and irrigation plans related to irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Effectively train lower-level staff in the maintenance and operation of irrigation systems.
• Work independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
• Safely and effectively operate specialized equipment required for assigned work.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Effectively respond to calls for services.
• Use appropriate safety equipment for assigned work.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in irrigation system installation, design, repair, and maintenance.

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in performing commercial irrigation system installation, design, repair, and maintenance.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Landscape Irrigation Technician certification to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards which may include working on live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Environmental CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.