Irrigation Specialist

Downey Unified School District; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Downey Unified School District seeks a skilled irrigation systems technician for its grounds maintenance crew. The role involves installing, repairing, and maintaining irrigation and sprinkler systems, reading diagrams, and coordinating with staff to ensure efficient watering schedules across campuses.

Candidates must have a high school diploma with irrigation experience; California driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school and three years of grounds maintenance experience, including two years on irrigation.
• Certification from an accredited irrigation program is highly desirable.
• Valid California driver’s license and insurability under the District's policy are required.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair and replace sprinkler valves and irrigation systems.
• Install, replace and repair irrigation piping and sprinkler heads.
• Set water schedules and adjust controllers according to seasons and events.
• Receive work requests and prioritize activities.
• Coordinate with staff and outside agencies on irrigation projects.
• Operate power tools and equipment such as trencher, tractor, skip loader and chain saw.
• Maintain safety and compliance with regulations and district policies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Irrigation systems

Reading diagrams

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Irrigation certification desirable

Tools

Trencher

Dump truck

Chain saw

Electrical testing meters

Job description

This is a PROMOTIONAL ONLY recruitment to establish an eligibility list and fill a vacancy. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list. Promotional examinations shall be restricted to permanent employees of the District who meet the qualifications of the class.

Positions in this classification are full-time, 40 hours per week, 12 months.

The recruitment process will consist of an evaluation of the submitted supplemental evaluation questionnaire and/or written and/or performance examination and/or an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of Nove mber 30, 2026 - December 18, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.

BASIC FUNCTION:

• Install, repair and replace electric, hydraulic and manual sprinkler control valves, and irrigation systems, including micro irrigation. E
• Install, replace and repair PVC, galvanized and copper irrigation piping. E
• Install, replace and repair sprinkler heads. E
• Verify water schedules, check lawns and plants to assure proper amounts of water; set time clocks according to seasons, soil conditions, athletic, and campus events. E
• Adjust, lubricate and make repairs to electronic and hydraulic sprinkler system timing controllers. E
• Assist in the installation of new irrigation and micro irrigation systems. E
• Receive work requests and prioritize activities; ensure necessary tools, parts, material and equipment are available to complete assigned projects. E
• Locate and repair underground low voltage electric cable; locate valves, pipes and underground low voltage wire runs as needed. E
• Determine parts needed to complete an assignment from irrigation drawings and provide cost information. E
• Operate power tools and equipment including trencher, tractor, skip loader, dump truck, electrical testing meters and equipment, and soil chemical testing instruments and chain saw; lift heavy objects, load trucks, dig trenches and perform other duties involved in installing, maintaining and repairing irrigation systems. E
• Communicate with other staff, faculty, administrators and outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues of irrigation systems installation, maintenance, repairs, safety and related concerns. E
• Perform related duties as assigned. E

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Math used to calculate irrigation systems requirements.
• Hand tools and equipment used in the maintenance and installation of irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Methods used in planting, pruning, cultivating and maintaining plants, flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns.
• Technical aspects of electronic irrigation systems, including methods for troubleshooting performance.
• Irrigation system's function in landscape design including layouts for head-to-head lawn coverage and micro irrigation applications.
• Computer-based record keeping practices and irrigation systems controls.
• Appropriate safety regulations and other codes and regulations pertinent to the trade.
• Health and safety precautions, procedures and regulations.
• Regulations and requirements of reclaimed water in an irrigation application.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Laws as they relate to driving a motor vehicle.
• Defensive driving practices.

ABILITY TO

• Perform skilled and semi-skilled duties in the maintenance and installation of irrigation systems.
• Operate trencher, dump truck and chain saw and other groundskeeping equipment; operate electrical testing meters, and equipment and soil chemical testing instruments.
• Read and interpret landscape and irrigation diagrams.
• Adjust and perform repairs to electronic and hydraulic sprinkler systems.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required.
• Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Be motivated to produce high quality work product.
• Work within stressful situations.
• Maintain a work pace appropriate to a given workload. Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and three years of grounds maintenance experience including two years of experience repairing and installing irrigation systems. Certification from an accredited irrigation school/program is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid California driver's license. Must be, and remain, insurable under the District's vehicle driver's insurance policy at the standard rate.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT

Outdoor work environment; subject to seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work; regular exposure to dust, odors, and dirt; working in a cramped or restrictive work area.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of hand and power tools, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching, digging, heavy physical labor, and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

HAZARDS

Exposure to chemical vapors and fumes.