Irrigation Specialist

California State University-Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Sacramento is seeking an Irrigation Specialist to repair, maintain, and install sprinkler systems across campus. You will set controllers, manage low-voltage wiring, and work with the Grounds team to optimize watering efficiency.

The role requires knowledge of irrigation equipment, ability to read work orders, and a commitment to safe, inclusive teamwork. Work hours are Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintaining sustainable landscapes, irrigation systems, and athletic fields.
• Experience with operating and maintaining equipment such as trenchers, front loaders, back hoes, bobcat loaders, and electronic tracing/troubleshooting equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computerized irrigation control systems.
• Ability to use a computerized work order system.
• Ability to maintain records, inventory, and supplies.
• Ability to use standard office software applications (i.e. word processing, email).
• Excellent customer service skills including with vendor and campus stakeholder communication
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with a diverse population.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

Responsibilities

• Repairs, maintains and installs sprinkler heads, piping, valves and electronic controllers.
• Sets campus irrigation controllers to optimize coverage given weather conditions and water restrictions.
• Works with a team on landscape projects, maintenance and repairs.
• Read and interpret work orders and schedule tasks for irrigation systems.

Skills

Landscape irrigation

Heavy equipment

Irrigation controls

Work orders

Record keeping

Office software

Customer service

Teamwork

Diversity & inclusion

Tools

Maxicom

Job description

Working Title:

Irrigation Specialist

Classification Title:

Irrigation Specialist

Priority Application Date: Sunday, October 25th @ 11:55 PST (Posting will remain open until filled)

Hiring Preference:

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Manager of Grounds and Landscape Services and Grounds Leads, the Irrigation Specialist repairs, maintains and installs sprinkler heads, piping, valves and electronic controllers, including low voltage wiring for the purpose of optimizing watering efficiency on campus. Works with a team engaged in landscape projects, maintenance and repairs. Sets campus irrigation controllers to optimize campus irrigation coverage given expected weather conditions, water agency restrictions, and plant health.

FLSA: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,736.00 per month (Step 1) - $4,208.00 per month (Step 7)

CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,736.00 per month (Step 1) - $5,232.00 per month (Step 18)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Best-in-class Benefits:

CSU Total Compensation:

Salary Grade/Range: 1

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Hours may vary based on department needs.

Department Information:

Responsibilities:

Grounds and Landscaping Services is responsible for maintaining 170 landscaped acres and over 3,000 trees on a sprawling park-like Campus. We also have responsibility for maintaining walkways and parking improvements. Grounds and Landscape Services trims, irrigates, cleans, fertilizes, provides pest control, and renovates campus site improvements that encompass:

• Over 3,000 trees, comprising 250 species
• 93 acres of lawn/turf
• 16 acres of shrubs and ground cover
• More than 21 miles of campus walkways
• 60 acres of parking lots
• 25 acres of undeveloped space
• Irrigation systems comprising 5 well pumps, 7 zone controllers, 750 valves, and 12,000 sprinklers heads

https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/facilities-management/

Knowledge:

Minimum Qualifications:

Thorough knowledge of the soil conditions of the various areas of the campus; climate of the area in which the campus is located; and the mechanical principles of sprinkler equipment. General knowledge of the kinds of sprinkler control devices and irrigation equipment available on the market.

Abilities:

Ability to plan, estimate costs, and install or modify irrigation systems for particular sections of the campus; repair and maintain existing irrigation systems; operate equipment, such as small trench-diggers; provide lead work direction to others; and read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position.

Experience:

Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds, with one year in the maintenance, repair, or modification of irrigation systems and irrigation equipment.

License:

Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

Required Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintaining sustainable landscapes, irrigation systems, and athletic fields.
• Experience with operating and maintaining equipment such as trenchers, front loaders, back hoes, bobcat loaders, and electronic tracing/troubleshooting equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computerized irrigation control systems.
• Ability to use a computerized work order system.
• Ability to maintain records, inventory, and supplies.
• Ability to use standard office software applications (i.e. word processing, email).
• Excellent customer service skills including with vendor and campus stakeholder communication
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with a diverse population.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

Work Schedule Requirements:

• Ability to work weekends, early work shifts, and/or other Changes in work schedule including call backs/available for emergencies
• In accordance with the provisions of Article 19 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (Agreement) between the Board of Trustees of the California State University (University) and the California State University Employees Union (CSUEU), employees may be required to work overtime hours as directed by the Appropriate Administrator.

Other Requirement(s):

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and maintenance of a good driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to frequently lift and carry gardening equipment and materials up to 50 lbs.

Conditions Of Employment:

• Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in design, estimation, and installation of new landscapes and irrigation systems.
• Experience working with contractors installing sprinkler systems around new structures to assure proper irrigating capacities of the systems.
• Experience preparing or revising sketches and as-built drawings to document changes in landscape.
• Experience with computerized irrigation control systems (i.e. Rainbird Maxicom).

Required Licenses/Certifications:

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Documents Needed to Apply (2):

Resume and cover letter.

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

About Sacramento State:

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. T

The lush, 300-acre park-like campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million.

Sacramento State Proudly Serves As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American And Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), And Black-Serving Institution (BSI) . The University Enrolls Around 31,000 Students From The Greater Sacramento Region, Throughout California, Across The Nation, And Around The World. Our 1,800 Faculty And 1,500 Staff Are Committed To Meeting Our Mission

“As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education.”

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

California State University, Sacramento is an Aff… We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at [e-mail] .

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Education Code 89521 Requirements:

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Background Check Disclaimer:

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment:

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification:

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note To Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.