Irrigation Specialist

California State University, Sacramento; Sacramento, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Sacramento is seeking an Irrigation Specialist to repair, maintain and install sprinkler systems across campus. Under the direction of Grounds and Landscape Services, you will ensure efficient irrigation and support landscape projects.

Responsibilities include configuring controllers, coordinating with the team, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with weather and water restrictions. Weekend work and overtime may be 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.

Responsibilities

• Repair, maintain and install sprinkler heads, piping, valves and electronic controllers to optimize campus watering efficiency.
• Set campus irrigation controllers to optimize coverage given weather conditions, water restrictions, and plant health.
• Work with a team on landscape projects, maintenance and repairs.
• Read and interpret plans and use trenchers, loaders and irrigation tools as needed.

Skills

Irrigation systems

Electronic controllers

Computerized controls

Work order systems

Record keeping

Office software

Customer service

Independent work

Team collaboration

Tools

Trenchers

Bobcat loaders

Rain Bird Maxicom

Electronic tracing

Job description

Job no: 562750
Work type: Staff
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

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.

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

Department Information

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

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.

RequiredQualifications

1. Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintaining sustainable landscapes, irrigation systems, and athletic fields.

2. Experience with operating and maintaining equipment such as trenchers, front loaders, back hoes, bobcat loaders, and electronic tracing/troubleshooting equipment.

3. Knowledge of and ability to use computerized irrigation control systems.

4. Ability to use a computerized work order system.

5. Ability to maintain records, inventory, and supplies.

6. Ability to use standard office software applications (i.e. word processing, email).

7. Excellent customer service skills including with vendor and campus stakeholder communication

8. Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with a diverse population.

9. 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:

10. Ability to work weekends, early work shifts, and/or other Changes in work schedule including call backs/available for emergencies

11. 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):

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

Physical Requirements:

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

Conditions of Employment:

- Satisfactory completion of the background check process.

PreferredQualifications

14. Experience in design, estimation, and installation of new landscapes and irrigation systems.

15. Experience working with contractors installing sprinkler systems around new structures to assure proper irrigating capacities of the systems.

16. Experience preparing or revising sketches and as-built drawings to document changes in landscape.

17. Experience with computerized irrigation control systems (i.e. Rainbird Maxicom).

Required Licenses/Certifications

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Resume and cover letter.

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

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.

“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…

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 ofCleryAct 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Note to Applicants:

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

Advertised: October 09, 2026 (8:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open Until Filled