Irrigation Specialist #23-27

Newport Mesa Unified School District

Costa Mesa (CA)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 85,000

Full time

14 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

CalPERS retirement plan

Job summary

Newport-Mesa Unified School District is seeking an Irrigation Specialist in the Maintenance and Operations Department. This full-time role focuses on installing, inspecting, and maintaining district irrigation systems to support safe, attractive school grounds.

The position requires a high school diploma and at least one year of related experience in sprinkler systems. A valid California driver’s license is required; Backflow Tester certification is desirable.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
1 year of experience in landscape construction and sprinkler/irrigation system installation, repair and maintenance.

Responsibilities

Plan, lay out, assemble, install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems, including mainline and lateral piping and valves.
Test systems for proper pressure, coverage and leaks; repair as needed.
Review blueprints to ensure compatibility of sprinkler parts and pipes; estimate materials and time.

Skills

Irrigation systems knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

The Vacancy The Vacancy, Basic Function, Minimum Qualifications

The Vacancy The Vacancy, Basic Function, Minimum Qualifications This recruitment is open and promotional, meaning all are welcome to apply and current employees in permanent positions are eligible to receive seniority credit and promotional placement once passing all exams. There is currently one vacancy in the Maintenance and Operations Department (8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 12 months per year). Basic Function Under the direction of an assigned Maintenance and Operations Manager, perform skilled work in the installation, inspection, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of District irrigation systems to support safe, attractive and water-efficient school grounds, athletic fields and landscaped areas. Distinguishing Characteristics The Irrigation Specialist classification is assigned skilled work related to the installation, repair and maintenance of irrigation systems. The Senior Irrigation Specialist classification performs skilled repair and maintenance and serves as a lead over other Irrigation Specialists. Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year of experience in landscape construction and the installation, repair and maintenance of sprinkler and irrigation systems. Licenses And Other Requirements Valid California driver's license. Valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification is desirable. Examination Procedures And Information The Examination Exam Weight Supplemental Questions: Qualifying Written Examination: 50% Performance Exam/Qualifications Appraisal Interview: 50% The supplemental questions to the application will be reviewed and rated for certification. These questions are required at the time of application and are qualifying. An eligibility list will be established for successful candidates which will be used to fill open positions during the life of the list. The written examination held to create the eligible list will be conducted virtually, using different online/internet platforms that require video recording or conferencing capabilities, as well as access to a computer with an internet connection and basic Microsoft Office Suite Software. The performance exam/qualifications appraisal interview will be held in-person. The virtual written examination is tentatively scheduled for the week of October 26th. The in-person performance exam/qualifications appraisal interview (oral exam) is tentatively scheduled for the week of November 9th. You will be contacted via email, as indicated on your application, regarding your ability to participate in the examination phase of this recruitment. Applications will be reviewed for minimum requirements. However, Newport-Mesa Unified School District reserves the right to hold a competitive screening based on the number of applications and the needs of the District. If you elect to have Newport-Mesa Unified School District (hereafter, 'District') contact you via email regarding your application and the hiring process, please be aware that the District is not responsible for any contacts you may have blocked on your email service. Unclaimed emails to applicants are not the responsibility of the District. In an effort to allow our emails through your personal spam filter, you can try to add the domain @nmusd.us and @schooljobs.com to your safe senders list. Job Responsibilities Representative Duties Plan, lay out, assemble, install, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and repair District sprinkler and irrigation systems including mainline and lateral piping, valves, sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, controllers, wiring, quick couplers and related equipment; clean, adjust and repair sprinkler heads. Maintain, repair, renovate and remodel new and existing irrigation systems, including valves, sprinklers, controllers and related equipment; maintain current knowledge of irrigation systems and related components. Measure, cut, thread and install pipes, tubing and a variety of sprinkler and irrigation systems fixtures; wrap and insulate pipes as needed; excavate trenches and restore landscaped areas following repairs; repair broken main lines. May assist with the installation or repair of backflow assemblies and pressure regulating devices. Test irrigation systems for proper pressure, coverage and uniformity; test sprinkler and irrigation systems for leaks. Diagnose irrigation system failures including electrical, hydraulic, valve, controller, wiring and communication issues. Perform seasonal irrigation inspections and preventive maintenance. Monitor irrigation system performance and report deficiencies to supervision. Review blueprints to assure compatibility and standardization of sprinkler parts, valves and pipes; design jobs; estimate time and cost of materials. Complete work orders and document repairs using District software. Operate a variety of power equipment and tools such as saws, forklifts, loaders, backhoes, jackhammers and trenchers; drive a District vehicle to and from work sites. Communicate professionally with District personnel, vendors and outside agencies regarding irrigation repairs and service interruptions and to coordinate services; prepare purchase orders. Assist with irrigation renovation and improvement projects. Respond to emergency irrigation failures including water leaks, broken mainlines and controller failures as needed. Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge And Abilities KNOWLEDGE OF: Procedures, methods, techniques, materials, supplies, tools and equipment used in the installation, repair and maintenance of sprinklers and irrigation systems. Smart irrigation controllers and water management technology. Installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems. Building codes and other restrictions pertaining to sprinkler irrigation systems. Basic electrical troubleshooting related to irrigation systems. Water conservation principles and efficient irrigation practices. Safe excavation procedures and underground utility awareness. Health and safety regulations. Proper lifting techniques. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Basic recordkeeping techniques. Ability To Efficiently and effectively use a variety of hand and power tools and equipment used to perform skilled repairs of irrigation systems and sprinklers. Install, maintain and repair irrigation systems. Respond effectively to emergency irrigation failures. Work independently. Meet schedules and timelines. Observe health and safety regulations. Work from blueprints, shop drawings and sketches. Estimate materials and supply needs. Order parts and supplies according to established guidelines. Maintain accurate records. Work cooperatively with others. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Environment WORKING CONDITIONS: Outdoor work environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Noise from equipment operation. Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions. Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors. Working around students and occupied school campuses. Physical Demands Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of hand and power equipment. Standing for extended periods of time. Walking over rough or uneven surfaces. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling heavy objects. Digging. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally. Heavy physical labor. Seeing to read and perform repair duties. Hazards Exposure to pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals related to landscape maintenance. Fumes from vehicle and equipment operation. Chemical fumes. Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Working around underground utilities. Electrical hazards associated with irrigation controllers. Personnel Commission Revised September 2026 Personnel Commission Revised May 2003 Ewing & Company December 1999 Nondiscrimination VACATION – HOLIDAYS - ILLNESS Employees accumulate twelve (12) days of vacation during the first year of employment, increasing up to twenty-two (22) days beginning the 18th year of service, prorated for part-time, 9, 10, and 11 month assignments. The number of paid holidays per year varies from twelve (12) to fifteen (15) days depending on the work calendar. Employees accumulate twelve (12) days of paid sick leave per year, with unlimited accumulation, prorated for part-time, 9, 10, and 11 month employees. RETIREMENT All employees who are in the classified service and work four (4) hours per day or more are members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and Federal Social Security. If an employee in the classified service works less than four (4) hours per day they are members of an Alternate Retirement System (PARS) and do not contribute to Social Security. Approximately 7% is deducted from your paycheck for PERS retirement. HEALTH & WELFARE The District offers a comprehensive health benefits program for employees who work twenty (20) hours or more per week. This includes medical, vision, dental insurance plans and life insurance for employees. For full-time employees the District pays the employee's health, vision, dental, and life insurance premiums with an employee contribution required for some plans. For part-time employees plans are available on a prorated basis. Dependent coverage is available. See all benefit options here: https://web.nmusd.us/departments/business-services/risk-management/benefits PROFESSIONAL GROWTH The District encourages employees to pursue professional growth. Professional growth points shall be earned by employee participation while in non-paid status in activities which are employment related. Professional growth points are awarded annually and accumulate at $25 per approved Professional Growth Point and/or tuition and textbook reimbursement up to $1,000 is also available - limited to one per year. 01 Information I provide to the following supplemental questions will be reviewed as part of the application process. Questions that are not fully and completely answered will be considered grounds for disqualification from the examination process. Stating "see resume" in lieu of a complete response to these questions is not acceptable. Select "Yes" to indicate that you have read and understand these instructions.

02 Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

03 Do you have a valid California Driver's License (or an out of state license and are willing to obtain a California Driver's License upon offer of employment)?

04 How many years of verifiable job related experience do you have working in landscape construction?

None
Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3 years or more

05 How many years of verifiable job related work experience do you have performing the installation, repair, and maintenance of sprinkler and irrigation systems?

None
Less than 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3 years or more

06 Do you have a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification?

07 If you answered YES to the question above, return to the main application in the attachments section and attach a copy of your valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certificate. Select YES to indicate that you have read and understand these instructions.]

08 According to the job announcement, check the box that most closely matches your level of proficiency to perform the minimum qualifications listed: Planning, laying out, assembling, and installing sprinkler and irrigation systems.

No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations.

09 Inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing sprinkler and irrigation systems.

No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations.

10 Measuring, cutting, threading and installing pipes, tubing and a variety of sprinkler and irrigation systems fixtures.

No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations.

11 Operating a variety of power equipment and tools.

No ability to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Limited ability and experience to apply this knowledge in work-related situations.
Proficient and experienced in applying this knowledge in work-related situations.

12 The questions below are designed to indicate whether you are willing to perform the duty listed. Check YES if you are willing to perform this duty or NO if you are not. Please keep in mind that all of the duties listed are REQUIRED of the position. If you are not willing to do any one of the duties listed, you will not be considered in the recruitment process. Select "YES" to indicate that you have read and understand these instructions.

13 Walking over rough or uneven surfaces.

14 Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling heavy objects.

15 Exposure to pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals related to landscape maintenance.

16 Fumes from vehicle and equipment operation.

17 Working around and with machinery having moving parts.

18 Working around underground utilities.

19 Electrical hazards associated with irrigation controllers.

20 Describe your experience inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing sprinkler and irrigation systems. Include the types of systems and equipment you have worked with. 21 Describe your experience maintaining irrigation systems for athletic fields, parks, landscaped areas, or other large properties. Include the size and complexity of the systems you have maintained.