Irrigation Specialist #23-27

Newport--mesa-Unified-School-District; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport-Mesa Unified School District is seeking an experienced Irrigation Specialist to install, inspect, troubleshoot and repair district irrigation systems across school grounds, athletic fields and landscaped areas.

The Senior I rrigation Specialist provides skilled repair, maintenance and leadership over other irrigation specialists, reporting to the Maintenance and Operations Manager and supporting water-efficient grounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1 year landscape sprinkler/irrigation experience.
• Valid California driver's license; Backflow Certification desirable.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, water conservation and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems including valves, sprinklers and controllers.
• Maintain and renovate irrigation systems on school grounds and athletic fields.
• Test pressure, coverage and leaks; diagnose electrical/hydraulic issues.
• Read blueprints, estimate materials, and document repairs in District software.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with vendors and districts staff.

Skills

Knowledge of irrigation systems

Smart irrigation controllers

Electrical troubleshooting

Water conservation principles

Safe excavation procedures

Blueprint interpretation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power equipment: saws

Forklifts and backhoes

Jackhammers and trenchers

Job description

THE VACANCY:

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.

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

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

• 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.