Irrigation Specialist - Burnett Bayland Park

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County is seeking an Irrigation Specialist to lead irrigation system operations and repairs across park grounds. You will program clocks, troubleshoot timers and sensors, and manage supply needs to keep landscapes healthy.

This hands-on role requires 2+ years of irrigation experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work outdoors year-round. Join a public-service team that values accuracy, safety, and efficient water use.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 2+ years irrigation experience.
• Valid driver's license with clean record.
• Knowledge of irrigation controllers, timers, valves, and backflow devices.
• Ability to read basic irrigation schematics and site plans.
• Excellent problem-solving and outdoor work endurance.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair irrigation systems.
• Program and adjust irrigation clocks.
• Winterize and seasonal adjustments.
• Maintain logs and inventory.
• Coordinate with park maintenance and respond to issues.
• Ensure compliance with water regulations.

Skills

Irrigation systems

Troubleshooting

Maintenance planning

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Hand tools

Job description

Position Description

The Irrigation Specialist leads irrigation system operations and repairs to ensure park landscapes remain fully functional and healthy. This role oversees system maintenance, clock programming, repairs, and supply management. Ideal for a hands-on, technically skilled individual dedicated to park stewardship. This position reports to the Park Foreman.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect, maintain, and repair irrigation systems (sprinklers, drip, controllers, valves, backflow preventers).
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with timers, wiring, sensors, pump systems, and zones.
• Program and adjust irrigation clocks based on seasonal water needs, weather, and landscape requirements.
• Perform routine system startups, winterization, and seasonal adjustments.
• Monitor system performance and water use, recommending improvements for efficiency.
• Maintain detailed logs of repairs, schedules, materials used, and system performance.
• Requisition of irrigation parts, tools, supplies, and maintain inventory.
• Coordinate with park maintenance teams to plan irrigation needs for new plantings or repairs.
• Ensure compliance with local water use regulations and best practices.
• Mentor or guide junior technicians and assist in crew coordination when needed.
• Represents Precinct 4 with professionalism at all times, including assisting constituents and reinforcing park rules as necessary.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or GED.

Experience

• 2+ years of experience in irrigation installation, maintenance, or repair.

Licensure

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with commercial/comprehensive irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in water management systems and smart irrigation technology.
• Skilled in diagnosing pump, pressure, or electrical issues.
• Familiarity with irrigation components - controllers, valves, heads, sensors, backflow devices.
• Ability to read basic irrigation schematics and site plans.
• Proficiency in using hand tools and small machinery.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital work order or asset management systems.

NOTE

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented in your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• Certification or license through TCEQ (e.g., Texas Irrigator's License, backflow certification) preferred.
• Excellent record-keeping and documentation skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, especially working within public-sector frameworks.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

General Information

Salary

• Dependent on qualifications

Location

• Burnett Bayland Park, 6000 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. regularly; heavier loads with assistance.
• Manual dexterity for precise adjustments and troubleshooting.
• Adequate vision to inspect system components and read gauges or labels.
• Willingness to work in varied weather (heat, cold, rain) and to wear PPE (gloves, safety glasses, ear protection).
• Reasonable accommodations provided by ADA guidelines.

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoor work across expansive park grounds, trails, planting beds, and water systems.
• Exposure to noise, dust, moisture, and chemical treatments.
• Close proximity to moving vehicles/equipment and pressurized irrigation zones.
• Early starts and occasional weekend or after-hours support during seasonal maintenance or unexpected system failures.
• Collaborative environment with park services teams, including grounds, facilities, and stewardship personnel.

WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN

You will be surrounded by team members who bring "heart, hustle, and higher standards" to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking. Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of continued full-time employment. Vacation, sick-time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.