Irrigation Tech

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Professional development

Wellness programs

Community engagement

Job security

Job summary

The University of New Mexico is seeking an Irrigation Technician to support the maintenance, operation, and repair of irrigation systems across campus. You will inspect, operate, and repair components, troubleshoot issues, and assist landscape maintenance to keep UNM grounds vibrant and sustainable.

The role emphasizes safety, outdoor work in varying weather, and collaboration with Facilities Services. This is a regular full-time staff position with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of related experience.
• Substitution: higher education may replace experience on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Turns irrigation systems on and off as designated.
• Operates timers, clocks, and controls for sprinklers.
• May assist in various maintenance activities.
• Promotes safety and environmental practices in the workplace.
• Performs snow removal as required.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Irrigation systems experience

Grounds maintenance

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Rain Bird controllers

Job description

Irrigation Tech

The University of New Mexico's Facility Services Landscaping Services team is seeking a dependable and motivated Irrigation Technician to support the maintenance, operation, and repair of irrigation systems throughout campus. This position plays an important role in maintaining healthy landscapes, conserving water resources, and ensuring the continued beauty and sustainability of UNM's grounds.

In this role, you will inspect, operate, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and their components, including valves, sprinkler controls, timers, clocks, switches, contacts, and related equipment. Responsibilities include turning irrigation systems on and off as needed, troubleshooting system issues, operating manual and computerized irrigation controls, and assisting with grounds and landscape maintenance activities that support campus operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with irrigation systems, sprinkler controls, valves, and related electrical and plumbing components. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively outdoors in varying weather conditions while contributing to the upkeep of a vibrant campus environment.

Facility Services consists of Building & Landscape Services, Facilities Design & Construction (FDC), Facilities Customer Services, Facilities Support Services, and Technical Services and is responsible for maintaining more than 10 million square feet of facilities and 680 acres of open space.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Turns irrigation systems on and off as designated.
• Operates timers, clocks, and controls for sprinklers.
• May assist in various maintenance activities as required.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Performs snow removal, as required.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join Us

Working as a staff member at the University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a range of exciting benefits including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Pension and enrollment in a choice of additional retirement plans with generous employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual vacation leave (up to 168 hours per year), sick leave (up to 96 hours per year), and 11 paid holidays to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, career advancement, and tuition remission for employees and dependents.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, fitness facilities, and resources promoting employee health and well-being.
• Community Engagement: Involvement in a vibrant campus community with diverse cultural and recreational activities.
• Job Security: Stable employment with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement within our respected flagship institution of New Mexico.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to make a direct impact on the health of our campus grounds, all while working in a dynamic, outdoor setting.

This recruitment will remain open for six (6) months, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as positions become available.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job.
• If this position is assigned to the Athletics Department, either administratively or functionally, compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations is required.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experiencewith repair and maintenance of irrigation systems
• Knowledgeand experience with Rainbird Controllers, and experience with parts andmaterials used in irrigation maintenance and repair.
• Experiencewithboth manual and computerized irrigation systems in a campus or large-scalesetting.

Campus

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

FM Grounds (821C0)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Regular - Full-Time

Status

Non-Exempt

Pay

Hourly: $16.88 - $21.14

Benefits Eligible

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

ERB Statement

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required

Yes

For Best Consideration Date

10/6/2026

Eligible for Hiring Incentive

No

Eligible for Remote Work

No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisionswithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or anyother protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.