Irrigation Tech

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition remission

Wellness programs

Community engagement

Job security

Job summary

The University of New Mexico is seeking an Irrigation Tech to maintain and repair irrigation systems across campus. In this hands-on role, you’ll contribute to keeping UNM’s green spaces healthy and vibrant while working outdoors on a campus-wide scale.

Ideal candidates have experience with irrigation maintenance, Rain Bird controllers, and a willingness to perform related maintenance tasks. This is a steady, full-time staff position with competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 1 year related experience.
• Substitution with higher education allowed year-for-year.
• Experience with irrigation maintenance preferred.

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 safety and environmental practices.
• Performs snow removal, as required.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Irrigation knowledge

Outdoor work endurance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Rain Bird Controllers

Irrigation parts & materials

Job description

Irrigation Tech

Do you have a passion for keeping landscapes lush and vibrant? The University of New Mexico Facility Services department is looking for an Irrigation Tech to join our team! In this hands‑on role, you’ll play a critical part in maintaining and repairing irrigation systems across campus, ensuring that our green spaces receive the proper care and attention they need to thrive. If you’re ready to work outdoors and gain experience in irrigation and maintenance, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Key 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?

• 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.

As an Irrigation Tech, you’ll help ensure that UNM’s beautiful campus remains well‑irrigated and green throughout the year. 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.

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

• Experience with repair and maintenance of irrigation systems
• Knowledge and experience with Rainbird Controllers, and experience with parts and materials used in irrigation maintenance and repair.
• Experience with both manual and computerized irrigation systems in a campus or large-scale setting.

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

8/24/2026

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.

Universal Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Background Check Paragraph

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions to 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, 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.