Irrigation Technician

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a department of Florida State University, is seeking an Irrigation Technician in Sarasota, FL. The role specializes in pump maintenance, irrigation system troubleshooting, and water-conserving scheduling across campus facilities.

Responsibilities include repairing irrigation components, configuring VFD-driven pumps, and coordinating with grounds staff to ensure landscape health while complying with local water regulations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and two years' experience.
• Relevant Technical or Vocational degree may substitute for experience.
• Ability to meet physical requirements including lifting 50 pounds and working in extreme weather.
• Valid Florida driver's license or ability to obtain prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Monitors, adjusts, and repairs irrigation systems throughout campus for optimal performance.
• Establishes irrigation schedules to meet landscaping needs while prioritizing water conservation.
• Completes work orders and submits paperwork in a timely manner.
• Collaborates with the groundskeeping team to support plant health and grounds maintenance.
• Maintains trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, and grass through pruning, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, and mulching.
• Designs and installs irrigation systems (manual and automatic).
• Performs trenching, backfilling, and excavation for irrigation installation.
• Provides information about plants to visitors and operates motorized vehicles.
• Performs other duties supporting museum operations.

Skills

Irrigation troubleshooting

VFD operation

Pump maintenance

Carpentry/handyman

Education

High School Diploma

Technical/Vocational degree substitute

Tools

Power tools

Lawn & landscaping machinery

Trenching equipment

Job description

Job Title: Irrigation Technician

Location: Sarasota, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 61349

Department

The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University. Learn more about The Ringling at https://www.ringling.org/about-ringling/careers/.

Responsibilities

This position is responsible for pump repairs and maintenance, skill in working with variable frequency drives (VFDs), and hands-on experience with irrigation systems and troubleshooting.

• Monitors, adjusts, and repairs irrigation systems throughout campus for optimal performance. Reports issues to the Associate Director of Facilities & Grounds and makes recommendations for corrective measures. Performs preventive maintenance on irrigation systems. Diagnoses and troubleshoots system issues, including leaks, electrical faults, and pump malfunctions. Identifies and resolves problems with irrigation controls, wiring, piping, and sprinkler heads. Repairs, overhauls, and replaces defective parts on irrigation systems.
• Establish and monitor irrigation schedules to meet landscaping needs while prioritizing water conservation using equipment related to the trade including variable frequency drives (VFDs). Maintains tools and equipment to keep in clean, proper working order. Operates and maintains power tools, hand tools, and trenching equipment. Operates, maintains, manipulates, and extracts data from central irrigation system. Conduct regular inspections to ensure system efficiency and compliance with local water regulations.
• Completes work orders and submits paperwork in a timely manner. Maintains accurate records of irrigation schedules, repairs, water usage, and inventory. Orders parts and supplies for irrigation system maintenance and repairs. Maintains an accurate inventory of irrigation parts. Prepares water usage/consumption reports.
• Collaborates with the groundskeeping team to support plant health, landscape aesthetics, and grounds maintenance. Works with and trains grounds employees in irrigation system repair, modification procedures, and techniques.
• Maintains trees, plants, shrubs, flowers, and grass through pruning, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, leaf blowing, raking, and mulching. Fertilizes plants, shrubs, trees, and grass on a seasonal basis. Plants and transplants plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers. Monitors for disease, insect damage, and weeds; reports and treats as directed. Operates landscaping equipment (string trimmers, hedge trimmers, mowers, edgers, sod cutters, chainsaws).
• Designs and installs irrigation systems. Plans and installs manual and automatic irrigation systems (battery-operated, hydraulic, electrical).
• Performs trenching, backfilling, and other excavation activities required for irrigation installation.
• Provides information about the plants to visitors and responds to questions. Drives motorized vehicles to traverse campus.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned that support museum operations, including performing grounds work or general assistance for the Facilities department at the museum.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and two years' experience.
  • Relevant Technical or Vocational degree may substitute for experience.
• Ability to meet physical requirements as determined by position including the ability to lift 50 pounds, walk long distances, and work in extreme weather conditions.
• Valid Florida driver's license or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Pump repairs and maintenance, skill in working with variable frequency drives (VFDs), and hands-on experience with irrigation systems and troubleshooting.
  • The practices and the ability to perform skilled carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other related trades work.
  • Landscaping and groundskeeping techniques.
• Ability to:
  • Perform groundskeeping work to include the transplanting, cultivation, pruning, and trimming of plants, shrubs, and trees.
  • Safely operate machinery, tools, equipment and various types of motorized vehicles including but not limited to dump trucks, tractors, forklifts, pallet trucks, front-end loaders, and golf-carts.
  • Identify safety hazards and take necessary safety precautions to establish a safe work environment.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Perform assigned responsibilities with minimal to moderate supervision.
  • Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, maintain and repair a variety of equipment and machinery used in area of work.

Contact Info

For more information, technical assistance, or should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or [e-mail].

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

This position has a salary range beginning at $40,000 + with final offer amount based on the education, skills, and experience of the selected applicant.

FSU Total Rewards

• FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
• Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Veterans' Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans' Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans' Preference, select "yes" to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans' Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Considerations

• This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.
• This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
• Work Location: Sarasota, FL
• This position is being readvertised. Previous applicants need not reapply.
• This role is designated as essential and may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency museum closure.

Working Hours

The primary working hours for this position are between 6:30 AM and 3:00 PM (with a 30 minute meal period) Monday - Friday. This role may be required to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and special events based on the needs of The Ringling.

This position is eligible to receive on‑call pay. The position incumbent is required to be accessible and available to return to work during off‑day hours as scheduled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.