Landscape Maintenance Specialist - PT

City of Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Irvine is seeking a Landscape Maintenance Specialist within the Public Works & Sustainability Department to oversee irrigation systems, landscape contracts, and grounds maintenance. Expertise in water management and centralized irrigation controllers is essential.

The role includes diagnosing and installing irrigation systems, programming controllers, preparing reports, coordinating with contractors, and managing procurement and records, with possible 24-hour standby for emergencies

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with landscape maintenance, water management training.
• Four years of specialized landscape maintenance experience or equivalent mix of education/experience.
• Class C California driver license required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain irrigation systems, program controllers and enter data.
• Oversee landscape contractors' performance and assist in bidding, procurement and billing.
• Locate underground irrigation utilities and support emergency readiness.
• Perform landscape development plan checks and reviews.
• May work 24-hour standby for emergencies and varying shifts to meet department needs.

Skills

Irrigation maintenance

Contract oversight

Water management

GIS awareness

Education

Associate degree in plant science

Bachelor’s degree in plant science

Tools

Central irrigation controllers

GIS software

Job description

Applications must be submitted by OCTOBER 13, 11:59 p.m.

The City of Irvine Public Works & Sustainability Department is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Landscape Maintenance Specialist to join our team. This role is ideal for an organized landscaping professional with expertise in water management using centralized irrigation controllers. The successful candidate will monitor the City’s landscape maintenance contracts, maintain plantings and grounds, and perform irrigation system diagnostics, repairs, and installations.

Responsibilities include operating and maintaining irrigation systems, entering data, preparing reports, and programming controllers. Additionally, you will oversee contractors, assist in procurement and billing, locate underground wiring problems, operate various equipment, and design irrigation system installations. The role also involves emergency repair readiness, plan checks, directing contract services, purchasing supplies, and maintaining records. A passion for sustainable landscaping and attention to detail is essential. Join us in enhancing the beauty and sustainability of our city.

Your Impact

• Operate and maintain irrigation systems, including Calsense and WeatherTrak controllers, enter data, prepare irrigation reports, and program irrigation controllers.
• Oversee landscape contractors' performance and assist in the bidding, procurement, and billing processes.
• Locate and mark irrigation utilities for Underground Service Alert.
• Perform landscape development plan checks and reviews.
• May perform emergency repairs and be required to be on 24-hour emergency response (standby) or respond to emergency calls outside regular working hours.
• May work a variety of changing shifts in order to meet the maintenance needs of the department.
• Operate a variety of small and large equipment including chain saws, mowers and tractors.
• Find additional information in the Landscape Maintenance Specialist job description.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with technical training in landscape maintenance, water management, irrigation design, and/or troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Four years of specialized landscape maintenance experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver's license.

Best Fit

• An associate's or bachelor's degree in plant science or related field is preferred.
• Extensive background in landscape contracts, irrigation, and horticulture management.
• Turf grass and ball field management experience a plus.
• Previous experience managing centralized irrigation systems, working in municipal or public sector organizations, and managing the work of contractors is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of outstanding customer service, situational awareness, and communication skills.
• Experience using GIS is a plus.

Benefits Package

The City of Irvine offers competitive compensation and benefits packages. Click here to view the benefits available for this position.

Your Team

The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life. The City of Irvine’s five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine by embracing a team-oriented approach and living our values every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. To contact Human Resources, please call 949-724-6067 or email [e-mail].

E-Verify

The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.