LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIALIST - PT

City of Irvine; United States; On-site; USD 44,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Irvine is looking for a Landscape Maintenance Specialist to support the Public Works & Sustainability Department in maintaining city landscapes and centralized irrigation systems. The role includes monitoring contracts, performing diagnostics, repairs, and installations on irrigation equipment, and ensuring high standards of grounds care.

Ideal candidates have strong water management expertise, municipal experience, and a customer-service mindset.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with technical training in landscape maintenance, water management, irrigation design, or troubleshooting.
• Four years of specialized landscape maintenance experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain irrigation systems, enter data, prepare irrigation reports, and program controllers.
• Oversee landscape contractors’ performance and assist in procurement, bidding, and billing processes.
• Locate and mark irrigation utilities for Underground Service Alert.
• Perform landscape development plan checks and reviews.
• May perform emergency repairs and participate in 24-hour standby or after-hours responses.
• Work varying shifts to meet maintenance needs.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Water management

Irrigation design

Troubleshooting

Driver's license

Education

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in plant science

Tools

Irrigation controllers

GIS basics

Job description

Do you have the desire to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and diverse community? Join a collaborative workforce committed to serving the City of Irvine.

Pay Range: $32.09 - $50.45 Hourly

About the Opportunity

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.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY OCTOBER 13, 11:59 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain irrigation systems, entering data, preparing irrigation reports, and programming irrigation controllers.
• Oversee landscape contractors’ performance and assist in the procurement, bidding, 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.

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 ClassC 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.

At the City of Irvine, our culture is grounded in integrity, accountability, and collaboration. We are a team of dedicated professionals who take pride in our work, approach challenges with curiosity and discipline, and act with humility and trust. Our employees make thoughtful decisions guided by what is best for the organization and the residents we serve. We value diverse perspectives, encourage innovation, and foster a workplace where people feel valued and inspired. Our success is driven by our passion for public service, which is why we are honored as an Orange County Top Workplace.

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.