Licensed Irrigation Tech

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition remission

Wellness programs

Job summary

The University of New Mexico is seeking a Licensed Irrigation Technician to join the Landscaping Services team. You will operate, maintain, repair, and install campus irrigation systems across hundreds of acres, ensuring water efficiency and healthy landscape assets.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years of related experience, a valid NM irrigation license (CID-JS), and the ability to work outdoors and independently in Albuquerque, NM.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 2 years of related experience.
• State of New Mexico Irrigation license CID-JS required.
• Ability to maintain licensure.

Responsibilities

• Turn irrigation systems on/off as designated.
• Repair and replace hoses, pipes, sprinkler heads and fixtures.
• Operate timers, clocks and controls for sprinklers.
• Test backflow devices; install/repair irrigation lines.
• Maintain safety and environmental practices.

Skills

Irrigation

Safety-conscious

Education

High school or GED

NM CID-JS license

Tools

Rain Bird IQ Central

Job description

Licensed Irrigation Tech

The University of New Mexico Facility Services is seeking a motivated, skilled, and safety-conscious Licensed Irrigation Technician to join our Landscaping Services team. This position plays a vital role in preserving the beauty, sustainability, and functionality of UNM's campus landscape through the operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of irrigation systems that support hundreds of acres of grounds and open spaces.

The University of New Mexico is proud to maintain a nationally recognized landscape that supports learning, research, recreation, and environmental stewardship. As a Licensed Irrigation Technician, you will help ensure the efficient use of water resources while supporting healthy turf, trees, shrubs, and other landscape assets across campus. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who enjoys working outdoors, solving technical challenges, and contributing to the care of one of New Mexico's premier higher education campuses.

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 & Responsibilities

1. Turns irrigation systems on and off as designated.
2. Repairs and replaces hoses, pipes, and numerous types of sprinkler heads and fixtures.
3. Operates timers, clocks, and controls for sprinklers.
4. Replaces or repairs irrigation valves.
5. Installs or repairs irrigation lines.
6. Test backflow devices.
7. May assist in various maintenance activities as required.
8. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
9. Performs snow removal, as required.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join Us?

• 1.Comprehensive Healthcare:Access to competitive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 2. Retirement Plans:Pension and enrollment in additional retirement plans with generous employer contributions.
• 3. 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.
• 4. Professional Development:Opportunities for continuous learning, career advancement, and tuition remission for employees and dependents.
• 5. Wellness Programs:Access to wellness programs, fitness facilities, and resources promoting employee health and well-being.
• 6. Community Engagement:Involvement in a vibrant campus community with diverse cultural and recreational activities.
• 7. Job Security:Stable employment with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement within New Mexico's flagship institution.

If you enjoy working outdoors, have a passion for irrigation systems and water conservation, and want to contribute to the success of a vibrant campus community, we encourage you to apply.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job.
• Possession of a current State of New Mexico Irrigation License (CID-JS).
• If this position is assigned to the Athletics Department, either administratively or functionally, compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations is required.
• Must maintain certification and/or licensure status.
• 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 2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certifications/Licensure: State of New Mexico Irrigation license (CID-JS)

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

1. Experience installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing commercial irrigation systems.
2. Familiarity with Rain Bird IQ Central Control systems and other irrigation control technologies.
3. Knowledge of water requirements for turfgrass, trees, shrubs, and ornamental landscapes in the Albuquerque environment, while identifying system inefficiencies and implementing water conservation best practices.
4. Ability to read irrigation plans, diagrams, and system layouts. As well as, troubleshoot, organize, and problem-solve.
5. Experience operating irrigation-related equipment, hand tools, and power tools.
6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining a positive customer-service approach.

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: Landscape Services (825C3)

Employment Type: Staff

Staff Type: Regular - Full-Time

Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: Hourly: $17.56 - $22.29

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: 10/1/2026

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 decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other 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.