Parks Irrigation Technician

• Performs daily inspection and preventative maintenance of the City’s irrigation systems; identifies any safety or repair issues; troubleshoots and repairs electrical problems related to assigned irrigation systems and equipment.
• Installs, maintains and repairs irrigation systems; changes and adjusts sprinkler heads and maintains controllers; performs repairs on field irrigation computers, controllers, pumps, wiring, valves, pipes, and sprinklers.
• Evaluates irrigation needs based on a variety of factors including weather conditions, event schedules, and equipment performance; adjusts irrigation programs accordingly. Installs backflow devices; inspects and tests as necessary to ensure proper operation; certifies devices in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitors water usage for multiple assigned park and landscaped sites and ensures compliance with water usage plan and guidelines; makes adjustments as necessary to ensure that water usage does not exceed allotted amount.
• Works effectively with contractors on City-approved irrigation projects; seeks bids and/or estimates for prososed projects.
• Identifies, schedules, and supervises system repairs and installantion of new irrigation systems; reviews plans and inspects installation of new irrigation systems; performs annual testing of systems.
• Designs small irrigation systems.
• Operates specialized irrigation equipment including centralized irrigation clocks, wire tracers, metal detectors, and water pressure recorders.
• Plans and recommends materials needed for work projects; orders approved supplies and materials.
• Prepares and maintains logs of work performed.
• Coordinates, assigns, and reviews the work of maintenance personnel.
• Assists other personnel in all aspects of parks and landscape maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Practices, methods, equipment, tools and materials used in maintaining, repairing, constructing, and installing water irrigation systems for parks and landscapes.
• Principles of water conservation and usage relating to irrigation systems.
• Basic horticulture techniques.
• Basic maintenance and repair of hand tools and equipment used in irrigation maintenance work.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to assigned duties.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Basic record keeping principles and procedures.
• Basic computer applications related to the work.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

• Perform a variety of specialized technical tasks in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water irrigation systems.
• Inspect irrigation systems and correct or repair as necessary.
• Utilize a computerized system for monitoring and controlling irrigation systems.
• Maintain efficient and effective irrigation systems using principles of water conservation.
• Read and understand construction drawings as they relate to irrigation systems.
• Estimate needed materials and labor and secure sufficient quantities; prepare and develop cost estimates.
• Coordinate work assignments with other divisions and departments.
• Skillfully and safely operate a variety of power and hand tools and equipment.
• Practice safe work habits; train others in proper and safe work procedures.
• Follow division policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Maintain records and prepare work and time reports for areas of responsibility.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade or equivalent and two (2) years of experience working in landscape/irrigation, public works parks maintenance experience, including experience in design of irrigation systems.

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
• Obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Driver's License with appropriate endorsements within six months of appointment.
• Possession of a Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers Certificate from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• A Landscape Irrigation Auditor Certificate is desirable.
• An Irrigation Technician Certificate is desirable.

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.