Grounds Maintenance Worker - Irrigation Tech

Southern Oregon University
Grounds Maintenance Worker 2 – Irrigation Technician
Finance and Administration / Facilities Management and Planning

This position reports to the Landscape Department Coordinator and supports the Landscape Maintenance team through irrigation system maintenance, underground utility work, and associated earthworks across the SOU campus and Student Apartments and Family Housing (SAFH) properties. The primary focus of the role is the installation, operation, troubleshooting and repair of campus irrigation mainlines and distribution piping, along with related site infrastructure and landscape systems.

The role performs complex field work including trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraint installations, site restoration, emergency response repairs, and participation in general landscape maintenance activities. The role works closely with other landscape staff to maintain safe, functional, and visually appealing campus grounds while supporting the long‑term performance and reliability of irrigation and site infrastructure systems.

• Educated to an Associate's degree in Landscape Technology or Horticulture or equivalent
• At least two years of groundskeeping experience, including plant care, or completion of a Landscape Certification program or similar horticultural specialty
• Pesticide applicator’s license may be required (corresponding license category: Ornamental and Turf‑Herbicide)

• Three or more years of construction industry experience, preferably in municipal, commercial, institutional, or agricultural settings, including crew lead or foreman duties
• Demonstrated experience operating heavy equipment (forklifts, backhoes, compact excavators, skid‑steers, light trucks, and trailers)
• Large‑scale irrigation or underground utility experience in municipal, commercial, institutional, or agricultural environments (installation, repair, operational management)
• Experience reading and interpreting construction plans and as‑built documentation
• Familiarity with underground utility installation practices, trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraints, and pressure‑rated irrigation piping systems
• Certifications from the American Water Works Association or equivalent water‑industry training programs (highly desirable)
• Irrigation Association certifications (CLIA, CID, CIC) valued
• Public Pesticide Applicator License through the Oregon Department of Agriculture (within 6 months of hire)

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair campus irrigation and water distribution systems
• Perform underground utility and earthwork tasks (trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraints, site restoration)
• Respond to leaks, system failures, shutdowns, and emergency repairs
• Place and manage underground utility locate requests; coordinate safe excavation
• Maintain field documentation and system records using mobile and GIS‑based tools
• Perform general landscape maintenance (mowing, edging, planting, pruning, mulching, aeration, grounds upkeep)
• Identify and address irrigation, turf, plant health, pest, and disease issues
• Apply herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and soil amendments as directed
• Perform seasonal snow and ice removal, debris cleanup, and storm response
• Operate and maintain landscape, irrigation, and construction equipment
• Conduct routine inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repairs; coordinate major repairs
• Assist with material staging, equipment logistics, and job‑site organization
• Provide occasional crew leadership to temporary workers
• Maintain shop, vehicles, and equipment
• Attend meetings and training; maintain required work files and records
• Interact with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and visitors courteously and professionally
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

• Excellent verbal and written communication, customer service, and interpersonal diplomacy
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and procedures; adapt to frequent changes under pressure
• Strong analytical and research skills; develop well‑reasoned conclusions and recommendations
• Proactive assessment of work…