Irrigation Specialist; Austin Parks and Recreation

Under limited supervision, the Irrigation Specialist designs, oversees, assigns, directs, and performs tasks in the installation, maintenance, and operation of irrigation systems throughout the City of Austin Parks and Recreation system.

• Design and develop specifications for irrigation systems.
• Install, troubleshoot, inspect, audit, and repair irrigation systems.
• Provide technical expertise to design professionals, gardeners, volunteers, vendors, and City staff.
• Plan and implement water‑conservation programs.
• Monitor water quality and ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, and ordinances.
• Maintain detailed blueprints, diagrams, records, and reports associated with City irrigation systems.
• Create accurate depictions of actual field installations (as‑built drawings).
• Oversee watering schedules considering rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed, temperature, and other factors.
• Operate all necessary equipment for installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Test back‑flow devices as necessary.
• Perform cross‑connection checks in accordance with City of Austin standards.
• Obtain local permits for new installs and repairs.
• Provide leadership, assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others when required.

• Knowledge of power tools and irrigation system installation and operation.
• Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures, laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable to the work.
• Knowledge of water‑conservation initiatives, irrigation controllers, and back‑flow principles.
• Skill in irrigation system layout and planning, directing, or organizing the work of others.
• Skill in preparing simple reports and working from drawings, blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with City employees and the public.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience installing and maintaining irrigation systems.

• Texas Class C Driver License.
• Texas Landscape Irrigator’s License or the ability to obtain it within ninety (90) days of employment.

• Experience managing non‑potable water systems.
• Work experience using hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment such as drills, reciprocal saws, hammer drills, augers, snakes.
• Experience with minor repairs of restroom fixtures, drinking fountains, sinks, showers, and toilets.
• Knowledge of turf restoration practices.
• Intermediate computer skills, including spreadsheets, memos, emails, and asset‑management tracking reports.
• Experience with wireless remotes, iCloud, Rain master, Hunter, Weathermatic, tablets for field operations and data entry.
• Experience/knowledge of GIS application/operation.
• Preferred license:
  Back‑flow Prevention Assembly Tester.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations.

Tasks may involve bending, lifting up to thirty‑five (35) pounds, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting that weight. Work environments include indoor and outdoor conditions with extreme temperatures and hazards associated with equipment operation such as fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Candidates must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. The City will not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will it discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be y of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974‑3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7‑1‑1.