Irrigation Specialist

Under the general supervision of the Grounds & Underground Utilities Supervisor or designee, perform specialized technical work in the installation, maintenance, and operation of campus irrigation systems. Plan, operate, and monitor irrigation system performance and water use data to support conservation efforts and the District’s water efficiency and sustainability objectives.

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair irrigation system components including sprinkler heads, control valves, water mains, central control satellites, low-volume irrigation devices, flow sensors, and central control communication equipment.
• Operate and program the campus centralized irrigation control system; schedule and adjust water delivery based on evapotranspiration data and site conditions; monitor system performance.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and configure irrigation central control hardware including flow sensing devices, communication equipment, and remote sensors.
• Conduct irrigation water audits to assess zone efficiency; develop and monitor irrigation zone schedule; maintain a water use database.
• Perform irrigation system inspections and implement leak detection practices to identify irrigation systems and landscape areas requiring improvement to meet campus water conservation goals.
• Prepare irrigation reports, including monthly and annual statistical analyses, charts, graphs, and maps; analyze water use data; provide updated irrigation attribute information for As-Built Drawings.
• Plan and lay out irrigation systems for designated landscape areas; estimate materials, labor, and subcontractor costs for repair, retrofit, and maintenance projects.
• Operate trenchers, backhoes, loaders, forklifts, and skid‑steer loaders to excavate for repair and install irrigation infrastructure; form and pour concrete pads for controllers and backflow devices; cut, remove, and patch hardscape surfaces as necessary.
• Operate hand tools and equipment including generators, concrete saws, jackhammers, pressure washers, electromagnetic line locators, GPS devices, boring tools, and soil compaction tools.
• Maintain an adequate inventory of irrigation equipment and supplies including sprinkler heads, valves, central control satellite components, and related materials.
• Provide technical guidance to grounds maintenance personnel and campus staff on irrigation system operation, performance optimization, and water conservation practices.
• Assist with grounds maintenance activities as directed.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, and ethnic communities.
• Demonstrate cultural humility, sensitivity, and equity‑mindedness in working with individuals from diverse communities; model inclusive behaviors; and achieve equity in assignment‑related outcomes.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

E = Essential duties.

Graduation from high school AND four years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial or institutional irrigation systems, including at least one year of experience operating a centralized, computerized irrigation control system.

OR An EPA recognized Water Sense certification in Landscape Irrigation Auditing (CLIA) or a related water management certification AND two years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial or institutional irrigation systems, including at least one year of experience operating a centralized, computerized irrigation control system.

OR An associate degree or equivalent college units (60 semester or 90 quarter units from a recognized college or university) with coursework in grounds maintenance, horticulture, utility…