Irrigation Specialist

Job Overview

Performs a variety of skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex irrigation systems and their related components. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of sophisticated equipment utilized in the water distribution systems necessary for operating the numerous irrigation systems of the City. As a lead worker, directs and supervises the work of other employees assigned to the work crew, working under the general direction of the Public Works Director or a designee.

This position is considered an emergency/disaster position. During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers and are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation. Employees must be ready, willing, and able to report to work during emergencies and/or disasters of any kind, notwithstanding any other commitments.

• Provide daily leadership and direction to assigned personnel.
• Maintain all phases of irrigation systems, including pumps, motors, valves, hydraulics, mechanical components, electronic zone controllers, sprinkler heads, and all related piping.
• Maintain accurate record‑keeping of work orders, preventive maintenance sheets, and other required records.
• Monitor systems regularly and make adjustments and repairs as needed.
• Maintain accurate inventory of parts to ensure that repairs can be made promptly and efficiently.
• Operate trucks of various sizes and weights for loading, hauling, and unloading equipment and materials.
• Renovate existing irrigation systems and install new systems when needed.
• Oversee the construction of irrigation and pump systems being installed by city contractors to ensure proper function.
• Install irrigation pipes, valves, wiring, backflow prevention devices, rain/morture sensors, and sprinkler heads; adjust or repair as needed.
• Manually turn on and off non‑automated irrigation systems and make adjustments when needed.
• Locate areas of water stress and supplement irrigation systems if needed through temporary drip systems, manually running a zone, or manually watering with appropriate equipment.

• Perform general housekeeping, cleaning of equipment, taking and delivering messages, and answering telephones.
• Open, lock, and unlock City facilities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of experience working in the irrigation field with experience in irrigation system installation, repair, and maintenance, or an equivalent combination of related training and experience.
• Ability to read and interpret irrigation plans for sufficiency.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Must possess National Incident Management System (NIMS) IS‑700 within 30 days of employment and IC‑S‑100 within 90 days of employment. Additional NIMS training may be scheduled by the supervisor.
• Considerable knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in ground maintenance.
• Skill in operating listed tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of electricity and plumbing procedures.
• Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to a work schedule.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods, and perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing; use equipment and tools properly and safely.
• Ability to understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read irrigation plans for commercial sites.
• Knowledge of ornamental plants and turf and their irrigation requirements.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.

Frequent lifting of up to 50+ lbs; stooping, bending, reaching full extension, walking; exposure to cold, heat, inclement weather, noise, and vibration.

Note:

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

EOE/DFWP/VP