Irrigation Specialist; Grounds & Nursery II

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
• State pension plan (PERA)
• Parental Leave
• Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Professional growth and training opportunities
• Access to technology and equipment
• Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Access to a world-class recreation center
• Interaction with an international population and cultural events
• Benefit Hub state employee discount program
• RTD Eco-Pass

Keep our campus green, beautiful, and thriving—year-round. We’re looking for a hands-on, problem‑solving professional to join our Grounds team as an Irrigation Specialist (Grounds & Nursery II). This is a practical, field‑based role where you’ll manage and maintain large, sophisticated underground sprinkler systems while supporting the overall care of our campus grounds.

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of underground sprinkler systems using a centralized computer program.
• Diagnose and repair system faults, including controllers, valves, wiring, and sprinkler heads.
• Plan and install system modifications, create maps, and maintain accurate water usage records.
• Winterize systems and maintain backflow devices for compliance and efficiency.
• Maintain and monitor inventory, recommend cost‑saving improvements.

• Assist with campus beautification: mowing, trimming, planting, pruning, and pest control.
• Support event setups, move furniture and supplies, and operate grounds equipment.
• Maintain clean and safe outdoor spaces by removing trash, debris, and snow when needed.

• Respond as an essential employee during snow/ice storms to clear streets, parking lots, and walkways according to campus and city standards.

• Highly Practical & Hands‑On:
  You’ll work outdoors year‑round in Colorado weather, performing physical tasks and solving problems in the field.
• Attitude Matters: A positive, reliable, team‑oriented person will succeed—even if you’re still building irrigation expertise. We value initiative, ownership, and strong communication.
• Diverse Backgrounds Welcome:
  Experience in grounds, landscaping, parks, golf courses, HOAs, irrigation supply, or small landscape companies often translates well here.
• Adaptability
  
  Required:
  
  Our campus infrastructure varies in age and consistency. You’ll troubleshoot older systems, navigate incomplete documentation, and tackle unexpected challenges.
• Autonomy & Trust:
  After onboarding, you’ll manage your own routes, start repairs, and keep systems running efficiently with minimal micromanagement.
• Customer Service Counts:
  You’ll interact with students, staff, and campus stakeholders—professionalism and clear communication are key.
• Growth Potential:
  This role can develop into a Grounds III Supervisor or future manager position. We’re looking for someone who sees Mines as a place to build a career.
• Timeliness Matters:
  Irrigation impacts campus appearance, athletic fields, and conservation efforts. We need someone who responds quickly and communicates proactively.

• Positive, Service-Oriented Attitude
  Approaches work with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to help. Stays upbeat, respectful, and solutions-focused—even during challenging conditions.

• Strong Problem-Solving & Irrigation Troubleshooting Skills
  Able to identify issues with valves, heads, lines, and controllers, think through repairs, and take initiative to resolve problems efficiently and safely.

• Dependability & Pride in Work Quality
  Shows up consistently, communicates clearly, follows through on tasks, and maintains high standards for campus appearance, safety, and system performance.

• Work in a…