Irrigation Technician

Summary:

Responsible for the maintenance and repair of the irrigation systems. This involves both repair and new irrigation installation work and requires frequent hand digging and use of trenching and/or mini-backhoe. Assist the Plumber with the management of the yearly backflow inspection of irrigation devices. Assisting fountain and pump maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains and repairs garden wide irrigation systems which includes performing spring startup and fall winterization and coordinates contracted annual testing of irrigation backflow devices.
• Participates in the planning and construction of new irrigation systems and will monitor contractors perform work.
• Creates and maintains accurate records and drawings showing the location of all buried utilities.
• Inspects area irrigated to ensure adequate soaking and prevent waste of water.
• Provides site protection for garden staff and visitors by barricading and covering all open trenches and holes while making repairs to below ground utilities
• Assist the plumber with installation, repair and servicing of plumbing fixtures, water and sewer pipes, sump pumps, chemical and grease traps and related equipment.
• Assists with fountain maintenance.
• Maintains inventory of frequently used supplies and replacement parts.
• Identifies and initiates immediate corrective actions for any plumbing code or safety violations.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed: informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them.
• Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• May assist HVAC staff with the installation of new piping systems.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behave & communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. However, at times, individual may monitor and direct job duties for contract plumbers working on site and/or other garden staff who may be assigned to assist on large projects or events.

Core Competencies

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification;
  Writes clearly and presents information accurately;
  Speaks professionally and responds well to questions;
  Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration
  -Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace;
  Engages in problem solving and group initiatives;
  Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements;
  Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes;
  Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions;
  Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards;
  Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems;
  Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary;
  Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness;
  Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process;
  Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols;
  Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion;
  Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources;
  Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/

Experience:

• Five (5) years experience installing, repairing, and servicing commercial irrigation piping systems and controls required.
• Knowledge of approved industry standards related to commercial irrigations systems.
• Knowledge of local plumbing codes and general construction methods.
• Knowledge of acceptable safe work practices including wearing the necessary personal protective equipment and proper use of hand tools and equipment including trenches and mini-backhoe.
• Familiarity with commercial and residential plumbing fixtures and methods is a plus.
• Ability to read blue prints and keep accurate records of new or repaired irrigation piping.
• Must be able to set and/or adjust priorities depending on climatic conditions and specific time constants due to building occupancies and scheduled events.
• Self-starter, achieving high productivity with strong attention to detail; ability to work independently with little instruction; coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner is required.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Some local travel required- less than 20%.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working…