Irrigation Technician

Department: Landscape

Status: Full‑time, Hourly

Pay: $17.38 - $19.38 per hour (DOQ)

Reports to: Irrigation Supervisor

Benefits: Full Benefits eligible including health insurance, flex benefits, Smart Dollar membership, 12 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accrual, access to JIA amenities, and island parking pass.

Retirement: State Employee Retirement System - GSEPS (Pension plus matching 401k)

Closing date: Open until filled

The Irrigation Technician works in the Irrigation team within the Landscape Operations Department. Responsibilities include ensuring irrigation systems across the Jekyll Island Authority landscaped areas are working properly and making repairs as necessary. Duties also include maintaining sprinkler heads, controllers, valves, water lines, pumps, etc. to ensure proper water distribution. The ideal candidate enjoys working outside, understands landscaping and has a strong desire to learn.

• Makes daily observations of turf, shrubs, and trees for irrigation needs and takes appropriate action.
• Maintains and tests sprinkler system controllers via routine visual testing of system components such as electronic control board; tests and replaces electrical wiring and related components, using test meter, soldering equipment, and wire strippers.
• Drives truck with appropriate attachments to deliver pipe and haul tools and equipment to specified installation worksite.
• Operates crawler‑type trench diggers to dig trenches along pre‑stakes routes or areas.
• Supports landscape construction projects as needed.
• Installs water lines; mends lines following the detection of leaks by visual inspection; tests for freezes in lines before winter startup.
• Measures plastic pipe to specified length and cuts using handsaw; applies plastic cement to the pipe as required.
• Assists in maintaining an adequate inventory of sprinkler heads, valves, and other spare parts used in irrigation systems.
• Assists the Director of Landscaping with projects as needed.
• Works with others on Landscape projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Six (6) months of landscape experience with a desire and willingness to learn (We’re willing to train the right person).

Residential or commercial irrigation experience in landscape or golf course a plus.

May consider any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

• Positive attitude, ability to work in a team cooperatively.
• A valid driver’s license is required; CDL is a plus.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are required.

• Exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• More than 50% of the typical workday will be spent crouching, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, and grasping.
• Between 25% and 50% of the typical workday will be spent climbing stairs, lifting, pulling, and repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Less than 25% of the typical workday will be spent balancing, sitting, and crawling.
• Sensory abilities required are feeling and touching, with more than 50% of the time spent talking and hearing.
• Visual abilities to perform tasks are operating machines such as lathes, drill presses, power saws, and mills where the seeing job is at or within arm’s reach.
• Required to perform work both inside and outside. Exposure to extreme heat, high humidity, occasionally adverse weather conditions, and occasional extreme cold.
• Will be exposed to hazards such as moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, exposure to chemicals, and subject to vibration.
• May be subjected to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, or poor ventilation.
• Noise levels are considered normal to loud.

Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Jekyll Island is a Drug‑Free workplace.