Irrigation Technician

General Purpose of the Position: Under limited supervision, performs semi-skilled manual work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of landscape irrigation systems. This requires some degree of manipulative skill and previous experience in order to perform the work effectively and efficiently. Work is usually performed independently, although assignments, which are more complex in nature or require additional team members will require a higher level of supervision. Work is reviewed by a supervisor while in progress, upon completion and through conversation and documentation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Understand the equipment and industry standards used to perform landscape irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair. • Conduct scheduled monthly irrigation inspections. Note deficiencies and make approved repairs as needed. • Ability to troubleshoot wiring issues with controllers and valves. (Employer willing to provide training). • Utilize best management practices as it relates to system maintenance, including but not limited to repairs, leaks, seasonal adjustments, and new installations. • Recognize plant stress due to improper irrigation practices and/or scheduling. • Retrofit irrigation systems as needed. (Employer willing to provide training). • Maintain vehicle and equipment in a clean, organized, manner. • Report defective or unsafe equipment or conditions. • Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed. • Use of proper PPE as required by task. • Including keeping irrigation repair sites safe and cordoned off to prevent injuries. • May be required to learn and implement new methods, technologies, and/or equipment related to this position, as they become available. • May require specific training, certification or licensing. • Perform other duties as assigned. Skills and Physical Abilities Required: • General knowledge of safe work techniques and practices used in landscape irrigation management. • Ability to operate various handheld tools and repair equipment, e.g., wrenches, pipe fitting tools, power drill, grinder, band saw, ventilating blower, saws, air-compressors. • Ability to determine site conditions as it relates to the application of irrigation water and landscape health. • Ability to make independent judgments and decisions appropriate to experience. • Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with coworkers and the public. • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. • Ability to read and interpret documents such as blueprints, as-builts, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. • Ability to work in close, confined spaces, walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear, reach above shoulders, work overhead on ladders and platforms, use fingers and hands with dexterity, and feel and reach with hands and arms. • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift up to 80 pounds. • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Equipment Used: Computer, cell phone, telephone, radio. Non-CDL vehicles and light equipment, pumps, trencher, multi-meters, wire locators, irrigation controllers/timers, concrete saw, pvc/galvanized piping, and miscellaneous hand tools including shovels, sledgehammers, wrenches, pipe cutters, ratchets, saws, etc. If necessary and upon pre-approval by management, incumbent may operate CDL-class vehicles if properly licensed. Safety equipment is provided. Education and Experience Required: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Good driving record and valid Florida driver’s license. A minimum of one year of commercial irrigation maintenance/installation experience. Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed outside in varying and extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time where employees are exposed to excessively loud noises from construction equipment, human debris, drug paraphernalia, heavy equipment, working in and around trenches, fumes, paint, chemicals and pesticides. Physical effort is required to perform heavy manual labor in confined and cramped spaces and uncomfortable conditions, climb ladders, bend, reach, and stand for long periods of time. Occasional exposure to slippery and/or uneven surfaces; heights above twenty (20) feet; below ground level, with feet, legs and/or hands in water. Occasional exposure to confined spaces. Subject to 24-hour call back for emergency conditions. Appropriate training and safety equipment will be provided for all conditions. Commercial Driver License (CDL): A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is not required for this position. However, if necessary and upon pre-approval by management, incumbent may be assigned to operate CDL-class vehicles. FLSA Status: Non-exempt Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Classification: Essential: This position is an Essential classification and will require employee to report to duty after a hurricane or emergency. Schedule: This position normally works a regular weekday daytime shift and requires scheduled/unscheduled overtime, including evenings, weekends and holidays and/or immediate response to emergency conditions. Supervision Exercised: None Supervision Received: Supervisor or Superintendent