Irrigation Specialist - Public Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Irrigation Specialist performs skilled work in the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of municipal irrigation systems. This position ensures efficient water usage, supports landscape health, and maintains public assets in a safe and functional condition. The position supports the reliable operation of irrigation infrastructure serving parks, athletic fields, landscaped areas, and other Town-owned facilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:      

• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, rehabilitates, and repairs municipal irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, piping, wells, pumps, and backflow prevention devices
• Inspects irrigation systems on a routine basis to identify leaks, inefficiencies, drainage concerns, and operational issues; performs necessary adjustments and repairs
• Performs inspection, maintenance, and repair of irrigation well systems including pumps, motors, controls, and related equipment
• Programs, monitors, and adjusts irrigation controllers, including seasonal scheduling, smart irrigation systems, and water conservation measures
• Performs preventative maintenance to ensure efficient system operation, regulatory compliance, and water conservation
• Assists with irrigation system rehabilitation, renovation, and improvement projects
• Assists in the review, turnover, startup, and acceptance of newly installed irrigation systems to ensure compliance with Town standards and operational requirements
• Provides input regarding irrigation system design standards, system performance, and operational improvements for Town-owned properties and facilities
• Coordinates and communicates with contractors, vendors, and internal staff regarding irrigation repairs, installations, and project activities
• Reads and interprets irrigation plans, blueprints, diagrams, and system layouts
• Locates and identifies underground utilities prior to excavation in accordance with applicable safety standards
• Operates hand tools, power tools, trenching equipment, and light equipment necessary for irrigation installation and repair work
• Responds to weather-related conditions, irrigation system failures, emergencies, special events, and urgent maintenance needs as required
• Maintains accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, irrigation system performance, and water usage data
• Completes work orders and service requests using applicable departmental software and systems
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public regarding irrigation issues, repairs, and system status
• Ensures compliance with applicable safety procedures, water conservation standards, cross-connection requirements, and regulatory requirements
• Supports grounds maintenance and departmental operations as needed to maintain Town-owned properties and facilities
• Provides support to Public Services and other Town departments’ project managers, including field coordination, technical assistance, and irrigation system-related work.
• Assists the Turf Specialist, Grounds Division staff, and other divisions with irrigation system installation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and troubleshooting, including coordination with staff for repairs to private irrigation systems when damaged during Town operations.
•  Performs other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial or municipal irrigation systems
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Valid South Carolina Driver’s License

• Must have or obtain Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) within one (1) year of date of hire

• Must have or obtain Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification within one (1) year of date of hire

Preferred qualifications

• South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)
• Additional Irrigation Association certifications or other recognized irrigation or water management certifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of irrigation system components, installation methods, and maintenance practices, including controllers, valves, piping, sprinkler heads, and backflow devices
• Knowledge of water conservation principles, irrigation efficiency practices, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Knowledge of landscaping, turf management, and grounds maintenance practices related to irrigation systems
• Knowledge of irrigation system hydraulics, water pressure, flow characteristics, and system efficiency.
• Ability to identify root causes of irrigation system failure and recommend cost-effective corrective actions.
• Knowledge of department safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices
• Skill in diagnosing irrigation system issues and performing repairs in a timely and effective manner
• Skill in the use of hand tools, power tools, and light equipment associated with irrigation and grounds maintenance work
• Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to effectively interact with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public
• Ability to read and interpret irrigation plans, construction drawings, diagrams, and blueprints
• Ability to operate, program, and troubleshoot irrigation controllers, including smart irrigation systems
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work in a detailed and accurate manner
• Ability to maintain accurate records, process service requests and work orders, and enter data into applicable systems and software
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, coworkers, and the public
• Ability to respond to and resolve complaints or concerns from members of the public in a professional and tactful manner

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion in outdoor environments, including frequent movement over uneven terrain such as parks, rights-of-way, construction sites, and landscaped areas. The employee must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or awkward positions for extended periods of time.

The work regularly requires lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally heavier items with assistance or mechanical aid. The employee must be able to dig, trench, and perform repetitive physical tasks associated with irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair.

Work requires frequent reaching, stretching, and manual dexterity to operate tools, handle small components, and perform system adjustments. The employee must have sufficient visual acuity to inspect irrigation systems, identify leaks or defects, read plans, and operate equipment safely.

The employee must have adequate hearing and communication ability to receive instructions, respond to work site conditions, and interact safely with coworkers and the public. Work is performed primarily outdoors and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, cold, rain, and sun for extended periods.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

The position requires the ability to:

• Diagnose irrigation system failures and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Read, interpret, and apply irrigation plans, blueprints, technical manuals, and equipment specifications.
• Program and troubleshoot irrigation controllers and related technology.
• Prioritize multiple work assignments while responding to emergency repairs and changing operational needs.
• Exercise sound judgment when working around underground utilities, mechanical equipment, and public facilities.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, inspections, and regulatory documentation.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, vendors, and the public.
• Recognize hazardous conditions and follow applicable safety procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:     

The work environment involves frequent exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, rain, and other inclement weather. Work may also involve intermittent exposure to machine noise and a variety of environmental conditions such as dust, dirt, grease, smoke, chemical fumes, and irrigation-related water and soil conditions.

Work is performed in both field and occasional shop settings and may require working near or around mechanical equipment and moving parts. The employee may occasionally work in confined or cramped spaces such as valve boxes or trench areas and may perform work at ground level or in uneven, landscaped, or construction environments.

The position may require occasional travel within Town limits for job assignments, inspections, or related duties. The employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours in response to emergencies, system failures, natural disasters, Town special events, or operational needs, including evening, weekend or holiday work assignments, as required.

The employee is subject to being on call to support Town operations and ensure continuity of irrigation and related systems.