Career Center

DEFINITION
Under the direction of a Regional Facilities Officer, Facilities Supervisor, or Crew Leader, upgrade, automate, repair, and maintain irrigation systems throughout the district and perform varied general grounds maintenance and gardening work.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbents perform irrigation systems design, troubleshooting, planning, installation, repairing, and maintenance more than 80% of the time. The Gardener/Groundskeeper classification is focused on grounds keeping with some varied irrigation work of not more than 20% of the time. The irrigation work done by the Gardener/Groundskeeper is generally on supply lines of no more than 1 inch and lateral lines of ½ – ¾ inch while the nature of the work performed by the Irrigation Technician class involves supply lines of 1-6 inches and more complex valves and timing mechanisms.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

1. Plan, design, install, maintain, upgrade, and retrofit electronic and manual irrigation systems. Install electronic irrigation controllers, valves, wire, and new heads. Replace and repair existing sprinkler systems. Cut asphalt and concrete, demolish and repair irrigation water and electric lines; and copper solder welding of up to 3” copper pipes. Retrofit electronic irrigation systems to computerize water management systems. Install master valves, flow sensors, evaporation transpiration towers, dome antennas, yagi antennas, transient protection boards; install and operate the computerized water management system.

2. Troubleshoot potable water and reclaimed water irrigation systems, including sprinklers, irrigation controllers, remote control valves, low voltage wiring, and PVC and metal piping. Bend and mount electric conduit and hard wire 120 volts electric service into building electrical systems for irrigation timers and controllers.

3. Design and layout new irrigation clocks, valves, and systems. Troubleshoot electrical shorts in irrigation wiring, clocks, and valves. Install master valves, flow meters, specified irrigation computers, and the electrical connections to make the equipment work.

4. Assemble PVC irrigation pipe, fixtures, valves, and heads. Wire new electronic irrigation control clocks and electronic valves.

5. Operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on grounds equipment, such as vehicles, power and hand tools, equipment, trenchers, water pumps, generators, and sprinkler systems.

6. Estimate parts cost per job. Purchase supplies and stock items.

7. Maintain records and reports for parts stock, supplies, and services for the purpose of keeping constant stock on hand and providing input on budget items.

8. Make recommendations in the selection of vendors, costing of parts and supplies, and coordination of labor using district resources.

9. Lead and train Gardener/Groundskeepers in irrigation systems projects. Coordinate work with other departments. Oversee and provide work direction in the absence of a supervisor or crew leader.

10. Mow, edge, trim, rake, patch, plant, aerate, and clear lawns, ground covers, planters, shrubs, trees, and related areas. Stake or remove fallen trees and branches. Sweep and pick up refuse from walkways, shrub beds, and lawns. Load and unload trucks used in irrigation work or for grounds keeping purposes.

11. Fertilize areas and spray insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides using proper safety gear and equipment.

12. Perform related duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge:

• Basic electrical theory.
• Design, layout, and water needs of specific plant materials.
• Estimating and cost of materials.
• Growth habits of various types of plants.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Methods involved in installation, repair, maintenance, and design of irrigation systems.
• Pesticide, fertilizers, and watering requirements for plants and lawns.
• Plant and insect identification.
• Principles of training and leading work crews.
• Small engine and grounds equipment.
• Safety guidelines for projects and worker protection.
• Tools and equipment and their practical use and maintenance in the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation equipment and systems and grounds keeping.
• Water conservation and water reclamation.

Skills and Abilities:

• Communicate effectively both orally and written.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems.
• Make basic electrical connections.
• Operate, repair, and maintain equipment used in grounds maintenance work.
• Perform general grounds keeping and routine gardening work.
• Read blueprints and operate heavy equipment.
• Train and lead the work of others.
• Troubleshoot electrical problems in irrigation circuit systems.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.

License/Credential:

• California Reclaimed Water Certificate (may be obtained within 6 months of hire date).
• Valid California driver’s license.
• Qualified Applicators Certificate- desirable.

Training and Experience:

• Any combination of training and experience equivalent to: three years of experience in grounds maintenance work, including one year in irrigation system repairs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements:

• Category I

Environment:

• May include less desirable extremes.

https://www.sdccd.edu/docs/humanresources/classification/descriptions/Operations/Irrigation%20Technician.pdf