Irrigation System Technician

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Class Title

Irrigation System Technician

Class Code

3560

Salary

$58,780.80 - $82,700.80 Annually

• Definition

• Benefits

Classification Description Summary

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical tasks in the installation, maintenance, design, and repair of automatic irrigation systems for City owned parks and golf courses; troubleshoots system problems; ensure the safe and proper operation and maintenance of the reclaimed water system used for irrigation purposes; and operates a variety of maintenance and grounds keeping tools and equipment in the performance of assigned duties.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Employees within this class perform the full range of irrigation maintenance duties as assigned and are distinguished from the Senior Irrigation System Technician in that the latter exercises technical and functional supervision over lower level irrigation staff.

Essential Functions

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Monitor irrigation system operations at assigned parks or golf courses; determine daily watering needs and check for broken lines, heads, valves, and other parts; repair or replace sprinklers, valves, clocks, pipes, backflow prevention devices and wiring.

Work with and maintain reclaimed water irrigation systems; retrofit existing irrigation systems to reclaimed water use; ensure adherence to environmental requirements.

Read and interpret blue prints and specifications of irrigation system pipes, valves, heads, and electric, hydraulic or manual control systems.

Observe and make corrective adjustments in the operation of pumps and water lines, ensuring proper pressure and coverage.

Install, program, operate, and maintain computerized irrigation systems and weather stations; modify settings to ensure proper soil and moisture content for the growth of healthy turf and landscape vegetation.

Install, repair, and maintain drinking fountains as necessary.

Order necessary parts, tools, equipment, or supplies needed for repairs; safely operate and maintain ditch diggers, backhoe, dump truck, front end loader, jack hammer, pipe cutter, and sod cutter.

Coordinate various irrigation system installation and maintenance projects with outside contractors and other City maintenance staff as needed.

Participate in the design and installation of new irrigation systems; maintain and update maps, plans and specifications.

Inspect and make modifications to the work of contractors installing new irrigation systems as necessary; ensure systems are in compliance with specifications.

Respond to Underground Service Alerts (USA's) locate service requests as necessary.

Maintain continued education and attend training for new trends in irrigation system installation, maintenance and repair, and the use of backflow prevention devices.

Educate and train City staff in the use of new irrigation products, drip systems, sprinklers, valves, computerized irrigation control systems, and in the use of and safety aspects of reclaimed water irrigation systems; serve as project lead on assigned projects as necessary.

Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of an irrigation system maintenance and repair program.

Functions and operations of an automated irrigation system.

Methods and techniques used in the installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.

Design and layout of general irrigation systems including the knowledge of types of landscape vegetation and the frequency and amount of watering required for healthy growth.

Basic electrical and plumbing procedures.

Risks, hazards, and liabilities associated with the use of reclaimed water.

Operational characteristics of maintenance and repair equipment and tools used in sprinkler repair and installation.

Methods and procedures of Underground Service Alert for marking utilities.

Computers and applicable software applications.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Perform a variety of technical tasks in the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems.

Troubleshoot irrigation system failures and malfunctions.

Observe and make corrective adjustments in the operation of pumps and water lines.

Install, program, and maintain computerized irrigation systems.

Learn to program central irrigation control systems.

Adhere to established health and safety regulations applicable to reclaimed water systems.

Use and operate hand and power tools and other mechanical equipment required for work with irrigation systems.

Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.

Read and interpret blue prints, schematics and specifications.

Operate office equipment including computers.

Maintain a variety of records and prepare reports.

Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.

Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.

Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in irrigation, maintenance, plumbing, or electrical functions.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience performing irrigation system installation, maintenance and repair duties including some experience involving the use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid backflow testing certification issued by the AWWA within one year of hire.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor field environments; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, solvents, potentially hazardous chemicals, gases, electrical energy, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work in or around water; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; work in underground and/or in confined spaces.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in both indoor and outdoor field environments; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Other Requirements

Local 39 Non-Supervisory

G22

Last Update: 8/2019

JD 11/2018

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link (http://www.reno.gov/government/departments/human-resources/benefits) to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

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