Title: Irrigation Tech Specialist A - Lead
Department: Grounds Maintenance
Duration: Indefinite
Employment Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time, 40 hours per week
Job Summary
Reporting to the Grounds Manager, the Irrigation Tech Specialist A – Lead performs highly skilled and complex work in the maintenance, repair, and installation of irrigation systems across campus sports fields and landscaped areas. Responsibilities include installing and programming irrigation controllers, wiring valves, tracing water lines, and operating smart irrigation systems.
The Irrigation Tech Specialist A – Lead monitors system performance and sustainability by generating bi-monthly water usage reports, adjusting irrigation schedules based on evapotranspiration rates, plant requirements, and site conditions. The Irrigation Tech Specialist A - Lead coordinates with approved vendors to manage major irrigation repairs, including mainline leaks and systems located beneath hardscape surfaces. The Irrigation Tech Specialist A – Lead maintains required backflow certification within Los Angeles County and ensures all work is performed safely and in compliance with applicable regulations. The Irrigation Tech Specialist A – Lead represents the highest level of technical expertise within the irrigation specialist series and serves as a lead resource for complex irrigation operations.
This position is represented for purposes of collective bargaining by Teamsters.
Job Duties
- 30% - Performs the most complex irrigation work, including diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing system failures. Replaces damaged or broken pressurized mainlines, sprinklers, valves, PVC and steel piping, and controllers. Installs new irrigation systems, including layout, trenching, pipe installation, valve wiring, and controller setup (including smart and temporary battery-operated systems). Performs low-voltage electrical work and ensures proper system functionality. - (Essential)
- 25% - Leads daily distribution of work orders, assignments, and schedules for irrigation staff, gardeners, and laborers. Assists the Grounds Manager with administrative support, including coordinating work activities, tracking progress, and supporting operational reporting. - (Essential)
- 20% - Designs and lays out new irrigation systems, including pipe sizing based on friction loss and total GPM flow requirements. Determines appropriate sprinkler placement and system configuration based on landscape needs. Applies knowledge of plant, soil, and water relationships to ensure efficient irrigation design and water conservation. - (Essential)
- 15% - Tracks labor, materials, and supplies used and maintains accurate records. Monitors and documents irrigation system upgrades across campus and updates as-built drawings. Generates reports and communicates system performance, issues, and improvements to the Grounds Manager in a timely manner. - (Essential)
- 10% - Manages irrigation parts and materials inventory on a bi-annual basis to ensure availability of necessary components for timely repairs and maintenance. Anticipates needs and coordinates resources to minimize system downtime. - (Essential)
- 5% - Utilizes a variety of hand and power tools (e.g., rake, shovel, pipe cutter, pipe threader, ditch witch) to support irrigation and grounds maintenance activities, including trenching, backfilling, and general fieldwork. - (Essential)
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Some formal training in contemporary/digital irrigation systems and operations.
- One year of certification as a Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) through the Irrigation Association ( Irrigation Association Home Page).
- Must remain in good standing.
- CITs must submit 20 continuing education units per two-year cycle.
- Valid CA driver’s license.
- Read, write and understand directions in English.
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in landscaping or ground irrigation and maintenance.
- Ability to maintain College’s Authorized driver status.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skill in installing and maintaining contemporary & computerized irrigation systems.
- Proficiency in Google/Microsoft Office applications applicable to position responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and thorough; skilled at anticipating and preventing potential problems and handling a wide variety of tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
- Strong commitment to a quality work product.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
- Effective interpersonal skills as evidenced in the ability to collaborate with a variety of constituencies.
- Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, inclusion & diversity.
- Demonstrated skill in adapting to and performing work effectively in high-volume, high accountability, confidential environment with multiple and changing priorities.
- Effective organizational, logistical, time management and planning skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks/projects simultaneously, prioritize and fulfill the functions of an office in a timely manner.
- Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
- Ability to provide effective leadership and training, and to work effectively and professionally across functions, disciplines, levels, and with diverse groups.
Preferred Qualifications
- Field knowledge for accurate adjustments based on flow capacities.
EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: The starting base hourly rate for this position is $37.45/hr. After 6 months, the base hourly rate increases to $38.04/hr, and after 12 months, the base hourly rate increases to $38.42/hr.
We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package.