Irrigation Technician

Department:  Community Services

Division:  Parks

Job Type:  Full Time

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Salary/Pay Rate:  $20.71/hr.

Job Number:  72-19-17 

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Irrigation Supervisor, employee performs duties relating to the operation and maintenance of city-wide irrigation systems and related components. Employee monitors electronic data provided by integrated irrigation monitoring system. Performs general maintenance of parks and other City grounds. This is a full-time, non-exempt position working approximately 40 hours/week. Must be available to work evenings and weekends as assigned for maintenance and special events.  TMRS eligible.

Essential Job Functions

1. Possesses excellent customer service skills and can excel at applying the City of Hurst’s Code of Ideals and Good to Great practices in all interpersonal relationships with city staff and the public.

2. Provides installation, maintenance, repair, and design assistance of irrigation systems at city facilities, parks, athletic fields, and landscaped areas.

3. Installs irrigation systems by assembling pipes, valves, timing devices, program controllers and other related hardware.

4. Performs inspections to determine if system meets state and municipal codes, makes repairs such as replacing damaged parts, and assesses preventive maintenance standards of irrigation systems.

5. Creates new irrigation programs or modify existing programs to correct water deficiencies.

6. Works on irrigation controllers under the supervision of Irrigation Supervisor.

7. Assists with design of systems or studies design plans in order to determine layout and location of proposed irrigation heads, pipe locations/size, and verifies design plans with topography to ensure consistency of blueprints with actual requirements of location.

8. Follows best management practices relating to water conservation, water use management, as well as municipal irrigation system operations and control.

9. Operate specialized equipment such as: voltmeters, wire tracers, decoder programmer, faultfinder.

10. Operates general park equipment such as trenchers, backhoes, sod cutters, aerators, backpack blower, rollers, spray rigs, skid loaders, tractors, trucks, and a variety of hand power tools.

11. Maintains the safe and efficient operation of equipment by performing preventative maintenance tasks such as: sharpening blades, oiling parks, clean equipment, reporting worn or damaged parts.

12. As part of a rotation, provides on-call services for the City.

13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

1. Basic computer skills including email correspondence and spreadsheets.

2. Basic knowledge of irrigation controller programming.

3. Knowledge of irrigation system installation and maintenance.

4. Knowledge of growth and development requirements of turf and plant material.

5. Analyze computer data to diagnose irrigation problem.

6. Ability to facilitate complex and on-going changes needed to correct irrigation amounts to multiple sites and varied turf/plant material through data management.

7. Ability to compile computer data into accurate and understandable reports.

8. Knowledge of small engines, basic carpentry, plumbing, painting, basic gardening, landscape techniques, and related safety procedures.

9. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

10. Ability to follow safety procedures.

11. Ability to work and communicate effectively orally and in writing with City personnel and the public.

12. Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, twisting, standing, and walking, for extended periods of time in adverse conditions, including extreme heat, cold, moisture, dust, and fumes, at various heights, and in confined spaces.  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

1.     Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, including pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, twisting, standing, and walking, for extended periods of time in adverse conditions, including extreme heat, cold, moisture, dust, and fumes, at various heights, and in confined spaces.  

2.     Majority of work is performed outdoors and is subject to extreme heat and sun or inclement weather.

3.     Fine dexterity with fingers and hands required to handle items and to operate equipment.

4.     Ability see clearly and distinguish colors when working with chemicals.

5.    Moderate to heavy lifting and carrying, up to 80 pounds.

6.    Ability to orally direct guests and staff in emergency and non-emergency situations.

7.   Work may be subject to time pressures, frequent changes to tasks, working closely with others as part of a team, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and dealing with difficult persons.

Minimum Education, Certification, and Experience Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required, Associates Degree preferred. TCEQ Irrigator Technicians License required. Three years experience with irrigation system installation and repair preferred. Must have a valid State of Texas driver’s license, with a good driving record. Other applicable ground maintenance licenses/certifications preferred. Candidate must have a personal electronic device capable of making and receiving phone calls, and sending and receiving text messages. The City incorporates into the hourly rate, a reimbursement for the business usage of the personal electronic device.

Applications accepted until the position is filled.

City of Hurst is an Equal Opportunity Employer.