Irrigation Technician

JOB

The Irrigation Technician is a journey-level technical position in the Public Works Department responsible for the inspection, operation, maintenance, testing, and repair of irrigation systems serving landscaped areas within the City's Landscape Maintenance Assessment District (LMAD) and Drainage Facility Assessment District (DFAD) boundaries. The position ensures the safe, compliant, and water-efficient operation of irrigation infrastructure Citywide by monitoring and adjusting irrigation schedules, testing and maintaining backflow prevention assemblies, and performing technical system repairs and improvements. Working under limited supervision, the Irrigation Technician applies specialized knowledge of irrigation systems, hydraulics, and landscape water management to independently diagnose and resolve complex irrigation issues in the field. This classification is distinguished from the Senior Maintenance Worker by its advanced irrigation system diagnostics, backflow testing, and water-use efficiency expertise, and from Lead Worker or Senior Equipment Operator classifications by the absence of formal supervisory responsibilities.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

-- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodation will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Conduct daily inspection, operation, and maintenance of irrigation systems serving landscaped areas within LMAD and DFAD boundaries.Test, maintain, and repair backflow prevention assemblies; coordinate with the Cross-Connection Coordinator to ensure regulatory compliance.Monitor, program, and adjust irrigation controllers, schedules, and water usage to optimize efficiency and system performance.Identify leaks, damaged components, and system inefficiencies; perform required repairs and component replacements.Order, receive, and track irrigation parts and materials; maintain adequate inventory to support maintenance operations.Perform a variety of landscape maintenance and irrigation-related tasks, including electrical work, minor construction, and concrete placement associated with system improvements.Operate motorized and construction equipment, including loaders, backhoes, mini excavators, skid steers, and water trucks, as well as hand and power tools.Mix, apply, and store herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in accordance with applicable safety standards and regulations.Safely operate City vehicles and equipment in compliance with established safety protocols and traffic control practices.Maintain accurate work records, reports, and inspection documentation.Communicate system failures, field observations, and repair needs to the supervisor in a timely manner.Respond to after-hours emergencies and irrigation system failures as required.Perform other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)This position works primarily outdoors in the field and is routinely exposed to varying and extreme weather conditions, including wind, heat, cold, and rain. The work may require climbing ladders; working in trenches and confined spaces; and performing activities such as balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and performing repetitive motions, with or without reasonable accommodation. The position is classified as Medium Work, requiring the exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly throughout the workday, with physical demands exceeding those of Light Work. Incumbents are frequently required to lift moderately heavy to heavy objects and may be exposed to moving machinery and mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, intense noise, and environmental conditions such as wide temperature variations, fumes, smoke, grease, odors, and dust. The position requires the ability to see and hear within normal ranges, with or without correction, and to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. Incumbents may be required to respond to emergencies outside of regular working hours and must be willing to work irregular schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts.