About the Role
Under limited supervision, this position designs, oversees, assigns, directs, and performs tasks in the installation, maintenance, and/or operation of irrigation systems. The purpose of this Irrigation Specialist position is to manage the ground’s irrigation and water systems including potable, non-potable, and rainwater sources.
Responsibilities
- Designs and develops specifications for irrigation systems.
- Installs, troubleshoots, inspects, audits, and repairs irrigation systems.
- Provides technical expertise to design professionals, gardeners, volunteers, vendors, and City staff.
- Plans and implements water conservation programs.
- Monitors water quality and ensures compliance with all laws, regulations, and ordinances.
- Maintains detailed blueprints, diagrams, records, and reports associated with City irrigation systems.
- Creates accurate depictions of actual field installations (as-built drawings).
- Creates and oversees watering schedules with consideration to rainfall, solar radiation, wind speed, temperature, and other factors.
- Operates all necessary equipment for the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
- Tests backflow devices.
- Performs cross-connection checks in accordance with City of Austin standards.
- Obtains local permits for new installs and repairs.
- May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Requirements
- Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Ability to travel to more than one location.
- Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
- Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues; and tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement.
- Ability to adapt to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, stretching and reaching; and frequently walk and sit when leading various recreational activities.
- Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and/or inclement conditions; and in confined spaces.
- Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists.
- External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
Skills
- Knowledge of power tools.
- Knowledge of installation and operation of irrigation systems.
- Knowledge of proper safety practices, procedures.
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, and ordinances applicable to work being performed.
- Knowledge of water conservation initiatives and methods.
- Knowledge of irrigation controllers.
- Knowledge of backflow principles.
- Skill in irrigation system layout.
- Skill in planning, directing, or organizing the work of others.
- Skill in preparing simple reports.
- Skill in working from drawings, blueprints, plans, and specifications.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
- Experience managing non-potable water systems.
- Work experience using hand tools, powers tools and other maintenance equipment (e.g,drills, reciprocal saws, hammer drills, augers, snakes,).
- Experience with minor repairs in the areas of – restroom fixtures, drinking fountains, sinks, showers, and toilets.
- Experience with wireless remotes, icloud, Rainmaster, Hunter, Weathermatic, tablets in the fields to operate irrigation systems and perform data entry.
- Intermediate computer skills, including knowledge in creating spreadsheets, memos, emails and asset management tracking reports.
Location
- Austin, Texas
Work Type
- Onsite
- Variable On Call Rotation
- May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
Experience Level
- Three (3) years of experience in installing and maintaining irrigation systems.
Education Level
- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent
Salary/Compensations
- $23.13 - $26.26 per hour.
Benefits
- Medical
- Paid leave time
- Great retirement plan
- Training opportunities
About the Company
- At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities.
- As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites.
- Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
- By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Equal Opportunity
- The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.
- In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
- City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
