Irrigation Specialist

Job Description:

Irrigation Specialist

Description

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, oversee, lead, and perform skilled work in the installation, repair and maintenance of designated irrigation systems and related parts, components and equipment; and lead, train, and provide work direction and guidance to assigned grounds crew members.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Oversee, lead, and perform skilled work in the installation, repair and maintenance of designated irrigation systems and related parts, components and equipment

• Plan, lay out, assemble, install, maintain and repair sprinkler and irrigation systems; clean, adjust and repair sprinkler heads; test water systems for high and low pressure; test sprinkler and irrigation systems for leaks

• Determine watering schedules; check lawns to assure proper amounts of water; set time clocks according to seasons, soil conditions, water distribution rates and established watering schedules

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, renovate and remodel new and existing irrigation systems, including valves, sprinklers, controllers, pumps, valve boxes, cross connections and related components and equipment; replace system parts and equipment as necessary

• Measure, cut, thread and install pipes, tubing and a variety of sprinkler and irrigation systems fixtures; wrap and insulate pipes as needed; excavate and determine appropriate depth of trenches; repair broken main lines; connect new systems to existing water supplies

• Operate a variety of power-driven equipment and tools such as saws, bobcats, backhoes and trenchers; operate testers, gauges and small hand and power tools; drive a vehicle to conduct work.

• Review blueprints to assure compatibility and standardization of sprinkler parts, valves, water pressure guidelines and pipes; design jobs; estimate time and material requirements

• Communicate with other departments, administrators and outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns

• Research prices for parts, materials and equipment; recommend vendors; requisition needed parts and materials; recommend purchase of new equipment

• Maintain routine records related to assigned activities

• Oversee, lead, and perform a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Procedures, methods, techniques, materials, supplies, tools and equipment used in the installation, repair and maintenance of sprinklers and irrigation systems

Building codes and other restrictions pertaining to sprinkler irrigation systems

Grounds, fields, plant, and tree maintenance

Proper operation of a variety of hand and power tools and heavy equipment related to the irrigation field

Principles, practices and maintenance of electronic controllers used in irrigation systems

Health and safety regulations

Proper lifting techniques

Oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

Basic record-keeping techniques

Shop math applicable to the assigned trade

ABILITY TO:

Oversee, lead and perform skilled work in the installation, repair and maintenance of designated irrigation systems and related parts, components and equipment

Interpret and work from blueprints, plans, schematic drawings and sketches

Inspect existing irrigation systems to assure proper operation

Estimate materials and supply needs

Operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment

Requisition parts and supplies according to established guidelines

Meet schedules and time lines

Make mathematical calculations

Plan and lay out work

Observe health and safety regulations

Work independently with little direction

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

Maintain routine records related to work performed

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and three years' experience in the installation, repair and maintenance of sprinkler and irrigation systems

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California driver's license

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Outdoor work environment

Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions

Exposure to fumes, dust and odors

Driving a vehicle to conduct work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate hand and power tools and equipment

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

Walking over rough or uneven surfaces

Seeing to read a variety of materials and perform irrigation repair duties

Perform work which involves the frequent lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally and with assistance up to 100 pounds

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally

Heavy physical labor

Digging

HAZARDS:

Working around and with machinery with moving parts

Exposure to chemicals and fumes

Exposure to seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions

Exposure to fumes, dust, odors, oil, grease and gases

EXAMINATION INFORMATION:

The first step in the examination process is the application screening and whether or not the candidate meets the minimum qualifications listed.

The testing process may consist of a written exam; an oral exam; a performance exam; a structured interview (SI); a qualification appraisal interview (QAI); an evaluation of training & experience/education (T&E) and/or any combination thereof.

ONLY the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test requires and is mandated to have a passing score of 70 on each of the three parts of the test.

All other tests will have a passing score set between 50 and 99 depending of a variety of factors affecting that specific recruitment.

All candidates must pass the first examination process to be invited to the next step/test in the process.

As the testing process consists of a minimum of two examination processes; the weight of each those processes may be determined at any step in the processes.

Qualified candidates will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination(s)/test(s).

Candidates will be notified of the minimum pass points/test score for each examination and/or test in the examination process.

OTHER: Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy

The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to fostering a positive working environment for its employees. Accordingly, BUSD practices shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying of any employee based on an employee's actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testi?es or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy.

The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination regarding Board Policy 4030:

Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator

2020 Bonar Street, Room 116

Berkeley, CA 94702

Phone: 510-486-9338

Email: nondiscrimination@berkeley.net

Closing Date/Time: Wed, 01 Oct 2025

Salary:

4883.96 - 5954.06 Monthly