Irrigation Technician
Summary
Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine semi-skilled and skilled duties in the maintenance, repair, and construction of District irrigation systems. Operates vehicles and a variety of construction and maintenance equipment. Performs related work as required.
Supervision Received And Exercised
Receives general supervision from higher-level supervisory staff and direction from higher-level staff. May direct lower-level staff.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Irrigation Technician is responsible for performing a variety of routine semi-skilled and skilled duties in the maintenance, repair, and construction of District irrigation systems. Incumbents at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies. Work is reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements. This classification is distinguished from the Park Foreman in that the latter serves in a lead capacity over the park crews and is responsible for performing the more complex work.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Performs varied semi-skilled and skilled maintenance duties in the maintenance, repair, and construction of District irrigation systems; areas of responsibility, include, but are not limited to, installation, operation, maintenance, and inspection of irrigation systems.
- Operates vehicles and a variety of tools and equipment used in irrigation installation and maintenance.
- Inspects tools and equipment for safety and mechanical defects and ensures that they are in proper operating condition.
- Evaluates assigned work projects, including materials and staff resources needed to perform the work; estimates time, materials, and equipment necessary for the successful completion of the project; acquires necessary resources as appropriate.
- Provides recommendations for contracted services; oversees the work of contracted services to ensure compliance with service agreement and work quality consistent with District standards and expectations.
- Assists with monitoring inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining purchase records within authorized budget.
- Receives and responds to questions and concerns from patrons; identifies issues and resolves problems or refers to supervisor as appropriate.
- Follows safe working practices and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
- Maintains records and logs.
- Assists with District special events as needed.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED;
- Two years of relevant work experience.
- Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of:
- Materials and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and operation of irrigation systems.
- Methods and techniques of maintaining tools and equipment.
- Backflow testing.
- Safety practices and equipment.
- Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Ability to:
- Perform installation and maintenance on irrigation systems.
- Operate tools and equipment safely.
- Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods in all types of weather.
- Backflow testing.
- Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
- Make accurate mathematic calculations.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
- Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
- Maintain records and files on work performed.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Licenses and Certifications:
- At time of appointment, California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record maintained throughout employment.
- At time of appointment, California Backflow Testing Certification and maintain certification throughout employment.
- Certified Irrigation Auditor through the Irrigation Association (IA) within six months of hire and maintain certification throughout employment.
Physical Demands
Must possess: strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate a variety of tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to distinguish colors in wiring; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and/or calculator and to operate tools and equipment. Incumbents in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and inspect work sites. Incumbents must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements
Incumbents work in both indoor and outdoor environments with moderate to loud noise levels. May work in controlled temperature conditions, cold and hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions. Exposure to chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Incumbents will interact with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures.
Working Conditions
Incumbents may be assigned an on-call and irregular work schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays.
Classification Details/History
Date Adopted: 5/31/17 Job Code: 7233L/PT462 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Supersedes: Irrigation Technician dated 1/27/16