Irrigation Lead Technician

About the role

James Madison University’s Facilities Management is accepting applications for a Irrigation Lead Technician. The regular schedule is Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with an altered summer schedule and overtime as required to cover special events and inclement weather.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Installs, repairs, troubleshoots, inspects and performs preventive maintenance on and schedules all irrigation for the university.
• Leads one to two employees and summer interns in irrigation repairs and installations campus wide.
• Meet and work with contractors in the absence of supervisor and/or manager.
• Operates safely and properly a variety of equipment including but not limited to: Dingo trenching equipment, mini excavator, tampers, bullets, air compressors, riding mowers, tractors, sweepers for turf, seeders, fertilizer spreaders, aerators, deep-tine equipment, highly complex mowing equipment and snow removal equipment to maintain an attractive campus and athletic fields.
• Apply and monitor herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in compliance with safety standards.
• Inspect irrigation systems regularly to ensure efficiency and minimize breakdowns.
• Assist with special events, athletic events, graduation, and other campus activities.
• Lead groups in snow and ice removal operations in assigned areas.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in the installation, repair, maintenance, and scheduling of turf irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of irrigation control systems; experience with Toro and Sentinel systems preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot irrigation issues, install heads, and assist with irrigation design and layout.
• Knowledge of turf types (e.g., bent, Bermuda, bluegrass, fescue, rye) and their specific care and irrigation requirements.
• Working knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, including use of grass seed, sod, fertilizers, and control of turf diseases, pests, and weeds.
• Experience operating grounds and landscaping equipment, including tractors, mowers, trenchers, seeders, spreaders, sweepers, and snow removal equipment.
• Effectively display strong leadership skills.
• Knowledge of safety procedures related to groundskeeping and chemical application.
• Applicants must be at least 19 years old, possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 24 consecutive months and an acceptable motor vehicle report.