Trade Specialist - Irrigation I

About the role

Under general direction, incumbent(s) manages the district’s irrigation and control system, including but not limited to sprinkler heads, automation clocks, irrigation line leaks, irrigation main line install and repair, troubleshooting and repairing electrical components, locating and excavating to install timers, piping, and valves, and repairing or replacing damaged or malfunctioning wires and/or equipment. Effectively assesses water efficiency and makes adjustments to quickly correct over- and under-watering. Incumbent will use knowledge to solve problems and complete repairs with minimal impact to site, staff, and students.

Responsibilities

• Maintains district-wide irrigation systems, including irrigation controls, timers, and repairs, replaces, and adjusts sprinkler heads.
• Diagnoses, repairs, and/or replaces leaking irrigation lines/main lines.
• Installs new irrigation piping.
• Performs general and seasonal system maintenance.
• Troubleshoots malfunctioning irrigation timers, wire breaks, solenoids, and irrigation valves.
• Locates low-voltage electrical wires and breaks in line.
• Performs routine maintenance and preventative maintenance on district irrigation systems with minimal impact to site, staff, and students.
• Maintains tools and/or equipment to ensure availability of equipment in safe operating condition.
• Fabricates PVC piping, fittings, and valves as needed.
• Informs personnel regarding procedures and/or status of work orders to provide information for decision-making and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Assists and supports other trades personnel in the completion of their work activities.
• Oversees the District’s irrigation equipment, including evaluating current equipment and identifying and resolving related problems.
• Records and submits all required job task information, including materials, labor hours, and action taken on the district’s work order system.
• Reviews assigned tasks in the district work order system and is attentive to outstanding work orders.
• Completes daily paperwork as required by each job; performs accurate and timely record keeping.
• Purchases repair parts and maintains an accurate inventory.
• Performs periodic and random inspections of the district’s irrigation and controls system; maintains inspection reports and records and advises supervisor of deficiencies and remedial efforts to improve deficiencies.
• Develops, updates, and maintains posted operating instructions for the district’s irrigation controls and schedules; coordinates technical writing and placement of instructions at district facilities with standards set forth by supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to being hired.
• Five years of verifiable irrigation and controls repair experience with continuously increasing technical responsibilities.
• Valid Arizona Department of Transportation Driver’s License prior to hire.
• Basic plumbing knowledge.
• Obtain and maintain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Identify Verified Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possesses credential(s) from an accredited trades school.
• Five years of verifiable irrigation and controls repair experience with continuously increasing technical responsibilities.
• Valid Arizona Department of Transportation Commercial Driver’s License.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of irrigation and controls troubleshooting and repair.
• Proficiency in reading schematics for irrigation systems and controls.
• Understanding of technical manuals, specifications, and manufacturer’s technical updates.
• Ability to identify and proficiently use tools and equipment necessary for proper maintenance.
• Proficiently comprehending and implementing system options to maximize useful life of equipment.
• Understanding and application of minor repair functions in areas such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, etc.
• Scheduling and monitoring work performance.
• Setting up and maintaining records.
• Using computer software-related programs.
• Engaging and encouraging communication skills while interacting with supervisors, staff, students, etc.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.