Senior Irrigation Specialist

Under general supervision of the Manager, Landscape and Irrigation Services and Supervisor, Landscape and Irrigation Services for the Department of Facilities Services (“DFS”), and in collaboration with your colleagues, acts as a Senior Irrigation Specialist, providing training, technical expertise, and assistance in performing all duties related to installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems, fixtures, and related devices throughout campus facilities and the athletic fields. Assist in maintaining University grounds by supervising and completing all irrigation system related activities to ensure the success and good appearance of campus landscaping. Collaborate with DFS and other University departments to initiate and deliver high quality projects in a timely manner.

Duties

• Assign and advise irrigation crew and applicable work.
• Physically perform duties, including but not limited to, regularly inspecting systems, excavating to facilitate repair of broken pipes and risers, inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, repairing, rebuilding, installing, assembling, and replacing all types of sprinkler heads, control values, filters, pressure regulators, etc.
• Troubleshoot and remedy problems with control wires for remote control irrigation valves.
• Act as a liaison with various coaching staffs regarding needs and overall turf satisfaction, including adjusting athletic field campus irrigation based on turf needs and needed water conservation, configuration and striping of various athletic fields, and overall turf management processes needed to maintain a top-level field.
• Manage materials, parts, and equipment, including inventory tracking, record keeping, product research, and supply procurement.
• Prepare and file project documentation including programs, estimates, budgets, schedules, and status reports.
• Monitor the work for compliance with plans and specifications, applicable codes, industry standards, best practices, and Pepperdine standards including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment. Immediately report any unsafe conditions observed or encountered while completing assigned work to your supervisor or other appropriate individual(s).
• Provide continuous support to University's Hydrological Monitoring Program (HMP) ensuring compliance with all provisions and applicable regulations related to the use of recycled water.
• Safely and effectively operate powered equipment including, but not limited to back hoes, trenchers, tractors, power mowers, edgers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and roto-tillers. Inspect equipment prior to each use including checking oil and fluid levels, and confirming proper placement of guards and shields. Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and work area in a clean manner. Strive to produce the best possible results during all work performed.
• When requested, assist other trades and complete special projects such as erosion control, storm and area drain maintenance, and event preparation. Participate in and recommend continuous departmental and process improvements including changes in working conditions or equipment to increase efficiency or effectiveness.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination among all internal and external project participants and stakeholders. Coordinate project activities with University departments such as Design and Construction, Public Safety, Information Technology, Regulatory Affairs, Events, and University administrators to ensure that all parties are well-informed and that work proceeds on schedule with minimal impact to University operations. Provide exceptional customer service to campus community, stakeholders, and visitors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years paid landscape irrigation system maintenance, repair installation, or related experience.
• Broad technical knowledge of practices, principles, and techniques for irrigation system installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Competency using tools and operating equipment of the trade.
• Ability to understand plans, design specifications, and manufacturers' instructions and recommendations to ascertain the configuration of irrigation equipment and components, ensure their proper installation, and remedy issues.
• English written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
<