Irrigation Lead Technician

Working Title: Irrigation Lead Technician

State Role Title: Trades Technician III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

 

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 300130 - Landscape AUX

 

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $38,000 - $40,000 

 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

 

Beginning Review Date: 7/13/2026

 

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

 

General Information:

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.
• Employee is required to work all home football games.
• 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:

Required:
• 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, ferti