Irrigation Technician

Salary : $54,779.50 - $66,585.38 Annually
Location : Davis, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00766
Department: Parks and Community Services
Opening Date: 11/07/2023
Closing Date: 12/5/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEFINITION
Under direction, performs installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of the City's automated irrigation systems; operates and adjusts systems to meet water demand and conservation measures; performs regular inspections on systems for safety and maintenance purposes; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This specialized classification is responsible for working on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment including monitoring, scheduling, maintaining, installing, and repairing irrigation systems in City parks, greenbelts, facilities, and sports fields as well as City median and right-of-way landscaping. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Installs, operates, inspects, and repairs all components of automated irrigation systems at landscaped sites, including automatic controllers, valves, water mains, lateral lines, sprinklers, and pumping systems; changes and adjusts heads and maintains controllers; monitors and adjusts watering schedules.
• As directed, programs, monitors, and controls computerized irrigation systems in conjunction with the Central Irrigation Control System which is designed to meet water demands and implement conservation measures based on weather conditions and specific irrigation sites demographics.
• Performs system and component repairs including system renovation and upgrading including controllers, valves, electrical components, and other repair and maintenance associated with the pressure side of the system.
• Performs irrigation audits to monitor soil moisture and effectiveness of irrigation systems.
• Performs regular inspections and preventive maintenance and identifies any safety of repair issues.
• Designs small irrigation systems; reads blueprints; uses probes; digs areas to locate, lay, or repair irrigation lines.
• Traces, locates, excavates, and repairs low voltage direct burial wiring; performs utility connection inspections and underground service alert (USA-Dig Alert) markings.
• Confers with contractors to direct and inspect irrigation project work and advise supervisor of any issues.
• Receives and transmits work orders electronically; prioritizes work order requests and generates new work orders; prepares, maintains, inputs, and queries detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via automated software systems.
• Plans and recommends materials needed for work projects; orders approved supplies and materials.
• Responds to inquiries from the general public and provides occasional interpretive services to public and citizen volunteer groups.
• Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements.
• Works with other City staff, commissions, consultants, contractors, and community volunteers in irrigation design, implementation, and maintenance processes.
• Operates trucks with trailers and trenchers; drives related equipment to and from job sites.
• Operates a variety of power and pneumatic hand tools and equipment.
• Maintains tools, records, drawings, and manuals.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Responds to and evaluates emergencies; determines the appropriate plan of action; performs or oversees emergency repairs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics of a central computer-controlled irrigation system and associated devices.
• Principles, practices, techniques, tools, equipment, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of automated irrigation systems.
• Controller programming procedures.
• Principles of water conservation as it relates to water demands and operational control of the irrigation system.
• Plumbing and irrigation concepts and techniques.
• Electrical and electronic testing and detection procedures.
• USA-Dig alert requirements, practices and processes.
• Methods, tools, materials, and test equipment used to maintain, calibrate, and repair automated irrigation systems.
• Basic horticulture for watering needs, vegetation, soil, and moisture conditions.
• Traffic safety laws and regulations and proper vehicle operations.
• Safe work methods and safety precautions.
• Data handling and reporting techniques.
• Business arithmetic.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Utilize a computerized system for monitoring and controlling irrigation systems.
• Inspect irrigation systems and correct or repair as necessary.
• Maintain efficient and effective irrigation systems using principles of water conservation.
• Coordinate maintenance tasks with contractors and other maintenance staff to ensure work completion and quality.
• Read and understand blueprints.
• Perform a diverse range of diagnostic and maintenance repairs on irrigation systems and associated devices.
• Interpret and complete work orders.
• Use hand and power tools.
• Understand electrical fundamentals.
• Interpret technical literature, wiring diagrams, drawings, and specifications.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to effectively perform work.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by technical courses in automated irrigation systems.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in irrigation or water systems installation, maintenance, and repair; two (2) years of working with central control systems is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, valid Irrigation Technician certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Qualified Pesticide Applicator license, desirable.

Supplemental Information
PHYISCAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to work in confined spaces, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment and color vision to inspect electrical wiring. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, which may include working on live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
CITY OF DAVIS
BENEFIT SUMMARY SHEET
DCEA
Leave Time

• 3 Weeks of Vacation Per Year to start (increases with years of service)
• 2.5 Floating Holidays (added into vacation accrual)
• 13 paid Holidays
• Sick Leave: Accrual of 8 hours per month / 12 days per year.
• Parental Leave - 2 Months Paid Parental Leave Available After 1 Year of Employment.

Health Dental and Vision

• 125 Cafeteria Plan.
  • The city contributes an amount up to 100% of the CalPERS Kaiser rate by category. The 2024 CalPERS Kaiser monthly rates by category are listed below.
    • Employee Only - $1,021.41
    • Employee Plus One - $2,042.82
    • Family Rate - $2,655.67

The city contributes the premium for the family rate of the City's self-funded dental plan

• 2024 monthly premium for family is $210.00

Up to $500 Cash-in-lieu Per Month if Opting Out of Medical & Dental

Option to purchase Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

• 30k Employer Paid
• Voluntary/Supplemental Coverage Available for Purchase
  • The new hire guarantee issue amount is $120,000

Retirement

• CalPERS Pension
  • 2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS Members
  • 2% at 62 for PEPRA Members (membership date of 1/1/2013 or later)

The City participates in Medicare (1.45% employee deduction).

The City does not participate in Social Security

Survivor Benefit

• The city contracts with the Public Employees Retirement System for the 1959 Survivor Benefit Level Four (4).

Other Benefits

• Longevity Pay
  • 2.5% at 10 years of service
  • 2.5% at 20 years of service for a maximum of 5%.

Retiree Health Contribution

Medical and Dependent Care Flexible spending accounts available

City paid long term disability program

Access to purchase supplemental benefits including short term disability insurance, accident insurance, and additional life insurance products, etc.

457 Deferred Compensation Plans Available, including Roth Options

City paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Bicycle and Computer Loan Programs Available (upon successful completion of probation)

Alternative schedules available (e.g. 9/80)