Irrigation Specialist - Public Services

JOB SUMMARY The Irrigation Specialist performs skilled work in the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of municipal irrigation systems. This position ensures efficient water usage, supports landscape health, and maintains public assets in a safe and functional condition. The position supports the reliable operation of irrigation infrastructure serving parks, athletic fields, landscaped areas, and other Town-owned facilities. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, rehabilitates, and repairs municipal irrigation systems, including controllers, valves, sprinkler heads, piping, wells, pumps, and backflow prevention devices Inspects irrigation systems on a routine basis to identify leaks, inefficiencies, drainage concerns, and operational issues; performs necessary adjustments and repairs Performs inspection, maintenance, and repair of irrigation well systems including pumps, motors, controls, and related equipment Programs, monitors, and adjusts irrigation controllers, including seasonal scheduling, smart irrigation systems, and water conservation measures Performs preventative maintenance to ensure efficient system operation, regulatory compliance, and water conservation Assists with irrigation system rehabilitation, renovation, and improvement projects Assists in the review, turnover, startup, and acceptance of newly installed irrigation systems to ensure compliance with Town standards and operational requirements Provides input regarding irrigation system design standards, system performance, and operational improvements for Town-owned properties and facilities Coordinates and communicates with contractors, vendors, and internal staff regarding irrigation repairs, installations, and project activities Reads and interprets irrigation plans, blueprints, diagrams, and system layouts Locates and identifies underground utilities prior to excavation in accordance with applicable safety standards Operates hand tools, power tools, trenching equipment, and light equipment necessary for irrigation installation and repair work Responds to weather-related conditions, irrigation system failures, emergencies, special events, and urgent maintenance needs as required Maintains accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, irrigation system performance, and water usage data Completes work orders and service requests using applicable departmental software and systems Communicates effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and the public regarding irrigation issues, repairs, and system status Ensures compliance with applicable safety procedures, water conservation standards, cross-connection requirements, and regulatory requirements Supports grounds maintenance and departmental operations as needed to maintain Town-owned properties and facilities Provides support to Public Services and other Town departments’ project managers, including field coordination, technical assistance, and irrigation system-related work. Assists the Turf Specialist, Grounds Division staff, and other divisions with irrigation system installation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, and troubleshooting, including coordination with staff for repairs to private irrigation systems when damaged during Town operations. Performs other related duties as assigned MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma or GED required Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial or municipal irrigation systems Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Valid South Carolina Driver’s License Must have or obtain Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) within one (1) year of date of hire Must have or obtain Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification within one (1) year of date of hire Preferred qualifications South Carolina Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Irrigation Association Certified Lan…