Irrigation Technician GENERAL PURPOSE Under general supervision, performs a variety of skilled, journey-level tasks involved in the design, installa¬tion, maintenance and repair of manual, automatic and computerized irrigation systems; and performs related duties as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Irrigation Technician is a skilled, journey-level class in the maintenance and construction trades series. Incumbents perform their duties independently, working from general instructions, work orders and their knowledge of irrigation requirements of large landscaped and turf areas. Assignments vary, encompass a variety of tasks, and require sound judgment and initiative. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. There will typically be an assigned schedule for these duties. 1. Plans, designs, installs, modifies, maintains, upgrades and repairs manual and automatic irrigation systems, including pipes, valves, automatic control devices and sprinkler heads; locates mainlines, sprinkler lines, valves, electrical wires; when directed, locates irrigation shutoffs for contractors and installs and repairs broken lines and pipes damaged by contractors. 2. Inputs, cleans and adjusts sprinkler controls for correct time and duration of operation; ensures irrigation system operation supports District conservation objectives; services, repairs or replaces clock motors and micro-switches in automatic timing devices. 3. Maintains and replaces valves; unplugs and reroutes water and control lines; clears and adjusts sprinkler head heights for proper area coverage. 4. Plans, designs and lays out new irrigation system installations, working from general instructions, rough sketches or work orders; redesigns or modifies existing or new systems for new portable buildings; performs preventive maintenance on irrigation systems. 5. Orders and maintains an inventory of parts, supplies and materials. 6. Operates a variety of power and hand tools and equipment; operates testing and measuring gauges and devices. OTHER DUTIES 1. Assists other skilled maintenance personnel in cooperative assignments. 2. Operates vehicles to travel to various District sites. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: 1. Methods and materials used in the maintenance and repair of automatic sprinkler systems including various timing devices, controllers, valves and heads. 2. Design and layout of general irrigation systems for large landscaped and turf areas. 3. Proper methods of pipefitting as related to sprinkler installation. 4. Equipment and tools required in sprinkler repair and installation. 5. Proper water conservation techniques applicable to the operation of large turf irrigation systems. 6. Sizes and specifications of pipes and fittings for proper volume and pressure. 7. Relevant health and safety regulations. 8. Basic record-keeping techniques. Ability to: 1. Plan, design, layout, install and repair automatic irrigation systems. 2. Operate tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems including pipe threaders, cutters and trenching equipment. 3. Read and interpret blueprints of landscape or turf irrigation systems. 4. Follow oral and written instructions. 5. Order and maintain irrigation parts and supplies. 6. Work cooperatively with others. 7. Estimate time and materials for sprinkler repair work. 8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, staff and others encountered in the course of work. Education, Training and Experience: Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; and two years of increasingly responsible experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of automatic sprinkler systems. Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: A valid California Class C driver's license, a good driving record and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy. Upon acceptance of the District’s offer of employment, new hires may be required to complete a baseline physical examination prior to the first day of employment. PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; walk or sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally over 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Mental Demands- While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use shop mathematics; observe and interpret situations; deal with changing, intensive deadlines; and interact with officials and the public. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee frequently works in extreme outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, and on slippery and uneven surfaces. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid condi¬tions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.