Irrigation Technology Specialist; working title: Landscape Irrigation Specialist

Red Butte Garden in seeking a Landscape Irrigation Specialist to assist in the maintenance of the Garden’s landscape irrigation systems, for all outdoor garden plantings, turf, plant production facilities, indoor and seasonal plant displays, and outdoor decorative and interactive fountains, and in a manner that provides the supplemental water required for plantings to thrive without wasting water. Must work as a functional team with assigned supervisor in providing excellent care for the Garden’s irrigation systems and fountains, ensuring maintenance activities are performed effectively, safely, and without impact to Garden or private events by coordinating with appropriate personnel and departments as needed. Supports the supervisor in providing leadership and training to seasonal staff and volunteers as assigned.

Pay:

$20/hr. or more, depending on experience

An excellent benefits package is included (see here for a full description of the benefits package):
• 14.2% employer retirement contribution in addition to employee contributions (automatic and immediately vested)
• Paid parental leave (in addition to FMLA)
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation accruals each month
• Excellent health insurance options that are both affordable and allow access to care through the University of Utah health system
• Tuition reduction for employees and family members
• Options for short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and HSA/FSA savings plans are available
• Free public transportation pass

Work Schedule:

This position requires attendance in order to perform job duties. The work schedule requires one weekend day shift and periodic evening coverage; with additional shifts periodically to provide necessary coverage for Garden programs/events or snow removal. As ‘essential personnel’ this position is expected to provide coverage during Holidays and University Closed Days, to provide minimum garden coverage, clear the Garden for reopening, and/or respond to other emergencies as required.

Responsibilities:

1) Performs and supports the supervisor to identify, prioritize, and implement all maintenance and repair objectives and ensure work efforts meet established expectations, best practices, timelines, and safety guidelines, while avoiding conflict with Garden and private events. Maintains an effective conduit of communication/collaboration with staff and co-workers.

2) Performs and supports the supervisor to maintain a well-functioning irrigation system and associated software programing to ensure supplemental water applied to Garden plantings meet requirements for thriving landscapes and seasonal displays, while minimizing waste.
Duties include:
• Routine inspection, troubleshooting and diagnosis, maintain/repair/replace system components as necessary, such as valves, lines, heads, nozzles, drip, clocks, back flow preventers, etc.
• Program irrigation software (WeatherTrac), coordinating with respective Horticulturists to ensure coverage meets the supplemental water requirements for respective plantings, soil types and grades, including scheduling, run times, coverage concerns, weather related and seasonal adjustments.
• Fall shutdown/blowout, and spring startup.
• Maintain appropriate inventory of irrigation system repair supplies to facilitate timely repairs.

3) Maintain other water related systems such as outdoor drinking fountains, decorative fountains, pond diversion system, greenhouse systems, etc. Duties include and are not limited to monitoring, assessing, cleaning, testing, filter maintenance/replacement, programing and maintaining timer/clocks. Also includes seasonal startup and shutdown of these systems and the Amphitheater restrooms.
Assists and supports the supervisor in maintaining the interactive fountain (Children’s Garden) according to the Garden’s Interactive Fountain Management Plan and the SLC Dept. of Health and maintains Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification.

4) Assists and supports the supervisor and project coordinators with new irrigation system design, review, and installation oversight. Collaborates with irrigation contractors as necessary and periodically inspects new installations to ensure project specifications and industry standards are met. Assists in establishing and maintaining drawings of the irrigation system as it exists and changes, including maps showing areas covered by respective valves.

5) Supports supervisor in ensuring staff and volunteers are properly trained on safe operation of motorized equipment according to University of Utah requirements. Stays up to date on department and UofU policies and guidelines applicable to position expectations/ requirements and assists enforcement of policies and guidelines including but not limited to Safety. In the event of an emergency, may be required to implement safety guidelines following departmental and UofU policy and Emergency Response plan. May serve on the Safety Committee, assist with committee assignments, and/or provide feedback in updating/improving departmental policy and guidelines.

6) Serves as a resource for professional knowledge in field of expertise for the public and peers, through interacting with Garden guests; responding to inquiries; providing content for Garden publications, website, interpretive elements; assisting Marketing and Communications department with TV or radio spots; and periodically teach programs or lead Garden tours in areas of expertise. Maintains knowledge of current best maintenance practices by researching current information and/or documenting innovative maintenance techniques. May serve as a department representative on Garden-wide committees, and/or periodically present in areas of expertise at local or regional conferences.

7) Performs snow and ice removal operations as necessary to ensure the safety of Garden staff and guests, and in a manner that preserves garden structures, hardscape and plant life. Collectively, snow removal duties must be performed before and during operating hours, seven days/week, including Holidays, after hours for scheduled private events, and when called to work during a University Closed Day, to clear snow before the Garden can be reopened.

8) Implements assigned section(s) of Fundraiser Plant Sales by providing assistance with organization and setup; ensuring excellent customer service; and takedown after the events, and all other duties required for a successful event.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience)
• 5 years experience in horticulture, landscape/irrigation maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting
• Familiarity with the growing requirements of ornamental and annual varieties of trees and shrubs, and various drought tolerant turfs.
• Familiarity with Weather Trac or similar irrigation control system
• Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Excel
• Possession of a valid Landscape Irrigation Auditor certificate, or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Valid driver’s license
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills

Strongly Preferred:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Turf Management, or related field or equivalent, with emphasis on underground irrigation systems or landscape maintenance
• At least two years’ experience in irrigation system maintenance, diagnosis, repair, and installation (Without a related Bachelor’s degree, at least 5 years related experience is required)
• One year’s experience in leading others
• A valid Utah driver’s license and proof of insurability
• A Registered Pool Operator permit or ability to obtain within the first year of employment
• Able to safely and proficiently operate all equipment and tools common to the trade, including but not limited to vehicles, tractors, snow plows, lifts, chain saws, trimmers etc.
• Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and to work safely in inclement conditions, such as heat, cold, precipitation, etc.
• Demonstrated human relations skills; including effective written and oral communication
• Able to read/interpret blue prints, equipment manuals, sketches, diagrams, etc.,
• Commitment to provide excellent customer service and maintain a consistent professional demeanor/presence
• Familiarity with personal computers, Microsoft office suite, and irrigation maintenance software (WeatherTrac)
• Experience working in a public garden;
• Advanced degree in Horticulture or Turf Management;
• A valid Landscape Irrigation Auditor certificate, or ability to obtain within the first year of employment

All applicants must apply online at https://employment.utah.edu/

Reference Job# PRN42109B