Irrigation Specialist

The Presidio Trust is seeking an Irrigation Specialist who will support the Infrastructure Division. Once an Army base, the Presidio of San Francisco is now a new kind of national park. The 1,500-acre Presidio is richly layered in history, is a natural oasis for wildlife, plants, and people, and offers iconic views known around the world. In its third decade as a park, public awareness and enjoyment of this exceptional place continue to grow.

The Irrigation Specialist is responsible for specialized work related to the installation, maintenance, and minor design of irrigation systems of the Presidio which distributes over 40 million gallons of irrigation water annually throughout the park in order to keep the Presidio’s lawns, shrubs, and trees green, healthy, and beautiful for park visitors and tenants.

Work includes simple, repetitive tasks, but most tasks are complex that require trouble shooting, considerable thought, a high degree of accuracy and precision, and consequences if not completed correctly (e.g. property damage, injury to visitors, wasted water). The controllers all have different standards and there are gaps in the guidelines available, so initiative and judgment are required to accomplish work assignments, evaluate problems, and determine how or what work needs to be done. Adjustments and adaptations are made when needed and operational details and skills are continuously improved to conserve water and monitor the water needs of the landscape.

This is a full-time position with benefits and a starting at $35.36 per hour. This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically The Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by August 11, 2023, will receive first consideration.

Responsibilities

• Install, troubleshoot, test, and repair irrigation controllers, valves, central system equipment, and other irrigation equipment and components as necessary.
• Inspect and monitor landscape areas for irrigation problems, water management and conservation. Perform annual tests on all irrigation systems prior to the dry season and work with landscape personnel to become familiar with use of systems as needed.
• Program and operate controllers manually and utilize central control computer and hand-held communication devices. Utilize central system computer to manage system performance, identify and repair problems, check alerts, and generate irrigation reports.
• Assist landscape stewardship staff and other Presidio Trust staff in diagnosing and troubleshooting irrigation related problems.
• Review, revise, and occasionally design irrigation systems that meet Department standards. Draw irrigation as-built diagrams.
• Coordinate with project managers on inspection of new irrigation installations and prepares irrigation punch lists.
• Operate trenchers, tractors and other equipment and tools used for the installation and repair of irrigation systems. Excavate soil using hand tools including pick and shovel.
• Demo, form, pour and finish concrete projects for irrigation-related work including controller pads, antenna bases, and pump pads with electrical conduits
• Respond as appropriate to requests, questions, comments, and concerns from public, residents, tenants and Presidio staff using the principals of good communication and customer service; reports problems or issues to supervisor.
• Accurately input daily progress and accomplishments into the current Computerized Maintenance Management System (Yardi).
• Other duties as assigned.

Skill and Knowledge

The Irrigation Specialist applies a working knowledge of, and skill in applying:

• The methods, practices, tools, materials, and equipment used in installing, operating, and maintaining irrigation systems.
• Water requirements for various soil types, turf grass, trees and plants and basic irrigation design principles
• Irrigation principles including hydraulics, ET (evapotranspiration) programming, low voltage wiring, friction losses, distribution uniformity, head-to-head coverage, valve operation, irrigation electrical systems, and standardized irrigation part names
• Technical principles of operating sprinkler rotors, spray, and drip systems, including precipitation rates, gallonage, programing times, uniformity
• Advanced irrigation programming for computer-based controllers and proficiency in the software needed to operate irrigation controllers, data, and tracking systems.
• Principles and practices of work safety including safely operating powered equipment and hand tools and adhering to all safety procedures.
• Strong customer service focus and delivery

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED); and
• Three (3) years of experience working in landscape irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Basic proficiency in computer use; including software used in operating irrigation controllers, data, and tracking systems.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment and tools (e.g. trenchers, small back hoes, small power tools) used in irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair; perform minor irrigation system design.
• Ability to perform basic masonry, electrical and plumbing work including the ability to build pads for controllers, antennas, and pumps; install conduit, wires, and connection boxes; and solder copper and water connections.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as area, circumference, and volume; and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and the ability to share information, objectives, techniques, and work methods.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and read and interpret plans, specifications, and documents such as: safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
• Ability to apply a common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Desired Qualifications

A passion for the mission and values of the Presidio Trust.

Physical Effort

The work requires frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects of varying weights, sizes, and shapes. The Work also involves physical effort related to movement such as walking, bending, digging, lifting, and backfilling trenches, including periodic extended periods of time standing or excavating soil. Dexterity is required for repairing valves and small parts.

Working Conditions

The Irrigation Specialist works primarily outdoors where there is exposure to hazards such as varying weather conditions, tree hazards, electrical hazards, street traffic, glue solvents, noise and vibration from power tool usage, gas exposure from refueling equipment and lead exposure. Standard PPE is required to perform the work. Steel-toed boots are always required and traffic cones, safety vests, gloves, and hard hats are occasionally needed.

About the Presidio Trust Irrigation Specialist

The Irrigation team is responsible for properly managing the irrigation systems throughout the Trust-managed areas of the Presidio. The Irrigation Specialist is responsible for providing irrigation services, technical assistance, and guidance to Trust landscape stewardship staff, coordinating with Trust project managers and planners on projects, and responding to Presidio tenant requests.

Driver’s License Investigation & Review

This position requires a current, valid Driver’s License prior to starting work, and maintenance of a driver’s license throughout occupancy of the position. You will be subject to a driver’s license investigation as a New Entrant, and annual driver’s license reviews thereafter. An individual’s granting of an investigation and resulting reports thereafter is voluntary, however, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a driver’s license investigation. The Trust may refuse to hire an individual, rescind an offer of employment, or review and terminate the employment of a current employee who does not successfully complete the driver’s license investigation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

All Presidio Trust employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. Employment is contingent upon submitting a COVID-19 Certification of Vaccination or qualifying for an exemption when hired.

 

The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. Complete the employment application on our website and email the completed application to jobs@presidiotrust.gov.