Irrigation And Turf Specialist - #256944

Description

The Irrigation and Turf Specialist is a field-based specialist position with

an emphasis on landscape irrigation systems, athletic fields, agricultural

irrigation systems, horticultural areas, and various types of turf

management and maintenance. The Specialist will be responsible for the

coordination of associated operational, maintenance, stewardship, and

improvement programs and assigned staff and contractors. This position also

serves as a member of the Operations Team supporting general field operations

and maintenance of County open spaces, parks and trails as assigned by

supervis

Duties

Maintains park, open space, and agricultural site irrigation systems to

include installing new systems / parts, irrigation start up and

winterization, routine inspections and maintenance, and minor and major

repairs/renovations.

Troubleshoots and diagnoses plumbing, electrical, pump and controller

issues related to irrigation systems to ensure efficient system operations.

Must be able to operate an irrigation central control system and manage

associated clocks and monitoring equipment.

Performs routine maintenance on irrigation systems including water clocks,

spray heads, lateral/main lines, booster pumps, backflows,

agricultural irrigation pivot system to optimize equipment functionality and

ef

Performs landscape and grounds maintenance duties on Arapahoe County parks,

turf, irrigation systems, traditional/synthetic sports fields,

landscape beds, and other related facilities.

Develops and implements irrigation operational plans, turf management

plans, and water conservation programs for divisional properties. Draft

associated reports and maintains databases to support program management.

Reads construction landscape and irrigation plans to understand system

components, system design and operations. Provide input to construction

plans for new irrigation systems, landscape, and turf areas in partnership

with planning staff.

Performs installation, maintenance, repairs and maintenance on wells,

pumps, and their associated electrical systems not requiring a licensed

electrician. Maintain irrigation ponds including but not limited to

maintaining water levels, removing vegetation/debris and other issues

affecting irrigation ponds.

Operates and maintains parks, horticulture, forestry and trail maintenance

equipment including but not limited to County vehicles, seeders, mowers,

spray equipment, chainsaws, plows, power tools, tractors, UTVs,

dump trucks, trailers, skid steers, front-end loaders, bucket trucks, and mini

Assesses conditions of turf and schedules appropriate maintenance to support

turf health and resiliency such as fertilization, pesticide treatment,

aeration, overseeding and top-dressing.

Coordinates with administrative staff to keep well permits with the State of

Colorado up to date. Responsible for staying within permitted water right

volumes. Position reports water meter readings to various water authorities on

established timeframes.

Participates in public outreach, citizen, adjacent landowner, park user

groups, and volunteer education/engagement efforts and programs to provide

information on divisional park management, turf management, irrigation

management, and other operational activities.

Understands and adheres to safe work practices and procedures. Monitor

parks, open spaces, trailheads, and trails for safety issues and

compliance with County standards and polices.

Maintains assorted records and reports utilizing County software applications

to track work reporting/monitoring, develop work orders, and ensure

efficient use of staff time and irrigation water.

Supports the removal of debris and snow from open spaces, parks,

trailheads, trails, and sidewalks using sweeping and snow removal

equipment. Supports County level snow removal and emergency management

operations when necessary.

Supports the operations and logistics associated with special ev nts occurring

at the 17 Mile House Farm Park, the Fairgrounds Event Center or through

Departmental partnerships.

Skills, Abilities And Competencies

Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques

of turf and irrigation (including central controller management,

start-up, and system winterization) management, maintenance, and repair.

Extensive knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools, and

equipment used in turf, irrigation, and park maintenance and repair.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of parks,

open space, trail and landscape management and maintenance.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Ability to

train and educate field staff on these practices.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of Best Management Practices in turf

management and irrigation system installation, operation, and maintenance.

General knowledge of horticulture to include annuals, perennials, plant

identification and basic landscape design and installation.

Knowledge in the use and application of GPS devices, geographic information

systems, and other technologies to collect field data, monitor, and

manage irrigation systems and associated assets.

Use of maintenance management and work order software to track time and effort

required to manage irrigation, turf and horticultural programs and activities.

Ability to work independently on a regular basis and occasionally lead a team

of field staff.

Ability to apply pesticides/herbicides as part of an integrated pest and

turf management program.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions which includes

communicating in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.

Ability to produce field reports and provide data summaries.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County

officials, general public, internal and external customers.

Behavioral Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG):

Accountability

Accessibility

Inclusivity