Landscape Irrigation Specialist

The Landscape Irrigation Specialist, under the general supervision of a Landscape Operations Supervisor, supports the installation and maintenance of irrigation equipment and systems. This position requires instruction on proper commercial horticultural management and the use of industry equipment and focuses on the maintenance and repairs of the irrigation system. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and testing of irrigation equipment, systems, and pumps; includes but is not limited to computerized, manual, and electronic valve clocks, irrigation systems and controllers, solenoid valves and heads.
• Map irrigation systems for master plans.
• Monitor and manage irrigation schedules on a proactive basis.
• Programming controllers and training others on how to program.
• Use of web-based systems to review irrigation flows, schedules, alerts, and irregularities.
• Provide guidance and assistance to Water Conservation Programs.
• Keep a clean, orderly, and safe workplace and report unsafe working conditions and/or practices to the Supervisor immediately.
• Attend and/or participate in regular meetings with supervisor and other staff as assigned.
• Responsible for the consistent delivery of on-time work production and service in line with Rubicon Landscapes and contract quality standards. Identify irrigation issues and make suggestions, repairs, and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Training or educating ready or willing team members in the art of landscape irrigation.
• Remove debris from water landscapes and make irrigation adjustments.
• Communication: Build relationships with clients and property managers; serve as the first point of contact in the field for questions and issues. 
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Leadership, reliability, teamwork, interpersonal flexibility, solid communication skills, a customer service approach, and receptivity to instructions and feedback from supervisors.
• Proficiency in the use and inspection of backpack sprayers, pole saw/pruners, hand saws, lawn mowers greater than 36" rototillers, brush chippers, aerators, thatchers and basic sprinkler adjustments and repairs.
• Demonstrate competent skills working with wiring/valve issues, 2-wire/decoder systems, repairing irrigation main breaks/leaks sized piping up to 6”, and working with various types of commercial irrigation controllers.
• Possess a landscape construction background to manage and assist in new landscape installations or renovations to existing landscapes.  Maintain time management for developing phases of landscape projects and plan for materials to be used on the sites.
• Exhibit flexibility and knowledge to operate various construction equipment such as tractors, trenchers, excavators, compactor plates, and trench compactors.
• Comfortable in using technology and software on a daily basis.  

COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership, reliability, teamwork, interpersonal flexibility, solid communication skills, a customer service approach, and receptivity to instructions and feedback from supervisors.
• Proficiency in the use and inspection of backpack sprayers, pole saw/pruners, hand saws, lawn mowers greater than 36" rototillers, brush chippers, aerators, thatcher's and basic sprinkler adjustments and repairs.
• Demonstrate competent skills working with wiring/valve issues, 2-wire/decoder systems, repairing irrigation main breaks/leaks sized piping up to 6”, and working with various types of commercial irrigation controllers.
• Possess a landscape construction background to manage and assist in new landscape installations or renovations to existing landscapes.  Maintain time management for developing phases of landscape projects and plan for materials to be used on the sites.
• Exhibit flexibility and knowledge to operate various construction equipment such as tractors, trenchers, excavators, compactor plates, and trench compactors.
• At least 5 years of experience performing landscape irrigation installation and repairs, and management of commercial irrigation systems, centralized irrigation control, water budgeting, and soil moisture management. Experience with automated and manually operated portable irrigation systems, operation, and repair.
• Experience and expertise in mapping irrigation systems for master plans
• Proof of a valid Real ID driver's license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle report.
• Must pass a federal background check.  
• Bend and/or kneel up to 50% to 60% of the time. 
• Lift, reach, carry, push, pull: up to 50 pounds and up to 50% of the time. 
• Stand and walk up to 90% of the time. 
• Must be able to work outside during all seasons of the year. 
• Conversant or fluent in English language and conversant in Spanish language. 
• Must be proficient in using a smartphone to send/receive calls, text, and emails.  

COMPENSATION 

• STARTING PAY: $30-35/hour 
• Medical HMO/HSA, dental, and vision health plans. 
• Paid vacation 
• Sick leave and company holidays.
• Employee-sponsored retirement plan.
• Company uniform with free laundering and mending.
• Provided PPE, vehicle, trailer, and equipment.
• A safety-focused, professional workplace.  
• Year-round, full-time position. 
• Competitive hourly pay, including federal prevailing wage for some assignments. 
• Advancement opportunities.  

About Rubicon

An $18M non-profit Rubicon, provides direct services at eight locations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties and operates a growing commercial landscape social enterprise program that is a leader in sustainable practices. Rubicon transforms East Bay communities by equipping people to break the cycle of poverty. Recognized as a national leader in workforce development, Rubicon provides individualized one-on-one career advising, job search support, financial education, wellness and legal services, to very low-income people who face significant barriers to achieving economic mobility.

Rubicon is a 2022 Great Place to Work, on a journey towards becoming a high-road employer and an anti-racist organization. We are committed to systems change and advocacy through efforts like expanding and deepening Employee Resource Groups; the launch of an internal Racial Justice Task Force; and implementation of talent and culture supports that acknowledge and facilitate healing from the direct and indirect effects of racial trauma.

Rubicon actively recruits staff members with a diversity of culture, thought, and lived experiences who are not only highly skilled, but who consistently demonstrate a commitment to our vision of an East Bay without poverty and are passionate about this work.

Rubicon is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and values diversity of culture, thought, and lived experiences. We seek talented, qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, conviction history, uniform service membership/veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical conditions, genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression regardless of physical gender, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. 

Rubicon uses E-Verify to validate the eligibility of our new employees to work legally in the United States.