Grounds Maintenance Worker 2 - Irrigation Tech

Grounds Maintenance Worker 2 This position reports to the Landscape Department Coordinator and supports the Landscape Maintenance team through irrigation system maintenance, underground utility work, and associated earthworks across the SOU campus and Student Apartments and Family Housing (SAFH) properties. The primary focus of this role is the installation, operation, troubleshooting and repair of campus irrigation mainlines and distribution piping, along with related site infrastructure and landscape systems. This position performs complex field work including trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraint installations, site restoration, and emergency response repairs, while also participating in general landscape maintenance activities, equipment operation, and seasonal response tasks. The role works closely with other landscape staff to maintain safe, functional, and visually appealing campus grounds while supporting the long-term performance and reliability of irrigation and site infrastructure systems. Minimum Requirements: Pesticide applicator's license may be required based on position duties; AND Two years experience as a grounds keeper which included plant care; OR An Associate's degree in Landscape Technology or Horticulture; OR Completion of a Landscape Certification program or license in a horticultural specialty. Preferred Requirements: 3 + years of construction industry experience, preferable in municipal, commercial, institutional or agricultural settings, including experience serving as a crew lead or foreman. Demonstrated experience in the operation of heavy equipment, including forklifts, backhoes, compact excavators, skid-steers, light trucks, and equipment trailers. Large-scale irrigation systems or underground site utility experience in municipal, commercial, institutional or agricultural environments, including installation, repair and operational management. Experience reading and interpreting construction plans and as-built documentation. Familiarity with underground utility installation practices, trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraints, and pressure-rated irrigation piping systems. Certifications from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or equivalent water-industry training programs are highly desirable. Irrigation Association certifications (including CLIA, CID and CIC) are valued. Public Pesticide Applicator License through the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Must have the license category "Ornamental and Turf-Herbicide". Applicants must obtain this certification within 6 months of hire. Essential Functions: Duties - The following examples are typical work activities that are meant to illustrate the general range of work functions and are not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive: (45%) Duties Include: Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair campus irrigation and water distribution systems. Perform underground utility and earthwork tasks including trenching, pipe installation, mechanical restraints, and site restoration. Respond to leaks, system failures, shutdowns, and emergency repairs. Place and manage underground utility locate requests and coordinate safe excavation. Maintain field documentation and system records using mobile and GIS-based tools. (35%) Duties Include: Perform general landscape maintenance including mowing, edging, planting, pruning, mulching, aeration, and grounds upkeep. Identify and address irrigation, turf, plant health, pest and disease issues. Apply herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and soil amendments as directed. Perform seasonal snow and ice removal, debris cleanup and storm response. (20%) Duties Include: Operate and maintain landscape, irrigation, and construction equipment. Perform routine inspections, troubleshooting, and minor repairs; coordinate major repairs. Assist with material staging, equipment logistics, and job-site organization. Provide occasional crew leadership to temporary workers. Maintain shop, vehicles, and equipment. Attend meetings and training. Maintain required work files and records. Interact with faculty, staff, students, vendors and visitors in a courteous and professional manner. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor. Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations. Demonstrated ability to interpret and consistently apply a wide variety of complex policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not always exist. Expressed ability to work with frequent changes in policies and procedures, under pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical and research skills; demonstrated ability to gather, evaluate, and to develop well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations. Demonstrated ability to proactively assess work operations and anticipate potential problems; ability to develop and implement strategies for preventing/resolving problems. Great ability to effectively perform work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature that requires access to information. Must be able to exercise sound judgment and discretion, tact, and diplomacy. Takes initiative in independently planning, organizing, and performing work assignments within broadly defined parameters Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of productivity and accuracy/attention to detail. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the demonstrated ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines. Expressed skill to independently analyze software functionality through technical documents, and design and document efficient/effective work processes; ability to independently analyze software problems, test probable causes, and recommend sound solutions. Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, social media platforms, Internet as well as online calendaring and email. Demonstrated ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds. Willingness to and work effectively in a heavily bureaucratic environment which requires regular interaction with a number of levels within the organization and multiple outside agencies. Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn, university infrastructure, policies, and procedures. Demonstrated ability to provide training and direction to student assistants. Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude. Maintain a safe and safety-conscious workplace. Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance Ensures that Safety and Risk Management practices are followed in the performance of all work Organizes work to ensure efficient use of resources and to meet work completion deadlines Knowledge or willingness to learn about the following: Installation, troubleshooting, and repair of irrigation distribution piping, including mainlines, laterals, valves, controllers, sensors, and sprinklers. Underground utility and earthworks construction practices, including trenching, bedding, compaction, pipe installation, mechanical restraints, and site restoration. Reading and implementing construction drawings, utility locates, and as-built documentation. Placing, tracking, and managing underground utility locate requests; interpreting locate markings and color codes; and coordinating safe excavation practices. Field documentation, recordkeeping, and system mapping using mobile devices and GIS-based workflows. Safe work practices around underground utilities, pressurized systems, and active construction environments; Ability to work independently on complex irrigation and sitework tasks while remaining fully integrated within the landscape maintenance team structure. Physical Demands: Pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching; lifting and carrying 70+ lbs., climbing; planting, pruning. Using mowers, chainsaws, heavy equipment, rakes, shovels, aerators, plows, blowers and heavy trucks. Exposure to chemicals (fertilizers and pesticides), insects and fumes and familiarity with required personal protective equipment. Works in a variety of weather conditions. Special Conditions: Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development. Must be able to work additional hours and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-