General Information


Job Description IRRIGATION MECH Working Title Irrigation Mechanic
Job Code 008102 Grade
Department Name Environmental & Resource Svcs - D01203 Department Head Toshio Ishida
Supervisor Mark Jones Effective Date 02/13/2023
Position(s) Directly Supervised
Job Code Title FTE

Department Custom Scope
The Irrigation Mechanic performs testing, inspection, repair and maintenance on the irrigation systems and equipment. Programs the central and/or field controllers in order to maximize the efficient use of water, while minimizing the irrigation impact on University programs and activities. Maintains controllers and field switching terminals, valves (manual and automatic), lines (main/lateral), and control/monitor wiring. Acts as liaison to campus grounds and helps coordinate construction and repair projects. Provides input on new construction and landscaping, which may include minor design and installations. The Irrigation Mechanic assists with the repair and preservation of structures, building systems, infrastructure and grounds in order to promote a safe, secure and comfortable campus environment. Maintains clear and accurate documentation of all operating data, inspections, testing and maintenance (corrective and/or preventative) performed. Updates equipment documentation, specifications and drawings, as needed. Responsible for responding to jobs and service request generated through work orders, scheduled maintenance programs or by emergency call-in. Responds to emergency situations during or after hours for the purposes of resolving immediate safety concerns. Performs all job duties in adherence with University and departmental safety guidelines. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
High School Diploma Preferred
Degree in landscape irrigation design and/or maintenance. Preferred

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement
4 years of experience in the irrigation skilled trade; irrigation design and installation, including dynamic and static pressure theory, pressure loss, and head placement; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required
Experience repairing mechanical, electrical and hydraulic operated irrigation equipment. Required
Experience operating tractors, backhoes, trenchers, and utility trucks. Required
Experience using tools and equipment common to the irrigation skilled trade and landscaping field. Required

License Requirements
License Requirement
Valid Driver License Required

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
Field Repairs: Repairs and/or replaces irrigation (up to 4") mains and laterals consisting of PVC, concrete asbestos, and/or steel galvanized pipes using clamps, saddles, couplings and lengths of pipes in any combination of components required. Repairs and/or replaces manually operated valves and irrigation components integrating a thorough knowledge of systems at UCR, including but not limited to the locations of backflows, valves and shut-offs. Repairs and/or rebuilds irrigation heads, risers, sprinklers and all irrigation system components; performs alterations and/or repairs in accordance with campus product standards. Separates and salvages components of repaired and/or replaced systems for re-utilization or vendor repair. Manufactures 1/2 inch to 2 inch risers and nipples using threading tools for use in field repairs. Operates grounds equipment, as needed. Site Coordination: Reviews irrigation blueprints/plans; participates in pre-demo site inspections, project planning and final site walk-throughs. Collaborates with inspectors to ensure compliance with plans and specifications, approval of modifications and communicate with inspectors and Landscape Services leadership of site problems. May coordinate with job contractors during the installation or project.
40
Irrigation Maintenance & Repair - Automatic Irrigation Control Systems: Performs repairs to mechanical, electrical and/or hydraulic irrigation controls; repairs and installs control boards on all Fruit Surface Temperatures (FST's) and central controllers; performs minor board changes and preventative maintenance on irrigation systems. Uses electronic instruments including ohm meters, wire locators and high voltage pulse units to locate broken or damaged wires; completes necessary repairs utilizing solder, shrink tubing and waterproof connectors. Checks 110 voltage lines to the FST's and replace damaged fuses. Repairs and/or replaces malfunctioning irrigation control valves. Performs alterations to existing irrigation systems; installs new systems per blue prints/plans and specifications. Installation and replacements includes but is not limited to all types of irrigation systems such as drip, micro-sprays, and subterranean.
40
Communication & Customer Service: Serves as liaison with clients, relaying their needs and requirements to the appropriate department or supervisor. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students. Communicates and reports to a supervisor and/or staff regarding any potential issues, not limited to potential safety hazards (e.g. broken glass, regulated materials, damaged steps, excess water, fire, etc.), or liabilities during the day-to-day operations. Contacts Facilities Services teams, as necessary, when further action is required. Responds to customer complaints and requests for information. Works with customer and campus personnel to accurately define the nature of the problem, determine the appropriate course of action, make recommendations and follow up to ensure resolution has been effective.
10
Shop Support: Performs computer input within the work order system for recording of labor and materials used in work performed; maintains clear and accurate documentation of all inspections, testing and maintenance performed. Updates equipment documentation, specifications and drawings as needed. Maintains a digital record of maintenance performed on equipment. Maintains knowledge of building and safety codes, hazardous material handling and disposal. Collaborates with other skilled trades and Facilities Services team members to complete minor renovation projects and maintenance projects. Assists with cleaning and maintaining organization of materials and tools at work sites. Cleans truck/shop and maintains organization of materials and tools; performs routine maintenance or coordinates for repair or replacement of tools and equipment, as required. Accounts for shop parts/supplies inventory and reports supply needs to be restocked. Consults with supervisor and/or lead for technical information, as needed. Interprets prints, schematics, wiring diagrams, flow charts and written descriptions of functions and project requirements. Supports maintenance projects and programmatic work assignments. Adheres to the scheduling and completion of work assignments through the work order system. Maintains accurate work order records and completes paperwork in a neat and timely manner. Defines and describes materials, tools and/or equipment, work methods and task sequences. Obtains materials and equipment, as required. Participates in safety and other trainings as required. Performs all job duties in adherence to all University and Departmental safety guidelines.
10

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Knowledge in irrigation design and installation, including dynamic and static pressure theory, pressure loss, and head placement. Required
Ability to repair mechanical, electrical and hydraulic operated irrigation equipment. Required
Skill and ability to safely and appropriately use hand and power tools, grinders, lathes, jacks, hydraulic presses, pneumatic hammers and wrenches, threaders, and gas and electric welders. Required
Ability to operate tractors, backhoes, trenchers, and utility trucks. Required
Ability to record information accurately as is necessary to perform the job responsibilities. Required
Ability to estimate time, methods and materials needed from construction documents. Ability to read and understanding documents such as complex technical procedures, work instructions, blue prints, plans, manuals, specifications, and diagrams. Required
Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations. Required
Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public, and provide exceptional customer service. Required
Willingness and ability to work weekends and holidays. Ability to work occasional scheduled and unscheduled overtime, emergency call-back, and a flexible schedule as needed. Required
Ability to effectively communicate and understand safety regulations and hazards. Required
Knowledge in safe and proper procedures when hazardous materials are suspected. Required
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Required
Basic knowledge and technical skills with computer programs and applications (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, web-based Work Order System, etc.). Required
Ability to work effectively; following through on assignments with minimal direction and fluctuating workload. Required
Knowledge of UC/UCR policies and systems. Preferred

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement
Must possess or obtain a Valid CA Driver License in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Required
Hired candidate must successfully pass a background check through the DOJ and FBI prior to appointment start date. Required
Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination prior to appointment start date. Required
Public Driving Record. Required
Must wear University issued uniform and follow departmental uniform guidelines. Required
Overtime Required

Other Special Requirements & Conditions

Level of Supervision Received
Supervision

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • Standard Office Equipment
  • Variety of hand and power tools, building tools, materials and equipment associated with irrigation work.
  • Backhoes, tractors, loaders, air compressors, air operated boring tools, threaders, electronic wires, pipe locators, trenchers, field switching terminals, controllers, and ohm meters.
  • Two-way radio
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • University vehicles, carts, tractors, backhoes, trenchers, and utility trucks.

Physical Requirements
  • Bend : Constantly
  • Sit : Occasionally
  • Squat : Frequently
  • Stand : Frequently
  • Crawl : Occasionally
  • Other : Ability to perform heavy/physically demanding tasks which require pushing, pulling, walking, standing, reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, squatting, stretching, reaching above shoulder level and lifting up to 75 pounds. Ability to lift, load, carry, move and manipulate various tools and materials. Ability to follow safe precautions and utilize appropriate safety devices, equipment and gear to safely perform physical requirements and duties.
  • Walk : Frequently
  • Climb : Occasionally

Mental Requirements
  • Read/Comprehend : Frequently
  • Write : Occasionally
  • Perform Calculations : Occasionally
  • Communicate Orally : Frequently
  • Reason & Analyze : Constantly

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : Yes
  • Is around moving machinery : Yes
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : Yes
  • Drives motorized equipment : Yes
  • Works in confined quarters : Yes
  • Dust : Yes
  • Fumes : Yes
  • Other : Ability to work for prolonged periods of time in conditions with excessive noise requiring ear and eye protection from equipment, hand and power tools. Ability to safely work around moving machinery and equipment. Ability to work for extended periods of time in extreme inclement weather conditions ranging from high heat with humidity, to freezing and rainy conditions. Ability to work in malodorous, dusty conditions, and fumes due to gas powered engines and equipment, etc.

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: Yes

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