Senior Groundskeeper, Irrigation Technician

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Time Type:

Summary:

This Irrigation Technician/Senior Groundskeeper position provides support to the Grounds and Recycling Department through serving as an Irrigation Technician for the purpose of enhancing overall campus beautification, and maintaining a safe, functional, clean, efficient and attractive living and learning environment.

This job requires self-direction and limited supervision.

This position reports directly to the Grounds Operations Manager. Reporting directly to this position are Groundskeepers who are temporarily assigned and temporary part-time summer positions.

The nature of this Irrigation Technician's role within the organization is to schedule and perform irrigation maintenance and repairs, perform grounds maintenance, snow and ice removal, campus clean up, landscape installation, hardscape maintenance, and operate Grounds equipment, to promote campus beauty and distinction among urban universities.

Essential Functions:

• Weeds, cleans and mulches planting beds, applies agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, cultivates soil, plants, and prunes to ensure a neat clean bed appearance. Rakes and grades lawn areas in preparation of seeding or sodding.  

• Performs policing of assigned area for litter. Sweeps sidewalks, courtyards, and walkway using hand or power equipment.

• Operates heavy trucks and all Grounds equipment including power mowers, tractors, edgers, hedge trimmers, snow blower, snowplow, backpack blower, weed trimmers, etc. Services equipment with gas, oil, and water and performs minor equipment repairs.

• Performs snow and ice removal and applies deicing materials. Available for weekend and overtime work as scheduled or needed for snow removal and other assigned work.

• Performs athletic field maintenance and assists with leaf removal operations, landscape projects, and other assigned tasks as required.

• Oversee the operation of AU's central irrigation control system (Rainbird Maxicom). Repairs broken sprinkler heads, valves, and related irrigation equipment. Performs minor repairs on sprinkler control devices, sets controller clocks, and provides skilled labor to complete sprinkler system preventive maintenance work requests. Applies water to plant material as needed to avoid drought conditions. Identifies and takes the necessary action to repair all water leaks, pipe breaks, and malfunctioning irrigation equipment. Perform start-ups and winterizations. 

Competencies:

• Serving Customers.

• Supporting Coworkers.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Directly supervises groundskeepers who are temporarily assigned to watering during the summer months and temporary part time summer positions.

• Performs maintenance and repair of AU's campus-wide central irrigation control system.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.

• Non-exempt.

• This is a 40 hour/week position.

• Must be available for weekend and overtime work as scheduled or needed for snow removal and other assigned work.

• Serves as an essential employee on the winter weather emergency team.

Salary Range:

• $24.04-$31.25 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 3-5 years landscape/sports turf maintenance experience with 2-3 years of irrigation experience.

• Valid driver’s license, skill in the operation of heavy trucks and Grounds equipment.

• Knowledge of operation of Grounds equipment, horticulture maintenance practices and standards, irrigation systems, measuring and calculations as related to Grounds care.

• Knowledge of most common plant names and where to find information on those which he/she is not familiar with.

• Knowledge of work methods, equipment, and procedures to assure health and safety standards and precautions are in compliance with District, EPA, and OSHA regulations and requirements. 

• Knowledge of proper techniques for the repair and maintenance of commercial irrigation systems.

• Good verbal and written communication skills, ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. and capacity to work in seasonal weather conditions.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Ability to obtain grounds maintenance certification (i.e., CLT) within 18 months of employment.

• Ability to obtain D.C. pest control certification (3A, B) within 6 months of employment.

• 2-4 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Knowledge of work methods, equipment, and procedures to assure health and safety standards and precautions are applied to work performed. 

• Valid driver’s license. 

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Salary : $24 - $31