IRRIGATION AND LIGHTING TECHNICIAN

Description

The Desert Botanical Garden is a major cultural institution in the Phoenix metropolitan area with a multi-faceted mission: conservation, education, research and exhibition of desert plants. In order to remain a sustainable part of the community, the Garden must model best practices and advocate for the health and growth of desert plants. 

This position will help install, renovate, and maintain all aspects of the existing irrigation system including sprinklers, drip systems, controllers and pump station. Additionally, this employee will also help install, renovate, and maintain all aspects of the landscape lighting throughout the planting beds in the Garden. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Improve and maintain the plant irrigation systems for the entire Desert Botanical Garden. This entails the general upkeep, acquisition of parts, and repairs of all aspects of the Garden's irrigation systems.
• Work with Director of Horticulture for Trails and Displays to implement and perform a regular irrigation reporting system, monitoring key irrigation related items using SMART irrigation software. Provide reports to Director with analysis and recommendations for repairs, modifications and water use. 
• Modify and install irrigation additions as plants are added to trails and displays utilizing industry wide best practices as assigned by Director. 
• Evaluate, install and maintain landscape lighting throughout Garden planting beds utilizing industry wide best practices.
• Work with Director of Horticulture for Trails and Displays and GIS manager to map all aspects of the irrigation and lighting system utilizing GPS technology and ArcGIS software.
• Assist with design and installation of new landscapes in new areas as assigned by the Director of Horticulture for Trails and Displays.
• Teaches and serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for the Garden’s Desert Landscape School in coordination with the Assistant Director for Public Horticulture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Pay range: $48,000 - $53,000 annually

Requirements

• 5 years of experience installing & maintaining intricate irrigation systems in public or private spaces. Knowledge of current industry technologies; (i.e. Central Control Systems/SMART irrigation) 
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgets and large-scale landscape projects
• Experience working with low voltage landscape and path lighting 
• Preferred, but not mandatory experience in the operation of heavy equipment (backhoe, forklift, bobcat)
• Exceptional time management, communication and organizational skills
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability to work weekends and evenings when needed

EQUIPMENT USED: Typical office equipment. This role will use small hand tools (loppers, shovels, pick-axes, sharp shooters, saws and general tools), power tools (sawzall, jackhammer, power drills, plate compactors, etc…) and construction equipment (forklift, excavator/backhoe, scissor lift, and trencher) for landscape maintenance and care.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION: Regular communication with Garden staff and volunteers

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION: Communication with vendors, contractors, and Garden guests

WORKING CONDITIONS: Must be able to walk, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend, see hear, speak, read and type. Manual dexterity and the ability to lift up to 60 pounds required. Consistently works in outside conditions that include inclement weather, humidity and extreme heat during the summer months. The Horticulture department implements a summer schedule to support the safety and well-being of staff working outside. Reasonable accommodations may be made, when necessary and feasible, to allow a qualified individual to perform essential job functions.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION: Desert Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspective, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence

All employees will help add to the Garden’s diversity and fully embrace it.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and deliverables of the role. This is not a contract and should not be viewed as such. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor and/or his/her/their designee.

Salary : $48,000 - $53,000