Irrigation Technician

Season: Full Time (40hr/week) – April 1, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Hours: 7:30am - 4:00pm M-F (some weekend and evening hours may be required)

Pay: According to experience and qualifications - starting at $15.00/hr

Job Description: The Seasonal Irrigation Technician will be an employee of McCrory Gardens and South Dakota State University, under the general supervision of the Crew leader and Director of Horticulture & Grounds. The Seasonal Irrigation Technician will play an important role in maintaining McCrory Gardens and its diverse plantings during the spring, summer, and fall seasons through the operation, installation, maintenance and repair of manual, semi-automatic and automatic irrigation systems. Together with a team of gardeners, volunteers, and maintenance technicians, as well as the McCrory Gardens administration team, the Seasonal Irrigation Technician’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following.

Primary Tasks:

· Assist with preventative maintenance of designated system;

· Assist in maintaining and recording irrigation parts inventory;

· Check irrigation system daily for leaks;

· Monitor and perform irrigation of plantings, especially during time of establishment and drought;

· Perform all maintenance and repair of irrigation systems;

· Scheduling and monitoring of automatic irrigation systems;

· Perform all routine maintenance of water features (fountains, waterfall, etc);

· Install new irrigation systems;

· Update irrigation maps;

· Assist with Garden Glow setup and operation;

Secondary Tasks:

· Assist in planting of 30,000 annuals, perennials, vines, bulbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees;

· Install various annual display beds as well as containers;

· Care for diverse plantings located throughout McCrory Gardens;

· Perform seasonal landscape work including pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing and transplanting;

· Stage equipment, supplies, and materials for daily operations;

· Operate a variety of hand tools, power tools and vehicles needed for daily operations;

· Participate in trash removal procedures, as needed;

· Maintain highest standards for cleanliness and order throughout McCrory Gardens;

· Maintain equipment and tools needed to perform daily tasks;

Requirements:

· Excellent communication skills

· Ability to lift 25 lbs.

· Willing to work in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions

· Team player, creative and organized

· Self-motivated with the ability to work alone and in groups

· Enthusiastic, work to high standards and ability to take direction

· Strong work ethic

· Background check required

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

· Obtained or currently pursuing a degree in a related field, (Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, etc.)

· Knowledgeable about hand tools and small machinery a plus

· Driver’s license preferred

· Basic irrigation/plumbing skills a plus

· Strong gardening skills

Help us grow the largest botanical garden in South Dakota!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15