Job Details

Irrigation Specialist

Position Number: 6893122
Location: Seattle, WA
Position Type: Agriculture - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Irrigation Specialist

Seattle University

Irrigation Specialist

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Months Per Year: 12

Hours Per Week: 40

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: On-site

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

This position is represented by Seattle/King County Building & Construction Trades Council.

The Irrigation Specialist is responsible for the maintenance, repair, installation, and efficient operation of campus irrigation systems to ensure optimal water management across university grounds. This position supports sustainability goals through water conservation practices, irrigation scheduling, and system optimization. The role requires a high degree of technical knowledge, attention to detail, and coordination with the broader grounds and landscaping team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Inspect, maintain, repair, and adjust irrigation systems including valves, controllers, sensors, piping, and sprinkler heads.
Perform central control programing and monitor irrigation controllers to ensure appropriate water coverage and timing based on weather, soil, and plant needs.
Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical and hydraulic issues in irrigation systems.
Install new irrigation systems or modify existing systems for landscape improvements or construction projects.
Purchase irrigation hardware and equipment to maintain inventory and for Grounds projects.
Perform seasonal system start-up and winterization (blow-out) procedures.
Maintain accurate records of irrigation zones, controller locations, repairs, and water usage.
Assist with landscape renovation and turf management projects requiring irrigation support.
Coordinate with Facilities and Sustainability teams to ensure compliance with water conservation goals and local water use regulations.
Respond to service request work orders and emergencies related to irrigation leaks, breaks, or malfunctions.
Operate trenchers, backhoes, and other light equipment safely.
Provide guidance and training to Grounds staff on proper irrigation operation and maintenance.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair, preferably in large-scale commercial or institutional settings.
Experience with irrigation system design, hydraulics, and electrical and digital control systems.
Ability to read, interpret, update blueprints, plans, and specifications.
Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Irrigation Technician (CIT) or Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) through the Irrigation Association.
Experience with central irrigation control systems and smart controllers (e.g., Calsense, Rain Bird)
Familiarity with water conservation strategies and sustainability practices.
Experience working in a university or public sector environment.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Frequently required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Operate hand tools, power equipment, and vehicles safely.

Work Environment

Outdoor campus setting with exposure to weather, noise, and occasional heavy equipment operations.
Standard work hours with possible weekend or evening shifts during irrigation emergencies or peak maintenance periods.

Application Instructions

Please include a cover letter with your resume when applying, and also email your resume to brittons@seattleu.edu. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $33.00 per hour - $35.00 per hour

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

To apply, please visit: https://seattleu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/8/home/requisition/3028?c=seattleu