Irrigation Specialist (HARD)

THE DISTRICT

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is an independent special use district providing park and recreation services to over 250,000 residents living within a 64 square mile area which includes the City of Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, and the unincorporated Ashland, Cherryland and Fairview districts. The Park District known locally as "H.A.R.D." is the largest recreation district in the state of California.  Since it's creation in 1944, the District has provided residents with many beautiful facilities and parks, as well as hundreds of educational and recreational classes and programs.  The mission of the Park District is improving the quality of life for citizens of all ages by providing a variety of recreational activities, special events, facilities and services that encourage life-long learning, fitness and fun.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, to perform a wide variety of duties to improve and maintain the efficient operation and maintenance of the District's irrigation systems; and to perform related duties as required.

This single position class installs, maintains and repairs irrigation systems at District parks and facilities.  This is accomplished by performing maintenance tasks including inspecting, auditing, diagnosing, and repairing irrigation systems.  The Irrigation Technician works individually or in crews while utilizing initiative and sound judgement in planning and scheduling.  They may work from plans, use a variety of power tools and equipment such as electrical saws, drills, pumps, and hand tools.  This work requires significant knowledge and skills related to irrigation installation and maintenance, and use of centralized programmable irrigation systems.  Work is reviewed under supervision of Parks Supervisor.

Experience:

The equivalent of four (4) years of full time experience in the grounds maintenance field, specifically maintaining irrigation systems for parks, golf courses and facilities.

License:

Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license and a good driving record.

Certifications:

Association CLIA Certification preferred or must be attained within the first year of employment.

Special Requirement:

Must be available to work evenings and weekends.

NOTE:  The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of the examination.

Knowledge of:

• The route care of irrigation systems and field maintenance.
• Tools and equipment used for irrigation systems maintenance work.
• Programming and adjusting of irrigation clocks and central control systems.
• Proper weed abatement techniques and proper safety precautions for handling chemicals.
• Components of plant and turf health including signs of distress, effect of weather and impact of users.
• Best practices for irrigation use of recycled water.

• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Read, write and clearly speak effectively.
• Learn and utilize new computerized central irrigation programs and be able to maximize their effectiveness in water management.
• Exhibit a high customer service priority.
• Establish and maintain open and honest communications with co-workers and the general public.
• Within OSHA guidelines, withstand periods of physical expose to the presence of fumes, odors, dust and pollen without incapacitating adverse effect.
• Safely transport, lift and handle bulky objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Resolve irrigation idiosyncrasies unique to District facilities.
• Diagnose problems with electrical meters and pumps; necessary repairs and adjustments to maintain all systems in proper working conditions.
• Install time clocks that operate irrigation systems.
• Maintain records and submit reports on conditions of all irrigation systems.
• Work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evenings, as required.
• Interpret irrigation plans.
• Inventory parts, supplies and equipment of irrigation systems.
• Install valve program for irrigation systems.
• Operate various pieces of maintenance equipment.
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under hot and humid conditions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and other employees.
• Operate the Districts vehicle and possess the required license.
• Prioritize irrigation repairs based on established District priorities.
• Plan and organize work.

Applicants will be informed via email with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance. The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency:

TENTATIVE SELECTION PLAN:

Last Day to File:                                  Monday, January 15, 2019

Review of Minimum Qualifications:     Wednesday January 23, 2019

Screen for Best Qualified:                   Friday, February 1, 2019

Performance Examination:                 Week of February 18, 2019        

*WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PLAN*   Alameda County and the Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination and/or selection process to accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Alameda County’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy and applicable statutes. To request an accommodation due to a disability/medical condition during this or other phases of the examination/selection process, please contact the assigned Human Resources Representative listed on the job announcement before the last date of filing. Alameda County requires applicants to provide supporting documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation. In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a disability/medical condition pursuant to the ADA, FEHA and applicable statutes. For more information regarding our Reasonable Accommodation procedures, please visit our website, www.acgov.org/hrs

BENEFITS FOR POSITIONS AT HAYWARD AREA RECREATION DEPARTMENT

• Ten (10) working days paid vacation each year; fifteen (15) days after five (5) years of service; and twenty (20) days after thirteen (13) years of service Fourteen (14) paid holidays a year.
• Sick leave is accrued at the rate of one (1) day per month.
• Choice of three (3) health plans for employees and their dependents, most, if not all of which is paid for by the District.  The medical plan design offered to employees is a $15 HMO Plan or High Deductible PPO Plan. Employees may elect coverage provided through one of the two medical carriers, United Healthcare HMO or PPO, Kaiser Permanente HMO
• Comprehensive dental plan for employees and their dependents.
• Vision care reimbursement benefit.
• Social Security paid for by District and employee.
• Public Employees Retirement System 2% at 62 for new hires; 2% at 60 for new employees hired after January 1, 2013 that are already members of CalPERS.
• Long Term Disability Plan paid by District.
• Life Insurance policy ($40,000) paid by District.
• Deferred Compensation Plan available, employee funded.
• Employee Credit Union services.
• Educational Tuition Reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Post employment healthcare plan contribution of 1.5% of base salary paid by District.
• State Disability, employee funded.