Irrigation Technology Specialist

Job Summary
Red Butte Garden & Arboretum ( RBGA ) is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West and together with the University of Utah is the State Arboretum of Utah. We are located on 100 acres in the foothills on the eastern edge of the University of Utah campus. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive Natural Area. The Garden which is community-funded; is renowned for its numerous plant collections display gardens 590000 springtime blooming bulbs; including a vast collection of daffodils; gorgeous private event spaces a world-class outdoor concert series and award-winning horticulture-based educational programs. Red Butte Garden in seeking a Landscape Irrigation Specialist to assist in the maintenance of the Gardens landscape irrigation systems for all outdoor garden plantings turf plant production facilities indoor and seasonal plant displays and outdoor decorative and interactive fountains and in a manner that provides the supplemental water required for plantings to thrive without wasting water. Must work as a functional team with assigned supervisor in providing excellent care for the Gardens irrigation systems and fountains ensuring maintenance activities are performed effectively safely and without impact to Garden or private events by coordinating with appropriate personnel and departments as needed. Supports the supervisor in providing leadership and training to seasonal staff and volunteers as assigned. An excellent benefits package is included (see here for a full description of the benefits package): 14.2% employer retirement contribution in addition to employee contributions (automatic and immediately vested) Paid parental leave (in addition to FMLA ) 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation accruals each month Excellent health insurance options that are both affordable and allow access to care through the University of Utah health system Tuition reduction for employees and family members Options for short-term and long-term disability insurance life insurance and HSA / FSA savings plans are available Free public transportation pass (see here for more information) Other perks of working at Red Butte Garden a department of the University of Utah: Discounts for campus events and the campus store as well as campus library privileges. Staff receive a half-price discount on Garden classes an employee discount in our gift shop advance registration opportunities for kids camps and concerts and two free concert tickets for our Outdoor Concert series. Staff are provided work shirts and gloves and on-the-job training. Red Butte Garden is accessible via several bus routes that stop in Research Park and at the University Medical Center as well as the Trax Red line followed by a short walk or on-demand university campus shuttle. The campus shuttle offers a direct line to Red Butte Garden via the Sunnyside Route. For more information see: Performs and supports the supervisor to identify prioritize and implement all maintenance and repair objectives and ensure work efforts meet established expectations best practices timelines and safety guidelines while avoiding conflict with Garden and private events. Maintains an effective conduit of communication/collaboration with staff and co-workers. 2) Performs and supports the supervisor to maintain a well-functioning irrigation system and associated software programing to ensure supplemental water applied to Garden plantings meet requirements for thriving landscapes and seasonal displays while minimizing waste. Duties include: Routine inspection troubleshooting and diagnosis maintain/repair/replace system components as necessary such as valves lines heads nozzles drip clocks back flow preventers etc. Program irrigation software (WeatherTrac) coordinating with respective Horticulturists to ensure coverage meets the supplemental water requirements for respective plantings soil types and grades including scheduling run times coverage concerns weather related and seasonal adjustments. Fall shutdown/blowout and spring startup. Maintain appropriate inventory of irrigation system repair supplies to facilitate timely repairs. 3) Maintain other water related systems such as outdoor drinking fountains decorative fountains pond diversion system greenhouse systems etc. Duties include and are not limited to monitoring assessing cleaning testing filter maintenance/replacement programing and maintaining timer/clocks. Also includes seasonal startup and shutdown of these systems and the Amphitheater restrooms. Assists and supports the supervisor in maintaining the interactive fountain (Childrens Garden) according to the Gardens Interactive Fountain Management Plan and the SLC Dept. of Health and maintains Certified Pool Operator ( CPO ) certification. 4) Assists and supports the supervisor and project coordinators with new irrigation system design review and installation oversight. Collaborates with irrigation contractors as necessary and periodically inspects new installations to ensure project specifications and industry standards are met. Assists in establishing and maintaining drawings of the irrigation system as it exists and changes including maps showing areas covered by respective valves. 5) Supports supervisor in ensuring staff and volunteers are properly trained on safe operation of motorized equipment according to University of Utah requirements. Stays up to date on department and UofU policies and guidelines applicable to position expectations/ requirements and assists enforcement of policies and guidelines including but not limited to Safety. In the event of an emergency may be required to implement safety guidelines following departmental and UofU policy and Emergency Response plan. May serve on the Safety Committee assist with committee assignments and/or provide feedback in updating/improving departmental policy and guidelines. 6) Serves as a resource for professional knowledge in field of expertise for the public and peers through interacting with Garden guests; responding to inquiries; providing content for Garden publications website interpretive elements; assisting Marketing and Communications department with TV or radio spots; and periodically teach programs or lead Garden tours in areas of expertise. Maintains knowledge of current best maintenance practices by researching current information and/or documenting innovative maintenance techniques. May serve as a department representative on Garden-wide committees and/or periodically present in areas of expertise at local or regional conferences. 7) Performs snow and ice removal operations as necessary to ensure the safety of Garden staff and guests and in a manner that preserves garden structures hardscape and plant life. Collectively snow removal duties must be performed before and during operating hours seven days/week including Holidays after hours for scheduled private events and when called to work during a University Closed Day to clear snow before the Garden can be reopened. 8) Implements assigned section(s) of Fundraiser Plant Sales by providing assistance with organization and setup; ensuring excellent customer service; and takedown after the events and all other duties required for a successful event.

Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) 5 years experience in horticulture landscape/irrigation maintenance installation and troubleshooting Familiarity with the growing requirements of ornamental and annual varieties of trees and shrubs and various drought tolerant turfs. Familiarity with Weather Trac or similar irrigation control system Proficient in Microsoft Windows and Excel Possession of a valid Landscape Irrigation Auditor certificate or ability to obtain within 6 months Valid drivers license Excellent communication and problem solving skills