Irrigation Technician II - Facilities Services - UTK

The Irrigation Technician II is responsible for independently installing, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing complex irrigation systems across the university campus. This position performs advanced irrigation services, including diagnosing system-wide issues, repairing and upgrading valves, piping, pumps, and heads, and programming, optimizing, and managing irrigation controllers and related technologies. The technician evaluates system performance to ensure proper coverage, water-use efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term plant health. Regular inspections and audits are conducted to identify leaks, malfunctions, and opportunities for system optimization, upgrades, or water conservation improvements. The Irrigation Technician II responds to service requests and emergency repairs with minimal supervision, provides technical guidance to lower-level staff, and may serve as a lead worker on irrigation projects to minimize system downtime and water loss.

• Independently conduct routine inspections of irrigation systems to identify leaks, wear, misalignment, and performance issues

• Perform scheduled maintenance on valves, heads, pumps, backflow devices, and controllers to prevent system failures

• Adjust and fine-tune irrigation heads and zones to ensure proper coverage and distribution uniformity

• Test system pressure and flow rates to detect inefficiencies or developing problems

• Review and adjust irrigation schedules seasonally to account for weather, plant needs, and water conservation goals

• Assist in providing technical guidance to other Irrigation technicians as well as serve as crew lead in the absence of the foreman

• Reactive repair responsibilities to include:

• Lead response to Facilities Services OneCall alerts to issues

• Diagnose and repair irrigation system failures, including leaks, broken lines, malfunctioning valves, and damaged heads

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for recurring or complex issues.

• Repair and replace damaged irrigation components caused by construction, weather, or equipment impacts

• Adjust and reprogram controllers following repairs to ensure correct operation and coverage

• Verify system functionality after repairs through testing, pressure checks, and zone operation

• Perform spring start-up of irrigation systems, including gradual system pressurization and zone-by-zone inspections

• Inspect and activate controllers, sensors, and communication systems at the beginning of the irrigation season

• Adjust and program irrigation schedules to align with seasonal plant water requirements and weather conditions

• Conduct fall shutdown and winterization of irrigation systems by draining and blowing out irrigation lines, valves, and backflow devices using proper procedures and equipment

• Inspect and secure irrigation infrastructure prior to freezing temperatures

• Additional responsibilities to include:

• Assist with the planning and installation of new irrigation systems for campus landscape projects and renovations

• Coordinate with outside contractors during irrigation installation, repair, and upgrade projects

• Inspect contractor-installed systems for proper installation, coverage, and functionality prior to acceptance

• Provide support and technical oversight to all of Landscape Services.

• Participate in weather event response alongside other landscape team members.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED
• Experience:

  • Five years of experience in the irrigation field or completion of specialized irrigation training plus three years experience. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of how an irrigation system works and how to design/ modify a system.

  • Knowledge of how to repair any issues including plumbing and electrical on an irrigation system.

  • Ability to monitor and work on the irrigation central control system computer program.

  • Ability to work with in UT Facilities Services management computer software.

  • Ability to problem solve and find solutions to unforeseen issues.

• Other Conditions
  • Valid TN Driver’s License
  • All Facilities Services personnel are considered "Essential Personnel." In the event of extraordinary situations, the University may suspend normal operations and classes in whole or part. In such instances, all Essential Personnel must fulfill their duties in order to (1) ensure the continuation of critical University operations; (2) attend to the needs of students and other members of the University community; and (3) protect the University’s assets. Essential Personnel are expected to come to work in any and all extraordinary/emergency situations unless it is unsafe to do so or they are specifically excused by their supervisor.

  • Applicant must be able to read and follow instructions, have a positive attitude, interact well with others in a team environment and follow the departmental attendance policy

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors Degree
• Certified Irrigation Auditor, Certified Irrigation Water Manager, or Certified Irrigation Designer
• 2+ Years of managing irrigation system on a college or university campus
• Experience managing a budget
• Experience reviewing irrigation designs
• Experience working with irrigation contractors and designers
• Management skills when it comes to employees and other resources.
  

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an onsite position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About the Department

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.