Groundskeeper Specialist (Irrigation) – West Valley campus at Arizona State University

Groundskeeper Specialist (Irrigation) – West Valley campus

Arizona State University

FDM FM West Grounds

Campus: West Valley

101287BR

Job Description

Facilities Development and Management, West Valley campus, seeks a Groundskeeper Specialist (Irrigation) for troubleshooting, repair, and installation of underground turf sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. This position supports Groundskeepers in the maintenance of campus grounds to provide for a visually inviting, safe and aesthetic environment for students, faculty, visitors and staff.

Looking for an employer that offers you solid growth opportunities, as well as an inclusive culture and work/life balance? ASU offers the following employee benefits to enhance the total compensation of its staff:

• Flexible work schedules
• 22 days of vacation leave, 12 days of sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff
• World-class educational opportunities at deeply discounted rates for employees and eligible family members through its employee tuition reduction program. For more information go to  https://cfo.asu.edu/reduced-tuition .
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child
• Comprehensive and very affordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. More information available at  https://cfo.asu.edu/benefits .
• Retirement program designed to promote long-term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Paid time for volunteer and professional development
• Wellness program for preventative health education and screenings
• Disability and leave program for income protection
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challenges
• ASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnerships

Salary Range

$21.43 per hour or commensurate of experience and education. ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona.

Close Date

23-May-2024

Essential Duties

• Replace/repair/troubleshoot/adjust faulty irrigation components including but not limited to: controllers, valves, heads, main and lateral lines.
• Install new drip irrigation and turf sprinkler systems as needed.
• Regularly conduct wet checks and monitor irrigation system performance in designated area.
• Program irrigation controllers as needed.
• Perform scheduled shut offs for campus event requests.
• Recognize water deficiencies in turf areas and make necessary corrections.
• Operate trenching and digging machinery when necessary.
• Perform strenuous work in outdoor elements to include extreme heat and desert environment.
• Effectively communicate with coworkers and leadership to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Perform other general grounds and landscape maintenance duties as needed to conduct work or as requested by supervisor, including but not limited to: tree and shrub pruning, turf care, weed control, trash and debris disposal.

DAYS AND SCHEDULE: Monday- Friday; 5:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (hours may vary seasonally)

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of grounds maintenance experience, OR, Associate Degree in Horticulture or related field e.g. Golf Course Management, Sports Turf Management, Landscape Construction; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved; AND must currently possess, or achieve within six (6) months of hire, and maintain one (1) Grounds certification or equivalent e.g. Arizona Pest Application License, Certified Arborist from International Society of Arboriculture, Certified Grounds Technician from PGMS, Passed Desert Landscaper School from the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden. Employee may be required to possess a valid US Driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in:

• Underground landscape irrigation troubleshooting, repair, and installation (2 years)
• Operating irrigation related equipment and tools.
• Central controller irrigation systems (e.g. Calsense / Hunter Centralus).
• Programming various types of irrigation controllers.

Demonstrated/knowledge of:

• All commonly used irrigation components and tools.
• Underground landscape irrigation system repair and installation techniques.
• Design/redesign of irrigation systems.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints.
• Sustainable landscaping practices.
• Wire locators and toners, low-voltage electrical wiring, and 2-wire decoder systems.
• Customer service. 

Working Environment

Activities regularly require long periods of exposure to external elements indigenous to a desert environment, weather, and potential exposure to venomous insects, insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Regularly required to operate a variety of landscaping equipment, tools and machines requiring extended periods of walking over uneven and occasionally rocky surfaces, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and pushing objects of varying weights up to 50 pounds. Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. Regular use of hand and power tools/machines. May regularly operate a motor vehicle as assigned. This position receives regular review of daily work tasks to ensure adherence with established standards for quality, aesthetics, and quantity. Stand for long periods of time. Walk and inspect campus.

May be exposed to hazardous and dangerous materials, tools, and equipment which will require safety precautions and/or specific process to be followed, and may include the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) (e.g. safety glasses, hearing protection, negative pressure and positive pressure respirator). Use of PPE may require medical clearance prior to use.  

Department Statement

ASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM) maintains and services all university-owned property, and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities. FDM’s vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the university’s mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment. We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts.

Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States. Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position.

This position is located at the ASU West campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird, Glendale, AZ. 

Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment. Post-offer of employment, selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39 month period from date of hire.

Must pass pre-employment audiogram exam post offer of employment.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit  https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at  https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU PD at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

Work reference history information for 3 current and/or former supervisors will be requested at time of interview.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

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