Irrigation Specialist at Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation – Washington, District of Columbia

Job Summary:

Manages and implements campus and residential irrigation program servicing athletic fields, turf areas, formal gardens, residential yards and woodlands. Serves as backup mechanic and assists with general maintenance and upkeep of all properties on the Cathedral Close. This is an essential personnel position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees irrigation systems Close-wide, including maintenance, startup/shut down, and new installations.
• Provides technical assistance on proper irrigation practices for all areas. Monitors irrigation systems for proper timing, adequate coverage, and correct scheduling.
• Assists with daily service on Foundation grounds, gardens, and athletic fields.
• Assists with grounds-related tasks throughout the year, including general maintenance, snow removal, and landscape renovation.
• Serves as backup mechanic.
• Helps maintain ponds & water features on the Cathedral Close.
• Operates heavy machinery properly & safely.
• Participates in snow removal and safely operate snow removal equipment as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Behaviors:

• Arrive at work on time. Keep absences within department guidelines and schedule time off in advance.
• Pursue training and development activities and strive to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Follow policies and procedures and completes tasks correctly and on time.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, display commitment to excellence, look for ways to improve and promote quality and apply feedback to improve performance.
• Work efficiently while achieving established goals.
• Observe safety and security procedures, use equipment and materials properly and report potentially unsafe conditions.
• Competent in required new skills, requires minimum supervision, and displays understanding of how job relates to others.
• Exhibits good listening and comprehension skills. Keeps others adequately informed.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with co-workers and supervisor(s), exhibits tact and consideration, displays positive outlook and pleasant manner, offers assistance and support to co-workers, works cooperatively in group situations, and works actively to resolve conflict.
• Takes responsibility for own actions, follows instructions, commits to doing the best job possible and responds to requests for service and assistance (from supervisors and co-workers).
• Takes initiative: volunteers readily, seeks increased responsibilities and asks for help when needed.
• Ability to work as part of a team by balancing team and individual responsibilities, exhibiting objectivity and openness to others' views, giving, and welcoming feedback, contributing to building a positive team spirit, and putting the success of the team above own interests.
• Dresses appropriately for position and keeps self-well-groomed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two-year degree in turf grass management or related discipline; or combination of relevant professional training and experience.
• Five years’ experience in irrigation and landscape management for a golf course, lawn service, public garden, or athletic field.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record and be able to operate pickup trucks safely.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to work well within a diverse and multicultural workforce.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team with little or no supervision
• Ability to operate all types of ground maintenance equipment such as mowers, blowers, and sprayers and heavy machinery such as a backhoe and tractors preferred.
• Consistent & punctual attendance; able to prioritize & manage multiple tasks efficiently

Working Conditions:

• Normal schedule is Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Must have a flexible schedule, as work priorities will shift.
• Must be able to work required overtime, often with little advance notice (e.g., for snow removal, storm damage). Scheduled overtime includes annual events.
• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather, such as extreme heat and cold, high winds, rain and snow.
• Must be able to perform physical work including standing, bending, walking, stooping and reaching, twisting, turning & kneeling. Must be able to work on feet for extended periods of time, and to lift, carry and push at least 50 lbs.