Job Opening: Irrigation Specialist

Help maintain UC Davis' gorgeous campus landscapes and hardscapes by planning and repairing its irrigation systems! Apply to be an Irrigation Specialist at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, where every career employee receives extremely competitive health and retirement benefits including:

• Three weeks vacation at start, holidays and paid sick leave
• One of our state's best pension benefits and a retirement savings program
• An impressive selection of medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Plus, much more...

LEARN MORE and APPLY by Jan. 15, 2026

WHY JOIN the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden?

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Grounds Supervisor, responsible for performing all general maintenance and repair of campus irrigation systems including mainlines and quick couplers. Plan irrigation system modifications and assist supervisors and others in installing new irrigation systems and components. Perform other duties to fulfill division goals and objectives.

Department Purpose

Campus Planning and Community Resources integrates campus planning with the operations that directly affect people's experience of the campus environment on a daily basis. Planning is combined with units responsible for landscape management, visitor services, transportation and parking, and the marketing and communications of UC Davis as a welcoming destination. Grounds and Landscape Services provides outdoor maintenance and care of the campus landscape and hardscape. Grounds and Landscape Services is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of outdoor space including landscape, roadways, walkways and signage through the campus.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• No minimum education required.
• Experience performing the operations, services and activities of an irrigation system maintenance and repair program.
• Experience in the operation of a variety of light and some heavy equipment including hydraulics and small engine equipment, both gas and diesel.
• Experience in operating a variety of hand tools.
• Skills in the methods, techniques, tools and materials used in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of landscaped irrigation systems.
• Working knowledge of the operational characteristics of electrical systems related to landscape irrigation.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions common to irrigation system installation and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of planting and maintaining turf, water schedules and fertilizers.
• Skill to read and understand blueprints and maintain simple records.

Job Expectations

Essential Responsibilities

• 80% - Irrigation Maintenance
• 10% - Irrigation Planning and Programming
• 10% - Other Duties

Mental Demands

• Occasional (up to 3 hours) customer/patient contact
• Frequent (3 to 6 hours daily) sustained attention and concentration; complex problem solving/reasoning;  and ability to organize & prioritize
• Continuous (6 to 8+ hours daily) communication skills; numerical skills; constant interaction; and multiple concurrent tasks

Physical Demands

• Continuous (6 to 8+ hours daily) standing; walking; sitting; lifting/carrying 0-25 Lbs; and pushing/pulling 0-25 Lbs
• Frequent (3 to 6 Hours) lifting/carrying 26-50 lbs; pushing/pulling 26-50 lbs; bending/stooping; squatting/kneeling; twisting; climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders); using a keyboard use; making a repetitive motion; working among chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes; loud noise levels; working through marked changes in humidity or temperature; operating motor vehicles and/or equipment; and traversing uneven surfaces or elevations
• Occasional (up to 3 hours) lifting/carrying over 50 lbs; pushing/pulling over 50 lbs; reaching overhead; working among microwave/radiation; working in extreme temperatures

Special requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. 
• Valid CA driver’s license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.
• This position is subject to completion of a pre-placement medical exam provided by Occupational Health Services. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University policy.
• Required to wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases.
• Position performs tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection devices, protective clothing and gloves.
• Position may, at times, require employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: chemicals, fuels and solvents. Work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Employee is personally responsible for following safety guidelines/procedures.

LEARN MORE and APPLY by Jan. 15, 2026

WHY JOIN the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden?

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits