Irrigation Technical Specialist - LTE

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Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

Bellevue is known as "A City in a Park," with a park system comprised of 2,700 acres of parks and open space and 200 acres of city-maintained arterial landscaping. Bellevue's Parks and Community Services Department has a unique opportunity for a Water Conservation and Irrigation Program Technical Specialist – Limited Term Employee (LTE). This position is a member of an interdisciplinary team that manages and operates the City's irrigation systems at over 150 streetscape sites and 87 developed parks. You will work with other employees to assist with resolving on-site problems and updating the Geographic Information System (GIS) inventory of roadside and park irrigation systems. This includes coordinating with other staff to oversee the work of contractors to plan, schedule, coordinate, and oversee projects related to maintenance, repair, and installation of Parks-managed irrigation systems. At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest, and being a part of the community vision. Our people bring unique skills and qualities to the table, embrace the values of honesty, accountability and commitment to service, and take pride in the work they do. You'll work in an environment where being innovative, collaborative, and future focused are the status quo.

City Council Vision Statement: Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Bellevue Parks & Community Services Vision: In Bellevue everyone can connect to each other and to nature through experiences that help them to live, grow, and thrive. Bellevue Parks & Community Services Mission: We build a healthy community through an integrated system of exceptional parks, natural areas, recreation, arts and culture, and a broad base of community services. Bellevue Parks & Community Services Equity Statement: A System of Fairness - Equity acknowledges and removes disparities in opportunities, power, and resources so that everyone can reach their full potential to thrive. Bellevue Parks & Community Services practices equity, which is the responsibility of every individual in the department. Equitable access is a right, not a privilege, and is fundamental to our mission of serving all people. Through equitable policies and practices, we cultivate ties that connect people to the fabric of our community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As a Technical Specialist you will be expected to demonstrate exceptional skill and knowledge associated with the design, operation, and repair of central-controlled and standalone irrigation systems to ensure the most effective and efficient use of water resources. This position updates and maintains the Geographic Information System (GIS) inventory of multiple irrigation systems and their associated components requiring high level of technical knowledge of industry irrigation controllers, valves, heads, pumps, wiring, and inspection. This position assists with identifying water conservation opportunities with design, maintenance, and renovation of Parks Department irrigation systems by implementing best management practices to improve irrigation and general maintenance efficiencies. The position provides timely response to critical safety and maintenance issues.

• Read and interpret designs and specifications of pipes, valves, heads, electric, hydraulic, or manual control systems for the purpose of installing, repairing, and maintaining irrigation systems.
• Operate, program, and troubleshoot computerized irrigation systems including installation and repair of central control units, memory boards, sensors and master valves.
• Maintain and update GIS maps, as-builts, and plans/specifications of park irrigation systems.
• Maintain and compile written records of irrigation systems activities, including water usage data.
• Inspect irrigation systems installed by staff or outside contractors at right of way landscapes and other park facilities and recommend maintenance, repair or modification as needed.
• Repair irrigation systems to include use of designs to locate the system and correct the problems.
• Requisition materials and supplies for maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.
• Maintain an inventory of tools and irrigation system parts used for routine repairs.
• Replace worn, damaged, or defective heads, valves, and controllers.
• Communicate effectively with vendors, contractors, general public, and other city employees to coordinate work activities, review status of work projects, and resolve problems.
• Provide customer service to public, city departments, volunteer organizations and other governmental agencies as needed.
• Identify maintenance, renovation, replacement, or repair requirements through inspections, comments, or concerns from supervisors, city employees, crew members, and the public.
• Monitor and interpret the condition of landscape plants, trees, and turf and operate and troubleshoot irrigation system accordingly.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Expected to perform with little or no supervision while in the field.
• Coordinates closely with Street Tree and Arterial Landscape program staff.
• Coordinates closely with Parks – Grounds Operations staff.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of landscape construction; irrigation design, troubleshooting and repair, including multiple-strand and two-wire low voltage field wired systems; and an ability to read and interpret irrigation system plans and specifications.
• Knowledge of operation and troubleshooting of both the IQ and Maxicom central control irrigation systems.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS for map making, data updates, and data creation, as well as with GIS data collection hardware including tablet computers, GPS units, etc.
• Ability to make decisions necessary to plan, organize, and complete work for multiple project sites efficiently and effectively.
• Experience delivering quality customer service to the public. Proven customer communication skills.
• Experience in word processing and spreadsheet software required. Database experience preferred.
• Clear and concise oral and written interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to perform effectively with little or no supervision.
• A demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning of diversity, equity & inclusion principles and a commitment to implement these principles in your work.

Preferred Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED. An associates degree, vocational training, or combination of equivalent education and experience is a plus.
• Washington State driver's license or ability to obtain.
• Minimum three years of experience maintaining, repairing, and operating central control irrigation systems.
• Technical college certificate or coursework related to arboriculture and/or irrigation systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of both the Rain BirdIQ4 and Maxicom central computerized central control systems
• Experience monitoring and interpreting the condition of turf, trees, and other landscaping.
• Working knowledge of the City of Bellevue Utility Department's Landscape Water Budgeting methodology
• Maxicom Operator or Technician Certification preferred or ability to obtain within one year.
• Washington State Certification of Backflow Assembly Testers (BAT) preferred or ability to obtain certification within one year.
• Washington Pesticide Applicator license desirable.
• ISA Arborist Certification desirable.
• Washington State Flagging and Traffic Control Certification or ability to obtain within one year.
• Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) Certification desirable once minimum flagging hours have been met.
• Selected candidate must pass a pre-employment flexibility test and physical capacity test.
• Selected candidate must pass a criminal background check.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• This position will work 40 hours per week for 9 months. Reinstatement following a 3-month break is dependent on available budget and performance of duties.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and engage in considerable pulling, pushing, and climbing.
• Work is done mostly outdoors in all type of weather conditions. Common hazards include traffic, underground lines, chemicals, and equipment.
• Individuals must have adequate hearing and visual acuity to successfully perform the essential job responsibilities and requirements of the position. Individuals must be able to hear and understand verbal communications and other outside sound sources. Vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Limited Term Employee (LTE): A fully benefited employee appointed to serve in a position scheduled to work a minimum of 30 hours a week for a specific project with a specific ending date. This is a 9-month LTE position. This is a Teamsters union position and