Irrigation Technician (Full Time)

Summary:

The Horticulture Irrigation Technician is responsible for the daily operations of the irrigation on zoo grounds and greenhouses. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintaining, repairing, upgrading existing systems, and designing new systems in conjunction with the Horticulture Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform routine checks and audits of our irrigation system. Identify issues and take correct actions to address breaks, leaks, coverage issues, etc.
• Design and/or upgrade systems as needed for new plantings, exhibits, animal welfare, etc.
• Respond to work orders and work requests to repair irrigation system issues that will arrive.
• Perform winterization of irrigation system.
• Install new irrigation systems.
• Work with operation team and leadership to adjust irrigation scheduling and coverage for optimal plant health and water efficiency.
• Perform basic system troubleshooting, including wiring and controller issues.
• Address landscape maintenance issues as they relate to irrigation maintenance.
• Support operations teams with project landscaping work- and weather-related events as required to maintain grounds.
• Maintain inventory of tools and supplies.
• Comply with all company safety policies.
• Ensure a positive, friendly, and courteous guest experience.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of related experience with irrigation systems.
• Technical training in irrigation systems.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Rainbird Training.
• CIT and/or CID Certification.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Organization.
• Written and Oral Communication. 
• Attention to Detail.
• Safety Awareness.
• Irrigation System Knowledge.
• Equipment Operation.
• Hand Tool Proficiency.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Horticulture Manager.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately 40 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends. 

This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.   

Work Environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee will work in outdoor settings (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling and will often move or lift objects up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening. 
• Clear MVR screening.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.  

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.