Maintenance Specialist Irrigation Management- Landscape
City of Palmdale, CADESCRIPTION The full salary range for this position is as follows:$37.25 to $47.55. Expected hiring range is as follows: $37.25 to $41.07. The Maintenance Specialist is responsible for the management, operation, installation, and maintenance of weather-based centralized irrigation control systems within Landscape Maintenance Districts and General Benefit Areas. This position ensures efficient water use while maintaining optimal plant & tree health and is responsible for the operation of 400+ irrigation controllers supporting 485 acres of landscape covering 106 square miles. The Maintenance Specialist works closely with City staff, contractors, and other personnel responsible for the maintenance of grounds and green spaces. This position ensures irrigation systems operate at optimal levels by minimizing system downtime, maintaining regulatory compliance, improving water-use efficiency, and controlling operational costs. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Maintenance Specialist is the advanced journey-level classification in the Maintenance Division. This classification is distinguished from Senior Maintenance Specialist in that the latter classification is at the working supervisory level responsible for organizing, assigning, training, and monitoring work of subordinate staff. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Manage, operate, install, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain irrigation systems and related equipment including software applications, radio networks, booster pumps, valves, controllers, and centralized irrigation control systems. Develop, implement, and adjust irrigation schedules based on site conditions, soil characteristics, plant requirements, water availability, weather conditions and applicable water-use regulations. Monitor water consumption and identify opportunities to improve irrigation efficiency, conserve water, and reduce operational costs. Maintain accurate records of irrigation schedules, site inspections, water usage, maintenance activities, equipment repairs, and system performance. Monitor weather forecasts and environmental conditions and adjust irrigation programs as necessary to optimize water use and support plant health. Conduct regular inspections of irrigation systems and coordinate repairs, including troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and system improvements. Manage and schedule annual back-flow prevention device testing, and repairs for 600 devices to ensure regulatory compliance. Administer contracts for landscape and irrigation maintenance services and oversee the performance of contractors and other personnel involved in landscape maintenance operations. Inspect work performed by contractors and ensure compliance with contractual terms, specifications, schedules, safety requirements, and applicable standards. Supervise, train, provide lead directions to, and evaluate contract irrigation staff and City employees, as assigned. Coordinate irrigation projects, including system upgrades, installations, repairs, renovations, and modifications. Perform and evaluate soil analyses to assess soil fertility and condition to determine appropriate treatments to promote plant and tree health, growth, and vitality. Evaluate irrigation system performance and recommend improvements, upgrades, equipment replacements, and emerging technologies. Respond to irrigation emergencies, water leaks, equipment failures, system malfunctions, and other operational issues; coordinate corrective actions as needed. Manage irrigation-related budgets, supplies, equipment, materials, contractors, and service providers. Assist with the procurement of commodities, contract services and process purchase requisitions and related documentation. Prepare operational and management reports and assist with the preparation, administration, and monitoring of operating budgets. Promote safe work practices and ensure emp…