Irrigation Specialist

Irrigation Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Irrigation Specialist.

Position Details
Location	Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States
Division	GP Physical Plant Grounds
Position Type	Staff
Employment Status	Full Time
Grant Funded	No
Pay Grade	N03
Posting Close Date	Open until filled

Job Summary 
Performs complex grounds maintenance tasks to ensure the upkeep of University grounds and related areas, turf installation, and pesticide/herbicide applications.  Performs skilled repairs and maintenance of all installed irrigation systems and controls, including computer-operated systems.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

Plans and designs irrigation system layouts and minor landscape projects; calculates sprinkler system capacities and estimates materials and equipment requirements. 

Installs new irrigation layouts and/or modifies existing systems.  Troubleshoots and maintains automatic systems. 

Installs low voltage wiring controls and fixtures such as electro-hydraulic and micro-electric controllers as well as micro-spray and low-pressure drip systems. 

Participates in the training of grounds crew in the installation, maintenance, and repair of manual and automatic sprinkler systems and electric controllers.  May participate in soil testing, soil amending, tilling, and rolling for preparation and follow up of new turf (sod and seed) areas.

Plants trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass; trims and edges around walks, flower beds, and walls using clippers and edging tools; prunes shrubs and hedges to shape and improve growth; and rakes and removes leaves.  Cleans drainage ditches and culverts; hauls debris to dumping area. 

Cuts lawns using hand mower, power mowers, or tractors equipped with attachments.  Picks up trash and debris from campus grounds, streets, and walks.  Sprays lawns, shrubs, and trees with fertilizer or insecticide.

performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications  
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one year related experience and/or training in the design, installation, and maintenance of sprinkler systems and groundskeeping; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Driver's License
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with moderate supervision.
  
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively and building strategic relations with colleagues, coworkers, constituents, and volunteers.
  
• Ability to operate personal computer with a general understanding of application software, and an understanding of the internet.
  
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
  
• Ability to set priorities and complete assignments on time.
  
• Knowledge of the planting and care of trees, shrubbery, flowers, and grass.
  
• Skill in the use of grounds-keeping hand tools and equipment, in the operation of motorized and gas-operated equipment.
  
• Skill in determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu . 

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.