Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. A cover letter is welcomed but not required. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues.

Position Summary

The Rice Grounds team, comprising over 30 skilled workers, maintains our 300-acre, tree-lined campus, creating lasting first impressions. We are dedicated to supporting the university's mission of teaching and research through our innovative and effective stewardship of the campus landscape. The Irrigation Specialist plays a critical role in this effort, installing, maintaining, and repairing complex manual, automatic, and computerized irrigation systems. Additionally, this role includes conducting inspections and audits while supporting our zone maintenance groundskeepers and other maintenance specialists.

The ideal candidate understands that success in this role requires a commitment to teamwork, constant improvement, and dedication to first-class customer service “with no upper limit.”

Workplace Requirements 

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position. The starting hourly rate is $27.97, with the potential for a higher rate based on qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent 3+years of related experience with irrigation system installation, operation, maintenance, and repairs Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) irrigation license required or the ability to obtain the license in 12 months Valid Texas Driver's License (or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment) required with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the last five years Skills  Troubleshooting complex water distribution systems Dependability  Ability to follow instructions  Good knowledge of ground maintenance  Knowledge of proper equipment use and maintenance Analytical problem-solving skills Use of a computer to enter information and complete work tasks as needed Ability to maintain Irrigator license with continuing education

Preferences

Five years of on-the-job experience with the installation, operation, and maintenance of complex automated and manual irrigation systems Experience programming  baseline irrigation controllers Knowledge of irrigation design   Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Essential Functions

Designs, lays out, and oversees the installation of complex sprinkler systems by considering water flows, meter, and controller placements May assist with sprinkler system installation  Repairs and replaces pumps, main feeder and lateral lines, PVC pipes, sprinkler heads, radio-controlled valves and controls, and electronically controlled water sensors  Replaces low voltage wiring  Sets and updates watering schedule for sprinkler system; completes sprinkler system preventative maintenance program  Monitors grounds during special events to ensure the protection of the system; reports grounds condition and water or plant losses due to system malfunction  Supports water conservation efforts  Keeps abreast of current trends in irrigation systems by reviewing publications and attending lectures and conferences  Works on backflow preventer devices Performs all other duties assigned

Additional Functions

Adapts to changes in seasonal workload by filling in with other Grounds personnel as assigned by the supervisor  Modifies existing complex irrigation to improve coverage or allow for construction activities Rapidly responds to address emergency leaks or malfunctions Repairs broken irrigation components such as pipes, heads, nozzles, valves, etc. Troubleshoots and repairs electrical components  Monitors and programs complex irrigation controllers for proper and efficient operations. Performs preventative maintenance to correct performance, including elevation adjustments of heads, valves, and valve boxes

Physical Demands

Must be able to lift loads no greater than 50 lbs. Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding and work around confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions, as needed, to access equipment. Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking up to eight hours daily. Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces.

Working Conditions

Working in an outdoor environment, often under harsh conditions, including temperature extremes and/or inclement weather, is required  Some overtime or flexibility in scheduling is necessary to meet deadlines 

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.