Irrigation Technician - Full-Time Permanent

About the Role

Join the City of Salmon Arm's Parks team as a dedicated, safety-conscious, and service-oriented Irrigation Technician. This permanent, full-time position involves hands-on work designing, installing, maintaining, operating, starting up, and winterizing both manual and automated underground irrigation systems. You will play a vital role in keeping parks, sports fields, boulevards, water parks, and landscaped areas healthy, running efficiently, and ready for public enjoyment.

Core Duties

• Design, install, maintain, operate, start up, and winterize manual and automated irrigation systems.
• Program computerized irrigation controls, weather stations, and water park management systems.
• Repair and maintain irrigation components such as heads, pipes, timers, valves, and related parts.
• Evaluate turf, trees, shrubs, flowers, soil, and moisture requirements to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Coordinate resources including materials, tools, contractors, and Public Works personnel for irrigation projects.
• Provide on-site guidance to contractors, laborers, and Parks staff.
• Assist with project cost estimates, site preparation, cleanup, restoration, and repairs.
• Comply with municipal sprinkling bylaws and support efficient irrigation scheduling.
• Operate Parks equipment and contribute to seasonal duties including snow and ice management.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent education.
• Formal training in irrigation design and repair or an equivalent background.
• A minimum of three years recent experience with automated underground irrigation systems.
• Proficient in all aspects of irrigation system design, installation, operation, maintenance, start-up, and seasonal winterization.
• Commitment and ability to achieve Certified Irrigation Technician Level II certification within one year.
• Valid British Columbia Class 3 Driver's License with Air Endorsement or capacity to obtain it within 90 days.
• Strong expertise with underground irrigation systems, particularly Rain Bird and Toro products.
• Knowledgeable about turf care, soil science, plants, trees, and moisture management.
• Good judgment when handling complex irrigation maintenance tasks.
• Capability to operate both light and heavy machinery and meet physical job demands.
• Effective and respectful communication skills.
• Competence with computers and Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications

• Irrigation maintenance certification recognized by the Irrigation Industry Association of B.C.
• Irrigation Technician Level I certification issued by the same association.
• Additional certifications such as low voltage, backflow prevention, WHMIS, and Level 1 First Aid.
• Experience with computerized irrigation control systems; familiarity with Toro Sentinel is beneficial.
• Ability to interpret and maintain records including maps, blueprints, and maintenance manuals.

Compensation & Benefits

This role is a union position offering a wage rate of $37.46 per hour, aligned with the CUPE Local 1908 Collective Agreement. Employment requires union membership with dues deducted through payroll.

• Employer-funded extended health and dental insurance.
• Membership in the Municipal Pension Plan.
• Opportunities to accrue overtime through banking.
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Paid sick leave provisions.
• Professional development in irrigation and technical skills.
• A collaborative environment with Parks and Public Works teams.
• Engagement in work that enhances community recreation and public spaces.

Additional Information

To apply, candidates should submit a resume and cover letter demonstrating their qualifications and experience. The position remains open until filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Applicants are encouraged to view the full job description on the City of Salmon Arm’s official website.