Irrigation System Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $51,727.26 - $72,785.46 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Career
Job Number: 003921-26-YPCE
Department: Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment
Division: Park Operations
Opening Date: 08/01/2026
Closing Date: 8/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
THE POSITION
To perform skilled work at the journey level on City park irrigation systems and to provide lead guidance and direction to assigned personnel. The work involves performance of a variety of tasks including, but not limited to installing, maintaining, repairing and servicing park irrigation systems and equipment. Work assignments are received orally and/or through written work orders and work may be inspected on completion for conformity to instructions and quality of work.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The class of Irrigation Technician is given responsibility for the completion of all park irrigation system repair, maintenance, monitoring, operation, and management tasks performed by the park maintenance division. This class is distinguished by the responsibility for outdoor irrigation systems and equipment only.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Direct supervision is provided by a higher-level position. Indirect supervision may be provided by a Parks & Recreation Superintendent. Exercises lead-type supervision of subordinate staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Install, maintain, repair, and service all park irrigation systems and related "energized" electric equipment.
- Install new sprinkler heads by digging trenches, laying pipe, and connecting sprinkler heads in order to make watering more efficient.
- Digs ground using trenching equipment, pick shovel, and spade to repair broken water lines and sprinkler heads.
- Repair sprinkler heads, valves, and control panels by disassembling, replacing parts, and reassembling.
- Adjust sprinkler heads for proper ground height and distribution patterns.
- Install, repair, maintain, and monitor irrigation system clocks and control panels.
- Monitor proper operation of booster pumps and wells providing water to irrigation systems and report problems to supervisor.
- Inspect work in progress and upon completion to ensure that it meets required standards.
- Operate tools, equipment, and machinery necessary to perform job duties.
- Monitor electrical control panels, equipment and irrigation systems reported to be in need of repair.
- Operate, repair, maintain, monitor, and install irrigation system control panels, wiring, pipe, valves, quick couplers, sprinkler heads and roller base units.
- Using a computer, maintain and report material, labor and time costs; requisition or purchase materials and maintain inventory of information and supplies.
- Plan, schedule, perform, train, and assign irrigation system
related work to subordinates and other personnel.
- Supervise and participate in the maintenance, repair, and
service of park irrigation systems and related equipment.
- Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Methods, practices, tools, and equipment used in operating and maintaining park irrigation systems.
- Sizes, types, and specifications of pipes and fittings for proper volume and pressure used in irrigation systems.
- Irrigation requirements for various soil types, turfgrass, trees, and ornamental plants.
- Basic mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and hydraulic principles.
- Common practices, methods, and materials used for park maintenance.
- Methods and procedures used in electrical and plumbing trades as they relate to irrigation and landscape maintenance.
Ability to:
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Understand and work from general instructions and specifications.
- Repair, maintain, and operate irrigation systems, including but not limited to, wiring, control panels, valves, sprinkler heads, and pipe.
- Make simple time and materials estimates.
- Work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
- Perform physical labor for extended periods of time; work is performed in all weather conditions.
- Read, understand, and apply conversion charts for water pressure and water flow; read and understand technical manuals, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and charts.
- Analyze and diagnose irrigation system malfunctions.
- Read and write the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Supervise the work of subordinate personnel.
Experience:
Two years of experience in irrigation system operation, maintenance, repair, and/or installation.
The completion of a "certificate program" from an accredited college, university, or trade school in park irrigation systems or related field may substitute for the required experience.
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION
Should certification and/or license be used to qualify for this position, then proof of said certification and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Drivers License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License at the time of appointment. Loss of the Class C License is cause for discipline. This requirement may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for individuals with disabilities.
Respiratory Protective Equipment:
Respiratory equipment may be required at times for dust, vapor, or gas exposure. The equipment may be required in emergency situations without notice.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please note, the City of Sacramento's preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application, and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders. All e-mail notifications can also be accessed through the governmentjobs.com applicant inbox.
1. Application: (Pass/Fail) - All applicants must complete and submit online a City of Sacramento employment application to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline;

• Employment applications must be submitted online; paper applications will not be accepted.
• Employment applications will be considered incomplete and will be disqualified:
  • If applicants do not list current and past job-related experience in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).
  • If "see resume" is noted in the "Work Experience" section; a resume will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section.
• Proof of certification and/or license should be submitted online with your application. Proof of certification and/or licensewill be required at time of appointment.
• Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
• If you're requesting Veteran's credit, a copy of your DD214 must be submitted online with your application or emailed to the Employment Office by the final filing deadline. Information regarding the use of Veteran's credit can be found in the Civil Service Board rules under rule4.9C.
• Applicants are responsible for attaching a copy of their DD214 to each position for which they apply.

2. Screening Committee: (Pass/Fail)- Human Resources will evaluate employment applications for the minimum qualifications stated on the job announcement.
3. Screening For Most Qualified: (Pass/Fail) - In the event of a large candidate pool, each candidate's Work Experience section of the application will be evaluated and rated. Only those candidates determined to be the most qualified will proceed to the next step in the selection process. A resume will not substitute for the information required in the Work Experience section of the application.
4. Performance Test: (Weighted 100%) - Qualified candidates will be notified by email of the test date, time, and location approximately one to two weeks prior to the test. The performance test will be job related and may include, but not limited to, the knowledge and abilities as outlined above. The performance exam will be administered in English only.
TEST EXEMPTION- If you have previously taken the Irrigation Technician exam within the past year of the final filing date of this posting, you may be considered exempt from taking the Irrigation Technician Exam.
The City of Sacramento's Human Resources Department will verify applicant's eligibility at the time of the final filing deadline of this job posting.
5. Eligibility: Candidates who pass the performance test will be placed on an eligible list. The hiring department may contact those on the eligible list for an interview at any time during the life of the one-year list. Candidate's eligibility expires year from the date of notification of a passing score for the Irrigation Technician examination. Candidates can take the examination at any time to maintain eligibility.

• If you are currently on an active eligible list for the Irrigation Technicianclassification, it is unnecessary to retake the examination.
• The eligible list is effective one year from the date of passing the examination for the Irrigation Technician.
• If you are hired from the eligible list you will no longer have active status on the eligible list per Civil Service Board Rule, 5.7(i). Applicants interested in maintaining their eligibility will need to take and pass the exam after their hire date.

6. Conditional Hire: Upon receipt of a conditional offer, the selected candidate must complete and pass LiveScan/fingerprinting. If applicable, candidates may also need to pass a pre-employment medical exam, controlled substance and/or alcohol test, and possess any required licensure or certification prior to receiving a start date from the Department. Failure to meet these prerequisites will be grounds for withdrawal of your conditional offer of employment.
QUESTIONS:
For questions concerning this job announcement and the application process:

• Please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/Home/ApplicationGuide for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application process.
• For technical support between 6 AM - 5 PM PT, contact Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
• Visit the City of Sacramento Human Resources Department website at https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment;
• Send an email to employment@cityofsacramento.org;
• Call the Human Resources Department at (916) 808-5726

Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Sacramento is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules:
Union Contracts:
Salary Schedule:
01
APPLICATION: I understand my application must meet the minimum qualifications for consideration of employment with the City of Sacramento. The experience I list in the duties area of the "Work Experience" section of the employment application will be used to determine if I meet the minimum qualifications as stated on the job announcement. A resume, responses to the supplemental questions requiring a narrative response, employment history listed elsewhere in the application or attachments will not substitute for the information required in the "Work Experience" section of the employment application. Position/job titles will not be considered in determining eligibility for meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Note: Qualifying experience is based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Qualifying experience is calculated to the full-time equivalent (pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week).Please refer to the City of Sacramento's Applicant Resources Page for Screening Instructions: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/HR/employment

• Yes

02
PROOF OF CERTIFICATION: I understand proof of certification, should be submitted with my application and will be required at the time of appointment.

• Yes

03
CERTIFICATION CONFIRMATION: If I am using certification to qualify, I attest I possess or will possess a completion of a certificate program from an accredited college, university, or trade school in park irrigation systems or relat