Description
Irrigation Specialist - Grounds Department
Company Overview
As a rapidly growing school division in Alberta, Rocky View Schools (RVS) supports the educational needs of more than 28,600 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in 53 schools to ensure they learn, belong and succeed.
RVS is situated on the traditional territories of the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta including the Siksikaitsitapi (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Amskapi Pikuni), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney), and the Rocky View Métis District.
Our team is committed to creating positive, safe and inclusive environments for students to learn and for staff to work together. RVS encourages applications from individuals who can help shape and embody our core values of Leadership, People, Community and Innovation, and support our vision that RVS is a world-class learning organization where all students achieve their absolute best.
The Opportunity
Rocky View Schools (RVS) invites applications for a continuing, full-time (40 hrs/wk) Irrigation Specialist position starting April 21, 2025 at the Education Centre located in Airdrie. The Irrigation Specialist is responsible for overseeing and maintaining all components of irrigation systems within Rocky View Schools (RVS). The Irrigation Specialist plays a key role in the development and implementation of the turf fertility program, including overseeing fertilizer, aeration and top dressing practices. The incumbent supports snow removal in the winter months, and day to day maintenance of school grounds in a designated area, including playgrounds and amenities.
Responsibilities Include
- Maintains and troubleshoots all components of irrigation systems, ensuring repairs and adjustments are performed in a timely manner
- Operates irrigation controllers and remote communications, ensuring watering schedules coordinate with local requirements and best management practices
- Performs spring start up and fall shut down procedures on all irrigation systems, including pump maintenance and storage
- Participates in planning and installation regarding projects where required
- Assesses turf areas for compaction and overall health, develops and implements aeration and fertilization schedule for RVS
- Performs sport field lining duties pertaining to RVS needs through various sport seasons
- Supervises and trains seasonal staff as required
- Ensures RVS grounds are maintained to RVS standards regarding playgrounds, parking lots, tree and shrub care, sport fields, snow removal, turf care, outdoor classrooms, portables and amenities in designated area
- Operates truck and skid steer mounted snow plows in winter months to support snow removal procedures at RVS facilities
- Conducts daily site hazard assessments, correcting unsafe conditions and following RVS hazard reporting procedures to ensure the safety of RVS staff and visitors
- Provides input to enhance overall safety, improvements and efficiencies
- Maintains accurate and timely records of hours worked, safety requirements, maintenance schedules, inspections, and repairs performed
Education and Experience
- Horticulture Diploma, Landscape Gardener Journeyman Certification, and/or Turf Science Level 2 Certificate
- Demonstrated supervisory experience providing leadership to a crew with varied levels of experience
- Two or more years’ experience specifically related to irrigation systems in a golf course or landscaping environment
- Experience with the safe operation and maintenance of commercial landscape and grounds maintenance equipment
- Valid Alberta Motor Vehicle License Class 5
- Certification in Pesticide Application, Irrigation, Turfgrass Management, Landscape Construction and/or Horticulture Technology would be an asset
Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrated ability to apply excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills specifically related to irrigation systems including electrical comprehension as it relates to irrigation system operation
- Ability to operate and transport commercial landscape equipment including tow trailers
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and web-based applications
- Ensures priorities are understood and adapts readily to achieve department and RVS goals
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong critical thinking and attention to detail
Rocky View Schools Benefits
- 3 weeks Vacation pro-rated based on start date
- Benefits Plan ( Extended Health, Dental, Wellness & Spending Account, Tax Free Savings Account and Registered Retirement Savings Plan)
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Professional Development and training opportunities
- Free Parking
Pre-Employment Requirements
- The successful candidate must submit a current Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check within 30 days of the start of your employment
- Proof of qualifications/education as required by the position
Open to: Internal and External applicants
Salary Range: $32.57 per hour
How to Apply
We request all applications be placed through .
Applications must include your cover letter, resume and contact information of three professional references.
Quote Job Code: # 3928567
Closing Date: On or before April 4, 2025 by 4:30 pm MST
Rocky View Schools
Human Resources
We appreciate and consider all applications; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be contacted via email or by phone for an interview. Please ensure your online profile information is up to date so there is no delay in contacting you.
