Seasonal Irrigation Technician

Accepting Applications: 1-23-23 – 3-31-23 

  Number of Positions: 1 

  Season: Full Time (40hr/week) – May 8 – August 18 

  Part Time (10-20hr/week) – April 24 – May 7 | August 21 – Dec 21 

  Hours: 7:30am - 4:00pm M-F (some weekend and evening hours may be required) ​ 

  Pay: According to experience and qualifications 

 Job Description: The Seasonal Irrigation Technician will be an employee of McCrory Gardens and South Dakota State University, under the general supervision of the Crew leader and Horticulture & Grounds Manager. The Seasonal Irrigation Technician will play an important role in maintaining McCrory Gardens and its diverse plantings during the spring, summer, and fall seasons through the operation, installation, maintenance and repair of manual, semi-automatic and automatic irrigation systems. Together with a team of gardeners, volunteers, and maintenance technicians, as well as the McCrory Gardens administration team, the Seasonal Irrigation Technician’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following. 

 Primary Tasks: 

• Assist with preventative maintenance of designated system; 

• Assist in maintaining and recording irrigation parts inventory; 

• Check irrigation system daily for leaks; 

• Monitor and perform irrigation of plantings, especially during time of establishment and drought; 

• Perform all maintenance and repair of irrigation systems; 

• Scheduling and monitoring of automatic irrigation systems; 

• Perform all routine maintenance of water features (fountains, waterfall, etc.); 

• Install new irrigation systems; 

• Update irrigation maps; 

Secondary Tasks: 

• Assist in planting of 40,000+ annuals, perennials, vines, bulbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees; 

• Install various annual display beds as well as containers; 

• Care for diverse plantings located throughout McCrory Gardens; 

• Perform seasonal landscape work including pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing, and transplanting; 

• Stage equipment, supplies, and materials for daily operations; 

• Operate a variety of hand tools, power tools and vehicles needed for daily operations; 

• Participate in trash removal procedures, as needed; 

• Maintain highest standards for cleanliness and order throughout McCrory Gardens; 

• Maintain equipment and tools needed to perform daily tasks; 

Requirements: 

• Excellent communication skills 

• Ability to lift 25 lbs. 

• Willing to work in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions 

• Team player, creative and organized 

• Self-motivated with the ability to work alone and in groups 

• Enthusiastic, work to high standards and ability to take direction 

• Strong work ethic 

• Background check required 

Preferred Skills/Qualifications: 

• Obtained or currently pursuing a degree in a related field, (Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, etc.) 

• Knowledgeable about hand tools and small machinery a plus 

• Driver’s license preferred 

• Basic irrigation/plumbing skills a plus 

• Strong gardening skills