NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

Reporting to the Parks Manager, the Turf and Irrigation Technician carries out the day-to-day operation and maintenance of sports fields, and irrigation systems utilizing accepted horticultural practices and industry standards.

The Turf and Irrigation Technician will utilize their expertise in turf management to address areas of concern and anticipate areas that need recovery and/or repair while using best practices to ensure user safety and offer optimal playing surfaces. They will apply irrigation principles of design, install, inspect, operate and repair irrigation systems, adjust watering schedules in accordance with regional water usage guidelines and assist with forecasting water usage. Typical duties include inspecting and assessing sports fields and turf areas to identify problems and recommend and implement maintenance requirements.  Additional responsibilities include the operation of turf maintenance equipment as well as general maintenance of municipal-owned spaces, including all walkways, parks, trails, gardens, and green spaces, as well as being requested to assist with snow clearing and other horticultural needs as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of assigned supervisor/manager within applicable department. Ability to perform the work under minimal supervision.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Will provide instruction, direction, information and/or supervision of other employees and contractors as designated.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and implements classification service standards of sport field management at specified locations within the City.
• Identifies and implements proactive and/or corrective methods to ensure safe playing surfaces.
• Plant, overseed, aerate, top dress, trim, remove, weed, treat, water, fertilize and irrigate sports fields and other municipally owned parks, green spaces, boulevards and properties.
• Provide a safe user experience and completes maintenance on turf, infield, warning track, including repairs, grooming, line painting and other park amenities, such as but not limited to washroom, dug out, goal post, bases, bleachers and fencing.
• Participates in off season snow and ice control and maintenance of outdoor recreational activities, including but not limited to outdoor rink surfaces and trails.
• Inspects and records condition of playing fields (and infields) and corrects deficiencies without delay.
• Responds to questions from the public, investigate complaints and recommends appropriate remedial action.
• Assists in the development of Safe Work Procedures and Safe Operating Guidelines.
• Assists in the training of workers and seasonal staff.
• Ensures the completion of the required safety related documentation including but not limited to pre-trip inspections, hazard and risk assessments, traffic control plans and pre-job safety meetings.
• Assists department manager with budgetary expenses and develops the turf management plan for the upcoming season.
• Works with the Recreation department to determine upcoming usage and field schedules.
• Advises department manager on playing conditions during inclement weather related to sport field closures.
• Creates presentations and educational campaigns as required.
• Performs or coordinates routine maintenance on equipment.
• Contributes to a positive work environment by modelling a respectful workplace, as per City policy.
• Takes reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves, and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Properly wears protective clothing, devises and equipment provided, and ensures hazards are immediately reported to Supervisors. Complies with the City of Fort St. John’s Occupational Health and Safety program, and all applicable policies and procedures.

PERFORMANCE FACTORS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILL

• Completion of degree or diploma in Horticulture, Turf Management, Irrigation Technology or a related field.
• Management skills for Supervisors Certificate, or equivalent course
• Certified Irrigation Technician Level 2 (Irrigation Industry Assoc. of BC), or equivalent
• Landscape Horticulturist Level 4 (successful completion of the BC industry Training Authority’s Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship common core Level I to IV exams)

or an equivalent combination of training or experience

• Minimum five years’ related experience in sports field and/or golf course turf grass maintenance.
• Minimum five years’ related experience in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of irrigation systems or equivalent.

• WCB First Aid Level I
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and safe driving record
• BC Pesticide Applicator’s License (Landscape)
• WHMIS
• The successful candidate must be able to pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate vehicles, light tractors, motorized equipment, tools relating to irrigation and parks operations.

    •    Proficient with computers and mobile devices, including Microsoft Office applications and GIS applications.

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, practices, materials, tools and equipment used in landscape standards, landscape architectural standards, turfgrass maintenance, and sport field practices. Skill in the use and care of tools and equipment.
• Ability to direct and oversee the work of employees and contractors engaged in turf and irrigation work.
• Ability to set up safe work zones following legislative requirements and exercise considerable care to ensure the safety of the operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, contractors, and other departments
• Ability to exercise initiative and good judgement when completing work assignments
• Sound knowledge of the City of Fort St John policies, bylaws, and department rules regulations and procedures applicable to turf and irrigation related matter

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

• General hand tools and power tools as used in irrigational and landscape maintenance tasks.
• Vehicles and trailers for transportation of equipment and supplies to and from sites and to load and unload material and equipment.
• Tool cats and other equipment required for snow/ice control and maintenance of outdoor recreational sites such as soccer fields, ball fields, etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The ability to exert continuous physical effort (e.g. planting, weeding, digging, irrigating) and to work in fatiguing positions (e.g. bending, kneeling). Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time and lift, push, pull and/or move up to 25 kg. Ability to work outside in most types of weather and extreme conditions, with considerable exposure to dirt and dust.

A pre-employment physical assessment is required for all new employees and will be paid for by the employer.