Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Parks Superintendent, this position plans, supervises, and coordinates employees and equipment used in parks and irrigation maintenance operations, and promotes and supports the health and safety of employees in their work.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports, trains, schedules, and evaluates assigned staff, including assisting in completion of annual performance reviews.
• Supervises, and participates in all work units, engaging in the maintenance, preservation and operation of City irrigation systems.
• Develops and delivers preventative maintenance programs to ensure the functional ability of equipment such as pumps, water supplies, meters, backflow equipment, controls, and in ground field components.
• Performs needs assessment on current irrigation systems and conducts research to make recommendations on future improvement to irrigation systems.
• Participates in the review and inspection processes associated with new irrigation installations and provides technical feedback as necessary.  
• Assists with the revision of irrigation construction specifications, drawings, and standards.
• Supports and promotes the health and safety of employees in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations in addition to the City of Saskatoon’s Administrative Occupational Health & Safety Policies and departmental procedures.
• Assists in the implementation of the objectives of the Parks Business Plan as it relates to irrigation services and aligns work unit operational priorities.
• Assists with all phases of budget preparation and control, as required.
• Acts as a liaison with other departments and the public by providing technical advice and project estimates where irrigation is involved, as required.
• Trains and develops assigned staff in technical skills used in the installation and repairs of irrigation systems.
• Performs minor servicing to, and operates as required, all types of self-propelled and hand-operated power equipment.
• Monitors staff attendance, checks and authorizes payroll time sheets.
• Reports staff, equipment, and other work-related problems to the attention of management and maintains related records.
• Coordinates general maintenance operations and performs administrative responsibilities as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Requirements

• Grade 12 education.
• Possession of recognized diploma in landscape horticulture.
• Five years' progressively responsible supervisory experience including experience in irrigation methods.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's License.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain Cross Connection certificate and Certified Irrigation Technician certification.
• Successful completion of, or ability to successfully complete within two years after date of hire, the City of Saskatoon’s Supervisor 101 Program 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Knowledge of horticultural and arboriculture practices, methods, tools and equipment used in parks and irrigation maintenance.
• Knowledge of the principles of landscape irrigation system design and construction methods.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used to test, monitor, and troubleshoot commercial irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of current technology irrigation control equipment, components, pumps, backflow preventions, pipe, valves, sprinklers and wiring and their applications.
• Knowledge of accepted irrigation systems maintenance practices and clear understanding of how systems function.
• Ability to analyse irrigation system problems and troubleshoot to solve the issues.
• Ability to interpret plans and detailed specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to operate parks maintenance equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, develop and evaluate staff.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to plan, assign, schedule and coordinate operations.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Skill in the use of a computer with word-processing, spreadsheet and database software (e.g. Microsoft Office).

Additional Requirements

Shift work and weekend work may be involved.
Stand-by is mandatory for designated employees when operationally required. The employee must report to work immediately and be fit for duty.