Irrigation System Technician

ORGANIZATION:

Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants/plant masses overall.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Senior Irrigation System Supervisor, performs maintenance and repairs to the existing irrigation system, and assists in planning and installing new irrigation systems throughout the Cemetery. Monitors the performance of the Cemetery-wide stormwater drainage system, tracking problem areas, coordinating contracted cleaning, and making recommendations for repair or replacement of catch basins and drainage pipes. Monitors conditions of roads, filling potholes as necessary, making recommendations for contracted patching or asphalt replacement and assisting in overseeing their work. Assists in coordinating the work of full-time or seasonal staff when available to assist with maintenance, repair or improvement of irrigation, drainage or road systems. Supports the Senior Irrigation System Supervisor in determining the infrastructure department budget, tracks materials and supplies and makes purchases. May be required to assist other departments, including interments or facilities maintenance, as assigned by supervisor. Duties require the employee to work outside in all weather conditions and follow all safety rules and regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs routine maintenance tasks and repairs to irrigation system, spigots and irrigation heads using hand tools, power tools and heavy equipment as necessary etc. Installs new irrigation lines and maintains existing lines. Purchases tools, equipment and materials required for irrigation system maintenance and repair.
• Assists with the yearly start-up and shut-down of the irrigation system, troubleshooting issues as they arise. Establishes and follows start-up, preventive maintenance, and shut down checklists. Seeks input from other staff to identify and correct problems throughout the grounds. Coordinates repairs by outside contractors as necessary.
• Works with GIS manager to document all irrigation system changes and check accuracy of existing GIS irrigation map.
• Keeps pump house orderly and monitors operation of all equipment inside. Performs regular maintenance and coordinates repairs.
• Maintains all fountains in the Cemetery. Cleans or replaces filters, and monitors operation of pumps, piping and other aspects of the fountains. Makes repairs or coordinates contracted repairs as necessary.
• Documents issues related to drainage system as observed or reported by other staff. Performs minor repairs and assists in planning for capital repairs.
• Fills small potholes in roads, and tracks condition of larger potholes or deterioration. Assists in determining priorities for road patching or asphalt replacement and overseeing contracted work.
• Assists with snow removal from roads and paths.
• Performs tasks requiring knowledge and experience operating a variety of general maintenance equipment such as backhoe, jackhammer, and dump truck with trailer.
• Performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required. Some college education preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience installing and maintaining multi-zone irrigation systems.
• Three to five years’ experience using a variety of hand and power tools including tools for plumbing and masonry, hammer drills, chipping hammers, circular saws, grinders, etc.
• Experience working with and around heavy equipment such as backhoes, skid steers, jackhammers, compressors and other heavy equipment.
• Must be able to act independently and oversee outside contractors.
• Able to establish priorities and organize work. Willing to accept more responsibilities at supervisor’s discretion as time warrants.
• Able to deal with stressful situations and be flexible as work demands.
• Knowledge of cemetery maintenance and construction procedures and equipment is desirable.
• Able to read a ruler, map and use basic math skills.
• Necessary computer skills: ability to read and navigate digital maps and plans, knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office applications.

• Ability to communicate fluently in English (spoken and written) with staff, vendors, clients and visitors to the Cemetery is required. Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license is required. Must be able to obtain a Massachusetts 2B Hoisting and license within one year of date of hire.
• Able to shovel snow, dirt and/or loam as needed and assigned.
• Must follow all safety policies and regulations to contribute to a safe working environment.
• Must participate in all safety trainings and safety meetings.
• Mechanical experience is a plus.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work outside in all weather conditions including cold, heat, snow, rain and other harsh weather.
• Communicate with two-way radios.
• Operate a jackhammer, backhoe and other heavy equipment.
• Stand, walk, kneel and/or bend for long periods of time.
• Assist with the lifting of caskets and other interment equipment.
• Climb and carry a ladder above and beneath ground.
• Drive Cemetery equipment as needed (trucks, tractors, trailers, GEM carts, Toros).
• Move within all areas of the Cemetery grounds and buildings, including walking up and down stairs.

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

The hourly range for this position is $30-$32.00/hour.