Irrigation Specialist (Grounds & Nursery II)
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Irrigation Specialist (Grounds & Nursery II)
Salary
$22.18 - $28.25 Hourly
Location
Golden, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
GLA - JR107846 - 12/25
Department
Colorado School of Mines
Opening Date
12/10/2025
Closing Date
12/21/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
1500 Illinois St. Golden, CO 80401
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
303-273-3250, recruitment@mines.edu
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."
Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.
MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
State pension plan (PERA)
Parental Leave
Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
Life and Disability Insurance
Professional growth and training opportunities
Access to technology and equipment
Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Access to a world-class recreation center
Interaction with an international population and cultural events
BenefitHub (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/) state employee discount program
RTD Eco-Pass
Description of Job
Keep our campus green, beautiful, and thriving-year-round.
We're looking for ahands-on, problem-solving professionalto join our Grounds team as anIrrigation Specialist (Grounds & Nursery II). This is a practical, field-based role where you'll manage and maintain large, sophisticated underground sprinkler systems while supporting the overall care of our campus grounds.
What You'll Do
Irrigation System Operations & Maintenance (60%)
Oversee day-to-day operations of underground sprinkler systems using a centralized computer program.
Diagnose and repair system faults, including controllers, valves, wiring, and sprinkler heads.
Plan and install system modifications, create maps, and maintain accurate water usage records.
Winterize systems and maintain backflow devices for compliance and efficiency.
Maintain and monitor inventory, recommend cost-saving improvements.
General Grounds Support (30%)
Assist with campus beautification: mowing, trimming, planting, pruning, and pest control.
Support event setups, move furniture and supplies, and operate grounds equipment.
Maintain clean and safe outdoor spaces by removing trash, debris, and snow when needed.
Snow Management (10%)
Respond as an essential employee during snow/ice storms to clear streets, parking lots, and walkways according to campus and city standards.
What Makes This Role Unique
Highly Practical & Hands-On:You'll work outdoors year-round in Colorado weather, performing physical tasks and solving problems in the field.
Attitude Matters:A positive, reliable, team-oriented person will succeed-even if you're still building irrigation expertise. We value initiative, ownership, and strong communication.
Diverse Backgrounds Welcome:Experience in grounds, landscaping, parks, golf courses, HOAs, irrigation supply, or small landscape companies often translates well here.
Adaptability Required:Our campus infrastructure varies in age and consistency. You'll troubleshoot older systems, navigate incomplete documentation, and tackle unexpected challenges.
Autonomy & Trust:After onboarding, you'll manage your own routes, start repairs, and keep systems running efficiently with minimal micromanagement.
Customer Service Counts:You'll interact with students, staff, and campus stakeholders-professionalism and clear communication are key.
Growth Potential:This role can develop into aGrounds III Supervisoror future manager position. We're looking for someone who sees Mines as a place to build a career.
Timeliness Matters:Irrigation impacts campus appearance, athletic fields, and conservation efforts. We need someone who responds quickly and communicates proactively.
Top 3 Must-Have Skills for Success
Positive, Service-Oriented Attitude
Approaches work with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to help. Stays upbeat, respectful, and solutions-focused-even during challenging conditions.
Strong Problem-Solving & Irrigation Troubleshooting Skills
Able to identify issues with valves, heads, lines, and controllers, think through repairs, and take initiative to resolve problems efficiently and safely.
Dependability & Pride in Work Quality
Shows up consistently, communicates clearly, follows through on tasks, and maintains high standards for campus appearance, safety, and system performance.
Why Join Us?
Work in a dynamic, outdoor environment where no two days are the same.
Be part of a team that takes pride in creating safe, beautiful spaces for our campus community.
Competitive pay and benefits package.
Opportunities for advancement and professional growth.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
D8E2XXGROUNDS AND NURSERY II (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4enHpLSVk4eSUtYVlNKR0wxcTg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-NTUoi1eVJm2qC0bb3z1kVg)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Only:
Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, which included experience with irrigation systems, including installation, troubleshooting, and repair. (Experience must be clearly documented in the "Work History" section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted.)
Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department's action.
For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules .
Supplemental Information
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
Mines' commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures ,programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a rich and vibrant diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?
Look to Mines.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
This position requires Ttwo (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, which included experience with irrigation systems, including installation, troubleshooting, and repair. (Experience must be clearly documented in the "Work History" section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted.) Do you meet this requirement?
Yes
No
02
If you answered "yes", please explain how you meet this requirement. If you answered "no", please enter "n/a".
03
Describe your experience with irrigation system troubleshooting and repair (including controllers, valves, heads, and drip systems).
04
What brands or @types of irrigation controllers have you programmed or maintained?
05
Explain your experience with backflow prevention testing or maintenance.
06
Do you have experience reading irrigation plans or as-builts? If so, please explain.
07
Describe your experience with winterization and spring start-up of irrigation systems.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
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Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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