Irrigation Specialist
Job Details
The Presidio Trust is seeking an Irrigation Specialist who will support the Park Maintenance Department. The Presidio Trust is an innovative federal agency that stewards and shares the history, beauty, and wonder of the Presidio for everyone to enjoy forever. The ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the Presidio was once a military post under three flags. Today, it is a surprising national park site spanning 1,500 acres at the Golden Gate. Its rare natural habits, inspiring views, and world-class trails are a local and global attraction. It is among the most biologically diverse parks in America and a popular destination with beaches, museums, restaurants, hotels, homes, and offices.
Reporting to the Park Maintenance Program Manager, the Irrigation Specialist, is responsible for specialized work related to the installation, maintenance, and minor design of irrigation systems of the Presidio which distributes over 40 million gallons of irrigation water annually throughout the park in order to keep the Presidio’s lawns, shrubs, and trees green, healthy, and beautiful for park visitors and tenants.
This is a full-time position with benefits and a starting at $39.73 per hour, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically the Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by March 6, 2026, will receive first consideration.
Responsibilities
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Install, troubleshoot, test, and repair irrigation controllers, valves, central system equipment, and other irrigation equipment and components as necessary.
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Inspect and monitor landscape areas for irrigation problems, water management and conservation. Perform annual tests on all irrigation systems prior to the dry season and work with landscape personnel to become familiar with use of systems as needed.
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Program and operate controllers manually and utilize central control computer and hand-held communication devices. Utilize central system computer to manage system performance, identify and repair problems, check alerts, and generate irrigation reports.
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Assist landscape stewardship staff and other Presidio Trust staff in diagnosing and troubleshooting irrigation related problems.
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Review, revise, and occasionally design irrigation systems that meet Department standards.
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Draw irrigation as-built diagrams.
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Coordinate with project managers on inspection of new irrigation installations and prepares irrigation punch lists.
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Operate trenchers, tractors and other equipment and tools used for the installation and repair of irrigation systems. Excavate soil using hand tools including pick and shovel.
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Demo, form, pour and finish concrete projects for irrigation-related work including controller pads, antenna bases, and pump pads with electrical conduits
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Respond as appropriate to requests, questions, comments, and concerns from public, residents, tenants and Presidio staff using the principals of good communication and customer service; reports problems or issues to supervisor.
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Accurately input daily progress and accomplishments into the current Computerized Maintenance Management System (Yardi).
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Other duties as assigned.
Skill and Knowledge
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The methods, practices, tools, materials, and equipment used in installing, operating, and maintaining irrigation systems.
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Water requirements for various soil types, turf grass, trees and plants and basic irrigation design principles
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Irrigation principles including hydraulics, ET (evapotranspiration) programming, low voltage wiring, friction losses, distribution uniformity, head-to-head coverage, valve operation, irrigation electrical systems, and standardized irrigation part names
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Technical principles of operating sprinkler rotors, spray, and drip systems, including precipitation rates, gallonage, programing times, uniformity
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Advanced irrigation programming for computer-based controllers and proficiency in the software needed to operate irrigation controllers, data, and tracking systems.
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Principles and practices of work safety including safely operating powered equipment and hand tools and adhering to all safety procedures.
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Excellent customer service skills
Job Benefits
The Trust provides the following benefits to eligible employees, and more:
Federal Employees Health Benefits (medical care insurance)
Federal Employees Dental & Vision Insurance
Federal Employees Retirement System
Federal Thrift Savings Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and dependent care)
Group Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Family and Medical Leave
Short-and Long-Term Disability
Vacation (annual leave) Benefits
Sick Leave Benefits
Paid Parental leave
Paid Federal Holidays
Commuter benefit plan
Public Service loan forgiveness
Employee Assistance Program
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED)
Three (3) years of experience working in landscape irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair.
Valid CA Driver’s License
Basic proficiency in computer use; including software used in operating irrigation controllers, data, and tracking systems.
Ability to operate a variety of equipment and tools (e.g. trenchers, small back hoes, small power tools) used in irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair; perform minor irrigation system design.
Ability to perform basic masonry, electrical and plumbing work including the ability to build pads for controllers, antennas, and pumps; install conduit, wires, and connection boxes; and solder copper and water connections.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as area, circumference, and volume; and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and the ability to share information, objectives, techniques, and work methods.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and read and interpret plans, specifications, and documents such as: safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
Ability to apply a common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Desired Qualifications
A passion for the mission and values of the Presidio Trust
California Landscape Contract Association certification
Backflow testers certification
Irrigation courses and training
Background Check
This position is subject to an employment background check which shall consist of a review of applicable county, state and Federal criminal and civil records, state bankruptcy indexes, driver’s license, education, and employment history. An individual’s granting of a background check and resulting report is voluntary. However, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an employment background check. The Presidio Trust may refuse to hire an individual, may rescind an offer of employment to an individual, or may review and terminate the employment of a current employee not successfully completing the background check.
The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. To learn more, visit www.presidio.gov/about/presidio-trust/careers.
High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED)