Assistant Manager Irrigation Systems; Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning

Irrigation Systems Assistant Manager

Under minimal supervision, the Irrigation Systems Assistant Manager oversees the computerized underground lawn irrigation systems' maintenance, repair, and operation. They coordinate irrigation needs across the Reynolda Campus and designated off-campus properties. This position is responsible for strategic irrigation planning, optimizing water use efficiency, and ensuring system reliability. Additional responsibilities include helping manage and train staff on irrigation systems sustainability initiatives and coordinating cross-departmental irrigation projects.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and implements long-term irrigation system maintenance and upgrade plans to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Responsible for training and updating team members on irrigation system installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Oversees sustainability efforts through water usage monitoring and implements initiatives to reduce water consumption while maintaining landscaping quality.
• Collaborates with leadership to integrate irrigation system improvements into broader landscaping and facilities management plans.
• Troubleshoot, replace, repair, and adjust faulty irrigation components, including, but not limited to, controllers, valves, heads, and main and lateral lines.
• Reports all safety matters to the Landscaping Manager and the Safety Director.
• Sets and maintains times on computer and electronic valve clocks; troubleshoots the computerized electronic systems, irrigation controllers, solenoid valves, and heads of all types.
• Help instruct others on irrigation repairs.
• Regularly conduct wet checks and monitor irrigation system performance in designated areas.
• Perform scheduled shut-off for campus events requests. Recognize water deficiencies in turf areas and make necessary corrections.
• Partners with departmental colleagues and SMEs to ensure all plans will satisfy the needs of the Reynolda Campus and surrounding areas.
• Develops communication plans for effective and efficient irrigation systems for horticulture, landscaping, turf, and trees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

This position may be designated as essential personnel to support business continuity in the event of campus emergencies, disasters, or other special needs as directed by management. Essential personnel are subject to recall inside/outside their normal schedule. Additional details can be found in the Wake Forest University Policy on Weather Other Unusual Conditions.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• High school diploma or GED with three or more years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of computerized systems, time clocks, electrical wiring, and wire functions.
• Experience in managing irrigation projects.
• Knowledge of underground lawn irrigation repair and installation techniques and the design and redesign of irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical maintenance, including electrical and plumbing.
• Skilled in the use of computers, specifically in a PC, and in a window-based operating environment.
• Demonstrated skill in math sufficient to figure pipe flows, gallons, pipe sizing, friction losses, run times, systems efficiency, spacing, and head selections.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to develop and implement water usage and sustainability plans.
• Ability to meet the requirements of the University's automobile insurance.
• Ability to follow all University and departmental policies and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of techniques, tools, equipment, and safety precautions.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of grounds maintenance and turf equipment operations.
• Experience with automated irrigation systems and innovative water management technology.

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for the oversight of irrigation system operations and performance.

Physical Requirements:

• Medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Climbing, Balancing, Stooping, Kneeling, Catching, Crawling, Reaching, Pushing, Pulling, lifting, Lifting, Fingering, Grasping, and Repetitive Motions.
• Possess visual acuity to operate motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and machinery and to determine the assigned work's accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness.
• Activities occur both inside and outside, subject to both environmental conditions.
• Subject to noise, vibrations, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.

Environmental Conditions:

• Subject to outdoor conditions year-round.

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants:

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.