Grounds Maintenance Specialist - Irrigation

Grounds Maintenance Specialist - Irrigation

Salary

$78,114.64 - $86,121.35 Annually

Location

Contra Costa County, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

GPVD-2026A

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

TB

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 856 - General Services & Maintenance Unit

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department is currently recruiting to fill one (1) full-time Grounds Maintenance Specialist - Irrigation position in the Public Works Facilities Maintenance Division. All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Under general supervision, the Grounds Maintenance Specialist - Irrigation installs, maintains, and repairs irrigation systems, including the installation, programming, and troubleshooting of computerized irrigation controls. The incumbent will perform work at County facilities, parks, street medians, and within the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.

This position requires the use of a variety of hand tools, equipment, and specialized irrigation devices to ensure the effective operation of irrigation systems and the maintenance of landscaped areas. The successful candidate may also be required to respond to emergency irrigation-related issues and address other public service concerns as needed.

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of over 650 miles of roads, 79 miles of streams and channels, and over 150 County buildings. CCCPWD services include parks and recreation, sandbag distribution, flood control, road and facilities maintenance, and storm water management. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. CCCPWD strives for continuous improvement to deliver cost effective, safe reliable and sustainable projects, programs, and quality services.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments
• Possess strong communication skills with a safety mind-set
• Demonstrates integrity and good strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, and has a positive mindset
• Takes accountability for decisions and actions, follows through on commitments, and accepts responsibility for outcomes
• Demonstrates a collaborative team-oriented approach, with a willingness to learn and adapt to changing priorities and circumstances
• Is dependable and reliable, consistently taking pride in delivering high-quality work and meeting expectations
• Has strong problem-solving and troubleshoot skills

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Installing, inspecting, operating, maintaining, and repairing irrigation systems, including sprinklers, drip systems, valves, controllers, pumps, and related equipment at county buildings, various roadsides and medians
• Perform routine inspections to identify and repair leaks, broken heads, clogged nozzles, faulty wiring, and other irrigation system deficiencies
• Program and adjust irrigation controllers to ensure efficient water application and compliance with watering schedules
• Monitor system performance and make seasonal adjustments based on weather conditions and landscape needs
• Follow safe work practices when operating equipment, performing excavations, and handling tools and materials
• Responding to irrigation-related service requests and complaints
• Provide technical guidance to maintenance staff as needed

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Work independently and occasionally in a team environment
• Working outdoors
• Build a long-term career
• 4/10 work schedule
• All tools and equipment provided

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Working in varied weather conditions, including heat, cold rain, and wind
• Performing physically demanding work, such as digging, lifting heavy materials, kneeling, bending, and walking various distances
• Prioritizing multiple work requests
• Learning and adapting to new irrigation technologies, including computerized controllers and smart irrigation systems
• Working near traffic and the public

Competencies Required:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Self-Management: Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

The eligible list established from this recruitment process may be valid for 6 months.

To review the full classification specification please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/classspecs

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operators license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operators license will be accepted during the applicant process.

Experience: Three years of full-time or its equivalent experience installing, maintaining, and repairing large irrigation systems.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Ability to read and interpret irrigation plans, blueprints, and technical specifications
• Familiarity with smart irrigation technologies and weather-based controllers
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical systems, and hydraulic principles related to irrigation systems
• Experience troubleshooting irrigation system malfunctions and performing diagnostic testing

Selection Process

• Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
• Performance Examination: A performance examination will be conducted to measure candidates competencies as they relate to the job. These may include but not limited to: professional and technical expertise, action and results focused, attention to detail, delivering results, and safety focus. (Weighted 100%)
• Departmental Hiring Interviews: To be scheduled once the eligible list is established.

The Performance Exam is tentatively scheduled to take place in late July or August 2026.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Fina Prak at Fina.Prak@pw.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the position and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicants qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."

• I understand

02

Do you possess a valid driver license?

• Yes
• No

03

How many years of full-time, or its equivalent, experience do you possess installing, maintaining, and repairing large irrigation systems serving parks, athletic fields, school or college campuses, golf courses, airports, highway medians, commercial properties, or similar large-scale landscaped facilities? (Do not include residential irrigation systems.)

• 3 years or more, of experience as described
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years, of experience as described
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years, of experience as described
• Less than 1 year of experience as described
• I do not possess any experience as desribed

04

How many years of experience do you have reading and interpreting irrigation plans, blueprints, schematics, or technical specifications?

• 3 years or more, of experience as described
• 2 years or more, but less than 3 years of experience as described
• 1 year or more, but less than 2 years of experience as described
• Less than 1 year of experience described
• I do not possess any experience as described

05

How much experience do you have working with smart irrigation technologies, weather-based controllers, or central irrigation control systems?

• Advanced experience (managed multiple sites and optimized irrigation performance)
• Extensive experience (independently programmed, maintained, and troubleshot systems)
• Moderate experience (performed routine programming and adjustments)
• Limited experience (assisted others or received training)
• No experience

06

I certify that I meet the announced minimum requirements for this examination and understand that I will be eliminated at any stage in such examination if it develops that, in fact I do not meet them. I further certify that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and the application are true and I agree and understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will cause forfeiture of my rights to employment with Contra Costa County.

• Yes

Required Question

Employer County of Contra Costa