What are the responsibilities and job description for the Irrigation Specialist (Grounds & Nursery II) position at COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES?
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
- BenefitHubstate employee discount program
- RTD Eco-Pass
Description of Job
Keep our campus green, beautiful, and thriving—year-round.
We’re looking for a hands-on, problem-solving professional to join our Grounds team as an Irrigation 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.
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.
- 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 a Grounds III Supervisor or 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.
- 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.
- 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
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
D8E2XX
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Only: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.
Salary : $22 - $28