Irrigation Lead Technician

• 20002113
• Business Services
• Facilities / Skilled Trades
• Full-time Staff (Classified)
• Opening on: Jun 30 2026
• Administration and Finance
• 300130 - Landscape AUX
  
  

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Working Title: Irrigation Lead Technician

State Role Title: Trades Technician III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 300130 - Landscape AUX

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $38,000 - $40,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 7/13/2026

About JMU

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
  
  

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information

James Madison University’s Facilities Management is accepting applications for a Irrigation Lead Technician. The regular schedule is Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with an altered summer schedule and overtime as required to cover special events and inclement weather.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Installs, repairs, troubleshoots, inspects and performs preventive maintenance on and schedules all irrigation for the university.
• Leads one to two employees and summer interns in irrigation repairs and installations campus wide.
• Meet and work with contractors in the absence of supervisor and/or manager.
• Operates safely and properly a variety of equipment including but not limited to: Dingo trenching equipment, mini excavator, tampers, bullets, air compressors, riding mowers, tractors, sweepers for turf, seeders, fertilizer spreaders, aerators, deep-tine equipment, highly complex mowing equipment and snow removal equipment to maintain an attractive campus and athletic fields.
• Apply and monitor herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in compliance with safety standards.
• Inspect irrigation systems regularly to ensure efficiency and minimize breakdowns.
• Assist with special events, athletic events, graduation, and other campus activities.
• Lead groups in snow and ice removal operations in assigned areas.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Employee is required to work all home football games.
• The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated experience in the installation, repair, maintenance, and scheduling of turf irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of irrigation control systems; experience with Toro and Sentinel systems preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot irrigation issues, install heads, and assist with irrigation design and layout.
• Knowledge of turf types (e.g., bent, Bermuda, bluegrass, fescue, rye) and their specific care and irrigation requirements.
• Working knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, including use of grass seed, sod, fertilizers, and control of turf diseases, pests, and weeds.
• Experience operating grounds and landscaping equipment, including tractors, mowers, trenchers, seeders, spreaders, sweepers, and snow removal equipment.
• Effectively display strong leadership skills.
• Knowledge of safety procedures related to groundskeeping and chemical application.
• Applicants must be at least 19 years old, possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 24 consecutive months and an acceptable motor vehicle report.
  
  

Additional Posting Information

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.