General Description
This position requires a highly responsible and creative self-starter to initiate irrigation audits and irrigation-based educational programs in environmental horticulture which promote Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) principles with a specific outreach focus on water conservation. This individual will work closely with homeowners, HOAs, property managers and contractors, Pasco County Utilities, the County Extension Director, regional Extension Agents and FFL colleagues in partnering counties, and Tampa Bay Water, through their scope of work that provides specific expectations, to teach best-management practices designed to conserve water while reducing nitrogen and phosphorous loading. The position’s focus is on increasing Pasco County residents’ water use efficiency/conservation, and public education on the nine principles of FFL and Best Management Practices, with a focus on quantifying water use and conservation.
Essential Job Functions
Primarily perform audits of irrigation systems on-site, in the field (outdoors, across season) at residential (with some HOA/development systems) and to provide recommendations for conserving water.
Work, with local water utility managers/coordinators/staff to identify and contact high water use customers.
Calculate/estimate water savings (gallons) from implementing innovative irrigation technologies, products and practices. Perform follow-up evaluations, use data analysis and/or surveys to track water savings over time.
Make irrigation system maintenance recommendations to keep the irrigation system working reliably and cost effectively.
Perform field measurements and observations. Collect, calculate and record site data in the field.
Determine irrigation system uniformity and efficiency (zone by zone).
Work with property owner or site contact to manage overall irrigation water use. Analyze water requirements and irrigation use in the context of each site’s unique conditions.
Develop irrigation schedules based on water requirements, quality and availability.
Provide information on Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles and techniques and other water conservation information to encourage conservation practices.
Educate citizens on water conservation techniques, especially focused on irrigation. Provide University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension-based advice and educational materials. This may include developing presentations, creating brochures, attending and participating in special events.
Prepare reports to UF/IFAS, Pasco County and Tampa Bay Water (funding agencies) in a timely manner.
Establish and maintain working partnerships with Pasco County Utilities, Extension Services, other County departments, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa Bay Water and other agencies as required.
This position requires analysis of data and ability to communicate those findings through oral and written media.
This position requires supervision by the County Extension Director in coordination with the other team member and Extension Agents.
Must possess the following:
Customer Commitment – Proactively seeks to understand the needs of our customers and provide the highest standards of service.
Professionalism and Integrity – Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
Organizational Excellence – Takes ownership for excellence through one’s personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
Success through Teamwork – Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.
This position requires daily travel throughout Pasco County to conduct irrigation audits and provide Florida-Friendly recommendations to reduce outdoor water usage. Regular meeting attendance, some overnight travel and weekend activities is necessary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Conduct on-site irrigation audits.
Knowledge of various irrigation systems, time clock controllers, rain sensors, soil moisture sensors and other water savings devices (various types and brands). The ability to troubleshoot older irrigation systems.
Educate residents on water conservation and irrigation system water efficiency and Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.
Become Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) certified to teach one module to landscape professionals.
Complete monthly and quarterly reports for Extension, UF and Tampa Bay Water.
Ability to make accurate mathematical calculations to calculate water savings (gallons) based on irrigation evaluations.
Skilled in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel and Outlook.
Strong written communication and oral presentation skills.
Ability to develop relationships and motivate individuals and groups to take action.
Provide exemplary customer service.
Minimum Requirements
PHYSICAL SKILLS: .Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability to work outdoors across all seasons. Ability to lift and carry, as required in loading, unloading and setting up exhibit displays.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, environmental science, horticulture, or a related field. Three (3) years’ of professional experience in applied horticulture, biology, environmental science, irrigation efficiency, landscape maintenance and/or installation, etc.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license. Must pass the Green Industry Best Management Practices training.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be able to work a flexible schedule, when needed. Occasional night/weekend/overnight travel is required when needed. Use of personal vehicle for in county travel will be necessary; however, mileage reimbursement is available.