Grounds Specialist -Irrigation

Overview

The University of South Dakota, Facilities Management Department is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Irrigation Technician to join our Grounds Team. The Irrigation Technician maintains and operates USD’s automatic irrigation system across campus, including a network of valves, wiring, and sprinklers that supports campus landscape during the growing season. The successful candidate will have experience in underground irrigation system maintenance and operations, including basic plumbing and water line repairs, electrical troubleshooting, irrigation well maintenance, irrigation operation scheduling, spring system startups, and end-of-year blow-outs.

This position also assists the Grounds Team with outdoor maintenance tasks such as mowing, string trimming, weed spraying, picking up litter and debris, and snow removal operations. The role may also require performing various office moves, moving surplus property, and event setups to meet campus needs. The successful candidate will demonstrate teamwork, punctuality, attention to detail, self-starting initiative, and follow-through. This is a full-time, permanent position with USD and includes the full benefits package.

Note:

This position requires authorization to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Date 01/27/2026

Closing Date Open Until Filled

First Consideration Date 02/10/2026

Advertised Salary 22.66

Duration of the Term 12 months

Appointment Percent 100

Work Hours Monday – Friday 7:30-4:00pm

Appointment Type Regular

Scope of Search External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires Other, Valid Driver’s License

If other, please indicate

The mission of USD Facilities Management is to provide high quality, customer-centered services and facilities that support and promote the mission of the University of South Dakota. Diversity and inclusiveness are values that are embraced and practiced didates who support these values are encouraged to apply.

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, or any other factor protected by applicable laws. USD supports free expression and the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Cognitive Requirements – Please check the appropriate response that describes the cognitive requirements for this position.

Protective Clothing/Equipment – Please check the appropriate response for this position’s use of protective clothing or equipment. Includes Ear Protection, Eye Protection, and Protective Clothing. If other protection is used, please identify.

Physical Requirements – Please designate the physical requirements of this position:
Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Stairs, Crawling, Crouching, Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Moderate, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Squatting, Stretching, Use of Either Hand, Independent Work, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating).

Sensory Requirements – Please check the appropriate response that describes the sensory requirements for this position.

Working Conditions & Exposures – The position may involve conditions such as changes in temperature, exposure to dust, extreme weather (wind, rain, snow, humidity), extreme cold, extreme heat (>100F), vibrations, and walking/standing on rough or uneven surfaces. Please describe any conditions checked above in more detail if necessary. Check the environment where the primary function of the position is performed. If the environment is Other, please provide details.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Other
• Reference List

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants:
If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306

E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501