Water Conservation Intern – Irrigation Assessor

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we’re growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The set hiring rate for this position is $20/hourly.

The deadline to submit applications is March 28, 2025. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT 

The Irrigation Assessor performs irrigation assessments and inspections for residential and large property customers; compiles data; creates written reports based on assessment findings; educates customers about outdoor water conservation best management practices; performs general garden and landscape maintenance functions; and may assist in general conservation projects.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college program and must demonstrate 1 year of customer service experience. No prior experience with irrigation required, interns will receive two weeks of comprehensive training prior to starting field work.

This is a seasonal, 40 hour per week position that reports to the Water Conservation Specialist lead. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act. 

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Daily performs physical inspections of irrigation systems
• Compiles data to create detailed reports of inspection findings
• Daily interacts and communicates directly with city of Aurora customers
• Analyzes water use and consumption data
• Educates homeowners on water efficiency practices and irrigation systems
• Performs other related duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education:

• High School diploma or GED with current enrollment in a college program or recent graduate (within 6 months) with coursework related to horticulture, conservation, environmental science, engineering, hydrology, GIS, or physical sciences. Students currently enrolled in a 2-year or technical program will also be considered.

Preferred Experience:

• Interest in water conservation including horticulture, irrigation, and/or landscape maintenance.

Preferred Knowledge:

• Basic Microsoft Office experience.
• Knowledge of Colorado and western water issues.

Skills:

• Must exhibit strong customer service skills, interpersonal communication, and collaboration skills.
• Training on general tools, equipment, methods, and safety practices common to assigned functions will be provided.

Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees.
• Communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Organize materials and equipment to accomplish tasks.
• Work in most weather conditions.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

• Colorado driver’s license with a good driving history.

WORKING CONDITIONS  

Essential Personnel: 

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently performs light physical work that involves moving no more than 20 pounds at a time with or without assistance
• Frequently performs activities requiring a full range of body movement including bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and climbing
• Infrequently performs medium physical work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds at a time with or without assistance
• Hand-eye and hand-foot coordination for operation of tools, equipment, and vehicles
• Vision to read manuals; speech communication to communicate with employees and customers
• Hearing/listening for troubleshooting
• Speech communication to provide technical information and communicate with employees and customers

Work Environment:

• Mix of office work and outdoor work with potential exposure to all weather conditions, noise, dust, fumes, and animals including stinging insects

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including tablet, laptop, and common software such as email, internet, Word, Excel
• Operates a motor vehicle, tools,  and equipment common to irrigation maintenance.
• This position may require the use of personal equipment (e.g. cell phone) in the course of employment

For Veterans preference:  Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.
           
The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer.  We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants.  It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.
                                         
Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace.  A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.

Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:
As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check and drug screening. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.