Irrigation Specialist
Irrigation specialists are responsible for the sales, programming, operation and maintenance of irrigation systems to help producers create healthier and higher yielding crops. They provide system recommendations to fit the needs of a variety of customers: golf courses, farmers, landscaping companies, etc. Additionally, they troubleshoot any problems that may arise with the system and ensure that they are always functioning properly.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Provide system recommendations to fit the needs of the customer
- Install irrigation systems including pipes, wiring and valves
- Coordinate watering schedules with farm managers and agronomists
- Ensure that irrigation systems provide a sufficient supply of water
- Troubleshoot any problems such as leaks in pipes
- Suggest fertilizers and pesticides to maintain healthy crops and improve yields
- Prepare ground for installation of irrigation lines
- Understand plants being watered to best determine water rates
- Design and read blueprints to lay out or locate irrigation valves and wiring
- Track crop yields and water usage to understand performance over time
- Understand and implement computerized irrigation systems
- Coordinate with contractors to ensure irrigations are not affected during construction
- Provide general oversight of labor crew
- Have welding experience or certification if necessary
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education, especially agricultural mechanics
- plant science
- biology
- business
- Spanish
Education/Training Required:
An associate degree or higher in turf grass management, plant science, agricultural engineering, landscape architecture or a related field is required to be an irrigation specialist.
