Job Position

Irrigator

Irrigators oversee all aspects of irrigation at a farm, ranch or other agricultural producer. Based on field and weather conditions and crop requirements, irrigators develop and implement watering and chemical application schedules. Irrigators manage and direct a team of technicians in carrying out regular system maintenance, troubleshooting problems and making needed repairs. Irrigators also recommend system upgrades and manage installation projects.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze soil conditions, monitor data from weather stations, and work with agronomist to develop and implement irrigation schedules to meet plant requirements.
  • Monitor irrigation system performance, track water and chemical use, identify needed repairs and recommend enhancements.
  • Work with farm manager to develop and manage annual operating budget, including labor, equipment maintenance and repair, irrigation maintenance and repair, chemicals and other supplies.
  • Hire, train and manage team of technicians, installers and outside contractors to perform irrigation system maintenance, repairs and upgrades, including tracking crew timesheets and supervising major repairs and improvement projects.
  • Manage inventory of repair equipment, replacement irrigation components, chemicals and other supplies.
  • Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety and other government regulations, including chemical handling, storage and disposal.

Education & Experience

  • Four-year bachelor’s degree required in related field.
  • Five years irrigation experience required; two years crew management experience preferred.
  • Experience with grower’s crops preferred.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
  • Recommended certification(s): Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS), Certified Irrigation Designer (CID), state pesticide application certification, state fertilizer application license or certification, equipment operator license

Compensation

  • $70,000 – $90,000*

*Irrigation industry compensation information is based on reporting by Irrigation Association members, industry recruiters, online job postings and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compensation varies by candidate experience and job location. This data is provided for information only and does not represent a guarantee or commitment by the Irrigation Foundation.

Possible career path: Agronomist