What Does An Irrigation Technician Do?

WHAT DOES AN IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN DO?

Published: Oct 15, 2025 - The Irrigation Technician conducts field inspections to assess soil moisture, crop growth stages, and water distribution efficiency for optimal in-field water management. This role requires assisting in the development of grower soil moisture programs, supporting irrigation scheduling and budgeting, and troubleshooting technical issues using variable rate irrigation tools. The technician also collaborates with the Irrigation Specialist and reports to the Principal Scientist, ensuring high-quality customer service and accurate data analysis without direct supervisory responsibilities.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Irrigation Technician

1. Irrigation Technician Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Irrigation Management: Manage the irrigation systems on campus to ensure proper watering of turf, trees, bushes, and all other plantings.
System Installation: Install, troubleshoot, repair, and renovate irrigation systems.
Grounds Maintenance: Perform other grounds maintenance tasks.
Work Order Management: Respond to assigned work orders in a timely manner, ensuring the job is completed to the campus standard.
CMMS Operation: Close the work order out through the handheld tablet linked to the CMMS system.
Irrigation Tasks: Perform irrigation system tasks, including.
Controller Programming: Set and program all irrigation controllers.
System Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot computerized electronic systems, irrigation controllers, solenoid valves, and heads of all types.
Corrective Action: Initiate corrective action to secure satisfactory standards and timely project completion.
System Repair: Repair and inspect lines, valves, and sprinklers on irrigation systems, and install new drip and sprinkler systems.
Equipment Recovery: Remove old systems and recover reusable equipment.
Equipment Operation: Operate tractors and trenchers to install system components.
Department Support: Perform other duties for the Grounds department, including driving University vehicles to perform duties and responsibilities.
Facilities Support: Meet the facilities’ management objectives, including campus “Special Events” support and snow removal activities.

2. Commericial Irrigation Technician Duties and Roles

Irrigation Service: Service and repair irrigation systems as directed by clients, Irrigation Foreman, and Account Managers.
System Maintenance: Assist with start-up and winterization of irrigation systems.
Clock Programming: Program irrigation clocks and monitor site conditions regularly.
Issue Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot irrigation issues, make recommendations, and provide estimates to clients.
Time Tracking: Accurately track time and materials for repairs.
Repair Execution: Execute irrigation work related to repairs and maintenance.
Work Attendance: Maintain timely work attendance, safety meetings, and training.
Snow Removal: Responsible for snow removal.

3. Irrigation Technician Roles and Responsibilities

Guest Service: Greet members and guests with a smile and take care of their needs.
Preventative Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance on all irrigation equipment, including pump stations, irrigation controllers, and sprinklers.
System Operation: Operate, maintain, and repair the irrigation system, including leaks in distribution lines, valves, and risers.
Component Repair: Repair control lines and sprinkler heads.
Controller Maintenance: Maintain and repair satellite controllers.
System Inspection: Inspect the various components of the irrigation system periodically to ensure proper operation.
Professional Representation: Represent the club with the utmost professionalism.
Safety Compliance: Follow the safety guidelines described in the operating procedures.
Workplace Safety: Practice behavior that ensures the safety of the employee, co-workers, members, and guests.

4. Irrigation Technician Responsibilities

Irrigation Management: Ensure the golf course and surrounding areas receive the appropriate amount of daily and nightly irrigation, including Central Programming and hand watering.
System Repair: Repair the irrigation system, including heads, valves, and piping.
Inventory Control: Maintain an appropriate inventory of irrigation parts and equipment.
Issue Reporting: Report any irregularities in course turf quality or irrigation system performance to the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent.
Project Estimation: Estimate time for projects as well as associated costs.
Record Keeping: Keep work records and complete jobs from work orders.
System Installation: Responsible for performing irrigation installations.
System Design Assistance: Assist with the design of irrigation systems.
Problem Diagnosis: Diagnose and troubleshoot problems with irrigation systems.
New Installation: Install new irrigation systems on the property.

5. Irrigation Technician Details

Workflow Management: Manage daily workflow, schedules, and special requests.
System Evaluation: Evaluate and service irrigation systems.
Technical Knowledge: Maintain a strong operable knowledge of controllers and valves.
Guest Communication: Contact the appropriate party if a guest problem is reported.
Guest Assistance: Provide general resort information for guests.
Guest Relations: Offer a warm and sincere welcome or farewell for all guests of Sunriver Resort as they may come in contact with guests during daily duties.
Problem Resolution: Resolve guest problems and are empowered to act in the absence of the manager.
Resort Knowledge: Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of all resort amenities as well as any special events.
Team Collaboration: Interact with resort staff in a professional manner, assisting other departments with necessary information.

6. Irrigation Technician Duties

Sales Promotion: Upsell other resort services and amenities to guests.
Professional Conduct: Maintain a professional demeanor and attitude.
Team Communication: Communicate all pertinent information to the Golf team.
Safety Awareness: Maintain constant awareness of safety issues (i.e., broken glass, frayed electrical cords, leaks, broken locks, and suspicious persons).
Incident Reporting: Report all safety incidents to the on-duty supervisor.
Property Responsibility: Act with responsibility towards all company property, supplies, and equipment.
Professional Appearance: Maintain a professional appearance.
Dress Code Compliance: Follow all Sunriver Resort dress code standards.
Guest Courtesy: Remain alert, courteous, and helpful to guests and colleagues at all times.

7. Irrigation Technician Accountabilities

Maintenance Planning: Plan, schedule, and oversee daily irrigation system maintenance work.
Task Assignment: Assign repair and related tasks to staff.
Quality Inspection: Perform regular site and irrigation system inspections and oversee all work in progress to ensure quality, timeliness, and safety.
Resource Management: Plan, select, and requisition necessary equipment and related supplies.
Record Management: Maintain files and records related to projects, schedules, and other areas.
Equipment Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance and repair of all assigned equipment.
Workplace Cleanliness: Maintain the cleanliness of tools, equipment, and work areas.
Contractor Coordination: Oversee and coordinate the work of contractors.

8. Irrigation Technician Job Summary

Task Performance: Perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of irrigation equipment, irrigation systems, and small pumps.
System Assistance: Assist in the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of simple and moderately complex irrigation systems, including backflow devices.
Blueprint Reading: Read diagrams and blueprints to lay out and locate irrigation valves, timers, and wiring.
System Installation: Install irrigation timers, irrigation piping, and valves.
System Testing: Responsible for testing completed irrigation systems for proper functioning of valves and timers.
Equipment Repair: Locate, excavate, and repair or replace damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
Inventory Maintenance: Restock the van to ensure the supply of necessary parts and equipment.
Crew Supervision: Supervise a small crew in performing maintenance tasks.
Work Monitoring: Assign, review, and monitor work completed.

9. Irrigation Technician Details and Accountabilities

Task Guidance: Responsible for guiding task performance.
Employee Training: Train and develop employees.
Performance Evaluation: Prepare employees’ performance appraisals.
Leave and Merit Recommendations: Recommend vacation approval and merit increases.
Maintenance Assistance: Routinely assist or participate in performing maintenance and repair work.
Operational Continuity: Perform duties of a supervisor or coworkers to ensure continuity of operations during absences.
Professional Interaction: Interact with supervisors, contractors, vendors, and coworkers.
Information Provision: Answer questions and provide accurate information to inquiries.
Record Keeping: Maintain records of completed work.

10. Landscape Irrigation Technician Roles

Site Inspection: Inspect sites for the purpose of identifying repair needs and minimizing damage.
System Installation: Install automated irrigation systems and components (e.g., sprinkler and misting systems and components, drip irrigation, backflow prevention valves, electronic time clocks, automatic controllers, anti-siphon valves, etc.) for the purpose of conserving water and soil resources and maintaining the attractiveness of district facilities.
System Maintenance: Maintain installed automated irrigation systems (e.g., diagnosing electric, mechanical, and electronic problems and programming electronic controllers, etc.) for the purpose of optimizing water use and keeping systems in good working order.
Equipment Procurement: Procure equipment and supplies for the purpose of maintaining the availability of required items and completing jobs efficiently.
Controller Programming: Program electronic controllers for the purpose of optimizing and controlling water.
System Repair: Repair irrigation systems and components (e.g., valves, wiring, o-rings, electronic timers, switches, timer motors, panels, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring equipment and/or components are in proper working order.
System Research: Research irrigation and/or plumbing systems and equipment for the purpose of obtaining information for decision-making and/or recommendations.
Emergency Response: Respond to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety and security concerns.
Blueprint Review: Review blueprints for the purpose of recommending changes in layout prior to installation.
Water Scheduling: Schedule precision watering for the purpose of ensuring optimum watering levels and minimizing disruption of services.
Material Transport: Transport a variety of items (e.g., tools, equipment, supplies, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required at the job site.

11. Irrigation Technician Role Purpose

System Installation: Install, adjust, repair, and replace irrigation systems.
Work Planning: Plan and schedule work to provide for preventative maintenance and efficient performance.
Leak Repair: Quickly locate and repair broken pipes, sprinklers, etc., to reduce water loss and assure proper operating systems.
Controller Adjustment: Adjust, reset, repair, or replace irrigation controllers and/or valves.
System Programming: Program, monitor, and adjust computer-controlled irrigation systems.
Inventory Management: Manage an inventory of parts and tools while performing job responsibilities.
Record Preparation: Compile and prepare necessary maps, reports, and records.
Efficiency Improvement: Strive to improve system efficiencies to conserve water usage.
Heat Endurance: Work in the high Arizona desert heat, where temperatures could get as high as 120 degrees.

12. Irrigation Technician Essential Functions

Collaboration: Work with the Superintendent and other key staff to constantly improve the golf course, clubhouse grounds, and common areas through proper watering practices.
Record Keeping: Assist the Superintendent with required record-keeping for irrigation.
Task Performance: Perform all duties or tasks relative to an “Irrigation Technician I” position.
System Operation: Operate a computerized irrigation control system.
Controller Operation: Responsible for operating satellite controllers.
Turf Assessment: Expert at identifying water drought stress areas on turf grass.
Head Repair: Perform basic irrigation head repairs.
Component Leveling: Proper leveling of valve boxes, sprinkler heads, and quick couplers.
Safety Promotion: Promote a safe working environment in accordance with policies.

13. Irrigation Technician Tasks

Quote Management: Rate and issue quotes, new business, renewals, and endorsements using the available systems and local software programs.
Information Review: Obtain and review pertinent information needed to evaluate renewals and endorsements, according to prescribed criteria and authority.
Request Processing: Review, analyze, and process requests received from agents.
Information Follow-Up: Take necessary action when requesting additional information needed to process business.
Customer Coordination: Follow up with the appropriate internal and external customers.
Quality Assurance: Maintain quality and time standards as established.
Customer Service: Provide timely, courteous, and efficient service to all internal and external customers.
Professional Communication: Communicate in a timely and positive manner.
File Documentation: Document files with the appropriate underwriting and rating information to ensure activity and analysis are clear, concise, and completed.

14. Irrigation Technician Role Purpose

System Knowledge: Understand the installation, service, and repair of commercial irrigation systems ranging in size from 5 zones to 200 zones.
System Maintenance: Properly start up, inspect, and winterize irrigation systems.
System Adjustment: Adjust heads, nozzles, and run times to ensure complete coverage of irrigated areas.
System Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot existing irrigation systems and recommend solutions for repairs and more efficient water usage.
Purchase Management: Complete Purchase Order requests prior to buying materials for assigned jobs.
Time Tracking: Track daily job hours using Paycom.
Client Interaction: Meet and interact with the client when visiting the property.
Equipment Maintenance: Maintain assigned vehicle, equipment, and parts inventory in good working order at all times.
Professional Representation: Professionally represent the company and the department by communicating with all clients regarding the status of systems, water conservation recommendations, proper watering schedules, etc.

15. Irrigation Technician Overview

Field Inspection: Conduct field inspections for soil moisture content, crop growth stage, and verify water distribution effectiveness.
Program Development: Participate in the development of methodology for the implementation of grower soil moisture programs.
Customer Support: Assist the Irrigation Specialist in providing professional customer service to existing and new customers.
Technical Troubleshooting: Provide troubleshooting and resolution to technical issues.
Data Analysis: Analyze in-field water management strategies and moisture monitoring data.
Irrigation Learning: Learn to utilize variable rate irrigation scheduling designs, prescriptions, and adjustments.
Project Participation: Participate in irrigation schedule and water budgeting projects.
Reporting Structure: Responsible for reporting to the Principal Scientist through the assigned Irrigation Specialist and does not have any direct or indirect reports.

16. Cannabis Irrigation Technician Job Description

Plant Monitoring: Monitor each row of plants looking for any sign of wilted plants, which may require immediate attention.
Watering Verification: Ensure all plants that have emitters have been accurately and successfully watered.
Emitter Repair: Identify and repair any necessary issues pertaining to emitter lines.
Hand Watering: Hand water plants that may need special treatment.
Plant Staking: Properly stake each plant with an emitter line once it is loaded into flower.
Output Testing: Conduct emitter output tests periodically.
Issue Reporting: Report to the Irrigation Technicians/Area Manager for any table drainage or emitter problems.
Inventory Management: Keep an accurate inventory list for the water supply cabinet.
Equipment Cleaning: Collect and clean pieces of equipment.
Equipment Maintenance: Keep all equipment in good working order.
Line Purging: Purge table lines according to company procedures.

17. Cannabis Irrigation Technician Accountabilities

Debris Removal: Clear tables of any loose debris.
Plant Adjustment: Remove and raise plants that are sitting in puddles.
Cleaning Contribution: Contribute to daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning and general maintenance.
Equipment Maintenance: Perform regular cleaning and maintenance on work surfaces, tools, and related equipment (emitter heads and lines, tables, floors, etc.).
Quality Control: Perform basic quality control checks for all equipment.
Documentation Accuracy: Accurately fill out all paperwork and spreadsheets.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
Safety Compliance: Work in a safe manner according to Company and OSHA policies.
Workflow Integrity: Ensure that workflow and work procedures are followed for processing integrity.
Documentation Control: Ensure all documentation and appropriate controls and audits are in place to ensure data and processing integrity.

18. Irrigation Technician Roles and Details

Irrigation Scheduling: Plan and implement an irrigation schedule for the golf course and all grounds.
System Maintenance: Maintain and repair mechanical and electrical components of a complex irrigation system.
Preventive Maintenance: Perform preventive maintenance on all equipment associated with irrigation.
Record Keeping: Maintain complete records on all equipment maintenance associated with irrigation.
Report Management: Assure the efficient and timely submission of all required reports.
Staff Supervision: Train and supervise staff assigned to assist in irrigation responsibilities.
Inventory Management: Maintain inventory of parts needed for irrigation equipment.
Expense Control: Control expenses associated with irrigation equipment and activities.
Course Assistance: Assist in course set-up and other course maintenance procedures.
Pest Management: Follow Integrated Pest Management practices in the care of the course and grounds.

19. Irrigation Technician Key Accountabilities

System Repair: Carry out any necessary repairs to the irrigation system, including pipework, valves, control panels, and electrical wiring.
Record Keeping: Keep essential records for all the irrigation management activities, including borehole readings, and carry out regular audits.
Seasonal Maintenance: Perform seasonal maintenance such as system charging and draining.
Inventory Management: Maintain inventory of all irrigation-related parts.
System Design: Participate in the design or modification of new or existing systems.
Landscape Maintenance: Maintain Stadium landscape irrigation systems.
Team Values: Follow the Spurs’ way (Dare, Respect, Drive).
Grounds Assistance: Assist with daily grounds maintenance.

20. Irrigation Technician Essential Functions

Field Repairs: Responsible for field repairs.
Equipment Maintenance: Responsible for efficient equipment maintenance according to industry and company standards.
Documentation Completion: Complete any required documentation, including work orders and expense/budget reports.
Worksite Organization: Keep the job site/work area neat, clean, and organized.
Policy Compliance: Observe and comply with all company policies and safety standards.
Task Execution: Complete any other assigned tasks to contribute to the effective operation of the service and repair department.
Safety Assurance: Ensure work is being conducted safely for the employees, the customers, the public, and the environment.
Irrigation Maintenance: Responsible for irrigation repair (Toro), maintenance, and operation (LTC 2.0).

21. Irrigation Technician Key Accountabilities

System Inspection: Inspect irrigation systems for proper performance.
System Repair: Perform repairs on the irrigation system in a timely manner.
Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine preventative maintenance on the irrigation system.
Water Conservation: Improve the irrigation system for water conservation.
Timer Setting: Set irrigation timers on automatic control devices in the assigned area of responsibility.
Plant Health: Promote healthy plant growth while at the same time following up-to-date water restrictions.
Vehicle Maintenance: Drive, clean, and maintain University vehicles and equipment.
System Development: Undertake the development, maintenance, and programming of all irrigation systems.
Component Coordination: Coordinate the ordering of all irrigation components to ensure all systems operate effectively and efficiently.
Team Collaboration: Work with limited supervision in a team environment while contributing and cooperating with others.
Equipment Operation: Maintain and operate all tools and equipment in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety procedures.

22. Irrigation Technician Functions

Irrigation Operations: Plan, organize, and support the operation and maintenance of campus landscape irrigation systems, including all new construction and renovation projects.
Equipment Operation: Safely operate and maintain equipment and machinery.
Staff Training: Train other staff and students and monitor and provide feedback on work performed.
Snow Removal: Participate in planning and in the removal of snow and ice in assigned zones and elsewhere on campus.
Record Management: Maintain logs and records and schedule work.
Team Collaboration: Collaborate with the Manager, Assistant Managers, and other crews.
System Installation: Responsible for irrigation installation.
System Maintenance: Maintain and repair irrigation systems.
Equipment Maintenance: Large equipment repair and maintenance.
Tool Operation: Operate power equipment and hand tools.
System Repair: Repair lines, sprinkler heads, control panels, valves, and pumps.

23. Irrigation Technician Overview

Software Operation: Program and operate Rainbird Nimbus II Irrigation software.
Pump Maintenance: Operate and maintain irrigation pumps and de-water pump systems.
Sprinkler Repair: Operate and repair Rainbird Eagle 700 and 900 series sprinkler heads.
System Repair: Repair irrigation breaks and additions.
Drainage Installation: Install and maintain drainage.
Course Maintenance: Mow, perform general course maintenance, and course setup.
Project Assistance: Assist in the completion of various other projects on-site.
Outdoor Work: Work outdoors in various weather conditions (this is a physically demanding role).
Trenching Work: Responsible for digging holes and trenching.
Documentation: Complete site paperwork and daily reporting.
Customer Service: Responsible for on-site customer service.
Vehicle Operation: Safe use and operation of company vehicles and equipment.
Safety Compliance: Enforce and follow all company safety procedures.

24. Landscape Irrigation Technician Duties

System Servicing: Service, install, and troubleshoot irrigation systems.
System Maintenance: Responsible for maintaining irrigation systems.
System Operation: Operate irrigation systems, clocks, equipment, and installation equipment.
Team Leadership: Work alongside, delegate, and distribute work according to job site size, time, and available resources.
Time Oversight: Responsible for overseeing time tracking.
Site Inspection: Responsible for final inspection of job sites.
Seasonal Operations: Responsible for winter irrigation operations and winter snow removal services.
System Installation: Safe and timely installation, commissioning, and servicing of irrigation systems and associated pump controls.
Fault Diagnosis: Fault finding, conducting repairs, and responding to breakdowns.
Equipment Inspection: Conduct maintenance and inspections on irrigation equipment, including sprinklers, water lines, pumps, etc.

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