Position Core Profile: The Irrigation Technician II is a mid-level field role responsible for performing advanced installation, service, and repair work on irrigation systems with minimal supervision. Depending on daily assignment, the technician supports system layout, trenching, pipe and valve installation, and controller wiring for new installations, as well as diagnostics, component replacement, controller programming, and system optimization on existing systems. The role includes interpreting site plans and as-builts, training junior crew members, and ensuring all work meets design specifications, quality standards, and water conservation practices.
Differentiators:
- Expanded Technical Proficiency: Applies intermediate knowledge of irrigation system design, installation methods, diagnostics, and component function with increasing independence and accuracy.
- Independent Problem-Solving: Takes ownership of diagnosing and resolving common irrigation issues—including valve malfunctions, wiring faults, coverage problems, and controller programming, while ensuring installation work aligns with design layouts and performance expectations.
- Field Leadership & Peer Mentorship: Serves as a key contributor to installation and service efficiency, providing guidance to Technician I team members on techniques, tool use, troubleshooting, and task sequencing.
Accountabilities:
- System Layout, Installation & Repairs: Interpret irrigation plans and as-builts to install system components such as lateral lines, mainlines, valves, control wiring, and heads according to specifications. Execute trenching and boring methods as needed and confirm proper zoning and spacing based on design documents. Independently inspect, diagnose, and repair irrigation issues such as stuck valves, electrical faults, broken wires, leaks, low pressure, alignment problems, and system pressure imbalances. Replace and repair malfunctioning components including valves, solenoids, emitters, heads, and wiring.
- Troubleshooting, Programming & System Optimization: Perform functional tests of newly installed systems to confirm performance. Program controllers and make zone adjustments based on site conditions and seasonal needs. Evaluate system coverage and make adjustments to improve water distribution and efficiency. Identify opportunities for water savings through scheduling, pressure adjustments, or hardware upgrades.
- System Enhancement & Upgrade Advocacy: Evaluate existing systems and identify opportunities to elevate the properties under care. Recommend and implement upgrades such as master valves, smart controllers, rain sensors, and pressure-regulating components. Use technical knowledge to justify recommendations that deliver long-term savings and reliability for clients.
- Crew Support & Training: Guide and assist Irrigation Technician I team members on proper techniques, tool use, system components, and troubleshooting methods. Share knowledge to support team development, productivity, and quality control. Report progress, material needs, or design discrepancies to the Crew Leader, Foreman, or Irrigation Supervisor.
- Tool Operation & Equipment Maintenance: Operate trenchers, vibratory plows, hand tools, and diagnostic devices safely and effectively. Perform pre- and post-task equipment inspections and report issues. Ensure tools are stored properly and in good working condition. Help monitor truck and trailer inventory for assigned job sites and maintain job site organization and cleanliness.
- Safety, Documentation & Compliance: Maintain detailed and accurate records of installations, diagnostics, repairs, and system conditions using designated software, including zone labeling, photos, and thorough descriptions of issues and recommendations. Consistently follow all company safety policies and wear required PPE. Participate in safety briefings and uphold safety standards among peers. Immediately report unsafe conditions, near-miss incidents, or job progress concerns to the supervisor.
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and other duties may be assigned as dictated by business needs.
Experience and Qualifications:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
- Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in irrigation installation, maintenance, or landscape construction, with demonstrated familiarity in reading plans, installing valves, piping, and control systems, and performing routine troubleshooting, component replacement, and controller adjustments.
- Licensing/Certification: Valid state driver's license required; industry certifications (e.g., Certified Irrigation Technician - CIT) preferred but not required
- Skills:
- Ability to interpret irrigation plans, as-builts, and zone maps and perform installations to spec
- Proficient in diagnosing and repairing common irrigation issues (e.g., valve malfunctions, wiring problems, coverage adjustments)
- Knowledge of irrigation materials, tools, and proper installation techniques
- Familiarity with major irrigation brands such as Rain Bird, Hunter, Toro, or Netafim
- Comfortable with basic controller programming and seasonal scheduling adjustments
- Proficiency operating trenching and boring equipment safely
- Effective communication and mentoring skills for working with junior crew
- Strong organizational habits, time management, attention to detail, and service documentation skills
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to varying jobsite needs
Key Performance Metrics:
- Accurate and timely completion of installation, service, and repair tasks with minimal rework
- Accuracy in diagnosing and resolving irrigation system issues, including electrical and hydraulic faults
- Effective use of water-saving techniques such as smart controller programming and efficient zone scheduling
- Effective communication with crew and supervisors regarding design, site challenges, or job progress
- Demonstrated leadership and support for less experienced crew members
- Consistent documentation of work performed, materials used, and system updates
- Consistent adherence to safety standards, PPE use, and local codes and regulations
- Positive feedback from supervisors and clients regarding technical skills, professionalism, and communication
- Reliability in attendance, time management, and work quality
Working Conditions and Availability Disclosure:
- Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching, as well as regular use of hands and arms to perform manual labor and operate irrigation equipment. Employees must be able to lift and carry materials and tools weighing up to 50 pounds, with heavier lifting being team-assisted or reasonably accommodated. The role involves the regular use of irrigation-specific tools and equipment such as trenchers, vibratory plows, pipe cutters, wire strippers, valve locators, volt/multi-meters, and hand tools like shovels and picks.
- Sufficient visual acuity and hand-eye coordination are required to perform detailed installations and repairs, troubleshoot wiring and valves, and safely operate machinery. The position may occasionally involve climbing or working at heights, including ladders, slopes, or uneven terrain, and may include exposure to confined spaces or utility areas. The job may also require working near traffic or within active construction zones.
- Work is regularly performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, wind, and direct sun. There is potential exposure to noise, dust, pollen, dirt, mud, pressurized water, and common irrigation adhesives, sealants, and chemical materials. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)—including gloves, eye protection, ear protection, and sturdy footwear/boots—is required at all times.
- Must be available for early start times, extended hours, and occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines, service commitments, or respond to site conditions.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work to be performed.