Irrigation Manager

Threemile Canyon Farms; Boardman (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Threemile Canyon Farms is seeking an Irrigation Manager to oversee water management on our sustainable farm in Boardman, Oregon. The role involves developing irrigation schedules, monitoring systems, and supervising staff to ensure optimal operation and compliance with regulations.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree in agriculture or a related field, along with a strong background in irrigation management. We value leadership, communication skills, and the ability to work in varied conditions.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in irrigation management with a successful track record.
• Proficiency in irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance.
• Strong leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement water budgets and irrigation schedules.
• Inspect site and monitor water usage and system performance.
• Supervise and train irrigation technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Irrigation system design

Water management practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field

Tools

Irrigation management software

Job description

For more than 20 years, Threemile Canyon Farms has responsibly provided for the nutritional needs of a growing population through our sustainable dairy and farming operations. We are proud of our contributions and of the ways we do it, including early innovation in building a "closed loop" system that couples crop farming and dairy production to recycle waste and keep our 39,500 acres of irrigated farmland healthy.

Job Duties Include

• Develop and implement water budgets and irrigation schedules based on soil, climate, plant requirements and site’s unique conditions.
• Inspect site and monitor water usage, plant health and irrigation system performance.
• Identify needed repairs and recommend enhancements to reduce water waste and cost.
• Work with farm manager and irrigator to develop budget and implement plans for preventative, scheduled and emergency repairs, as well as irrigation system upgrades.
• Provide directions to farm manager and irrigator on system use, scheduling and maintenance.
• Regularly inspect and maintain irrigation systems to ensure optimal performance and water conservation.
• Prepare and manage budgets for irrigation projects, ensuring cost‑effective solutions and staying within financial constraints.
• Supervise and train irrigation technicians and other staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Ensure all irrigation activities comply with local regulations and industry standards. Prepare and present reports on system performance, water usage, and maintenance activities.
• Interact with farmers to understand their needs, provide technical advice, and address any concerns or issues related to irrigation systems.
• Stay updated on the latest irrigation technologies and techniques, integrating new tools and methods to enhance system efficiency and effectiveness.
• Be a self‑starter; ability to work independently as well as with other team members and management.
• Attend required company meetings and training and participate in constructive discussion.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations while performing work assignments and adhere to all policies and procedures as specified in company manuals and the employee handbook.
• Conduct self in the presence of customers and community to present a professional image of Threemile Canyon Farms.
• Proactively seek and participate in available company‑sponsored training, in an effort to develop and advance knowledge base and skill set.
• Maintain a positive and professional working relationship with peers, management, and support resources, with a constant commitment to teamwork and exemplary customer service.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management in a professional and efficient manner.

Requirements

• Two‑year associate’s degree required; four‑year bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, engineering, or a related field preferred or related experience. 3–5 years’ experience in irrigation management with a proven track record of successful project implementation and maintenance.
• Proficiency in irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance. Knowledge of water management practices and relevant software.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks related to irrigation system maintenance.
• Exceptional communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Candidate must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.