Irrigation Tech

Boone County Development Agency; Albion Township (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local farming agency in Albion Township is looking for an Irrigation Technician to operate and maintain irrigation systems and components. The ideal candidate will have experience in farm labor, excellent communication skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Responsibilities also include record maintenance, teamwork coordination with farming activities, and complying with regulations. The role involves physical tasks, including lifting and working under various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of farm labor experience with irrigation.
• Valid Current Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Chemigation Permit required (can be obtained post-hire).

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain irrigation systems components.
• Maintain accurate irrigation records and plans.
• Coordinate with farming activities and maintain inventory.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Analytical problem-solving

Team-oriented communication

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

General Purpose:

JSMM Farms (Niewohner Entities) is looking for an Irrigation Technician for Albion NE location to operate, maintain and repair farm irrigation system components; maintain accurate irrigation records; develop and interpret irrigation plans, specifications and details; communicate effectively with others; provide assistance for crop planting; and participate in the harvesting of crops.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Operate,maintainand repair irrigation systems components such as electrical center pivot systems, surface irrigation, flow meters, air vents, flush valves, etc.
• Operate andmaintaincomplex pumping and pipeline systems
• Operate equipment properly and safely
• Closelymonitorall irrigation system operations,make adjustmentsor changes as necessary
• Comply withall CPNRD per regulations
• Maintainrecords required by CPNRD regulations
• Calculate application rates, acreage,flowsand volumes. Follow water balance plan
• Operate andmaintainheavy equipment used in the construction and repair of dams, borders, unpaved roads, pivot tracts, etc.
• Operate,setand maintainchemigationpumps used for pesticide applications
• Coordinated irrigation activities with farming activities
• Maintain inventory of parts and supplies needed on a regular basis
• Rotate weekend duty and on call duty
• Notify supervisorimmediatelyof potential CPNRDpermitviolations
• Keep supervisor informed on the condition of equipment and machinery used on the sites
• Coordinate activities with others
• All other duties as assigned for the company

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent with anadditional1 to 3 years farm labor experience including work with irrigation systems.
• Valid Current Driver’s Licensewith clean driving record.
• ChemigationPermit Required (This may be obtained once hired).
• Mechanical interest and aptitudeisbeneficial.
• Understanding of planting/spraying/harvesting techniques.
• Ability to take initiative, learn, grow, and expand knowledge in the job.
• Driven, organized, action-oriented, analytical and ability to multi-task.
• Ability to use analytical techniques for problem solving, coordination, and decision making
• Individualmust be team oriented.
• Strong communicationskills, driven, and goal oriented.
• High attention to detail.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds frequently
• Must be able to lift and carry 100 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to see and read fine detailed reports/computer screen
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and manipulate fine items.
• Must be able to frequently walk and stand during shift
• Must be able to climb ladders occasionally
• Must be able to reach at, above or below shoulder level frequently

Dress and Personal Protective Equipment:

Must wear appropriate clothing for all operations to protect against injury; no loose clothing; wear gloves when necessary; and any other safety protection device such as safety eye wear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, and is occasionally exposed to humid conditions, ambient air, hot and cold temperature, fumes or airborne particles, traffic, and chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally high.