Irrigation Technician

Jobless; Oregon, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon is seeking an Irrigation Technician to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair irrigation systems across the resort. You will work with Maintenance, Grounds, and homeowner programs to ensure efficient water use and reliable operation in outdoor environments.

The role requires strong mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in varying weather, with seasonal start-ups, winterization, and documentation of repairs and maps.

Qualifications

• Experience with irrigation systems, landscape irrigation, plumbing, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair irrigation systems across Black Butte Ranch.
• Diagnose leaks, valve failures, controller issues, and coverage problems.
• Repair and replace irrigation components and related equipment.
• Locate underground leaks and damaged lines.
• Adjust controllers, schedules, zones, and coverage for healthy landscapes.
• Perform preventative maintenance and routine inspections.
• Assist with seasonal start-up, testing, and winterization.
• Document repairs and maintenance, and maintain maps and records.
• Ensure safety procedures and proper PPE when working near electrical and pressurized systems.
• Provide courteous service to homeowners and guests.
• Maintain inventory of parts and tools.
• Coordinate with maintenance and facilities on irrigation projects.
• Participate in emergency repairs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Irrigation systems

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading layouts & schematics

Hand & power tools usage

Independent work ethic

Documentation & recordkeeping

Customer service & communication

Valid driver's license

Education

Irrigation/backflow certifications or training

Tools

Irrigation-specific tools

Testing equipment

Pumps & controllers

Wiring & electrical basics

Job description

About Black Butte Ranch

Black Butte Ranch is a destination resort in Central Oregon, surrounded by Cascade mountain views, Ponderosa pines, and a strong sense of community. Set across 1,800 acres, the Ranch features championship golf courses, lodging, restaurants, pools, spa, trails, a private lake, and year-round recreation.

Working here means being part of a collaborative team dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful settings.

Summary

The Irrigation Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and seasonal management of irrigation systems throughout Black Butte Ranch. This position supports irrigation infrastructure across Ranch common areas, landscaping, facilities, and participating homeowner properties.

The Irrigation Technician works closely with Maintenance, Grounds, homeowners, contractors, and other Ranch departments to identify and resolve irrigation issues, promote efficient water use, and keep systems operating safely and reliably. This role requires strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in an outdoor environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair irrigation systems throughout Black Butte Ranch.
• Diagnose irrigation issues including leaks, broken components, electrical problems, valve failures, controller issues, pressure problems, and coverage deficiencies.
• Repair and replace irrigation valves, sprinkler heads, rotors, nozzles, controllers, wiring, piping, fittings, backflow components, and related equipment.
• Locate and repair underground irrigation leaks and damaged lines.
• Adjust irrigation controllers, schedules, zones, heads, and coverage to support healthy landscapes, efficient operation, and water conservation.
• Perform preventative maintenance and routine system inspections.
• Assist with seasonal irrigation start-up, programming, testing, adjustments, shutdown, and winterization.
• Coordinate and complete irrigation winterization services for participating Black Butte Ranch homeowners, documenting system concerns and communicating repair recommendations as needed.
• Provide professional and courteous service when interacting with homeowners and guests.
• Maintain accurate records of irrigation repairs, maintenance, system modifications, homeowner services, and required follow-up.
• Maintain irrigation maps, controller and zone information, work orders, and other system documentation.
• Maintain inventory of irrigation parts, supplies, tools, and equipment; monitor inventory levels and assist with purchasing materials as needed.
• Properly maintain and care for irrigation tools, equipment, vehicles, and related Ranch assets.
• Follow all Ranch safety procedures and use appropriate PPE when working around electrical systems, pressurized water systems, underground utilities, equipment, and excavation areas.
• Communicate significant leaks, system failures, repair needs, and safety concerns to appropriate leadership.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Grounds, Facilities, contractors, and other Ranch departments on irrigation needs and projects.
• Assist with emergency repairs, seasonal maintenance, and other Maintenance & Facilities projects as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with irrigation systems, landscape irrigation, plumbing, mechanical systems, or a related field.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and ability to identify practical repair solutions.
• Ability to read and understand irrigation layouts, diagrams, maps, and basic electrical schematics.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, and irrigation-specific tools.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize service requests, and manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including accurate recordkeeping and inventory management.
• Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with homeowners, guests, coworkers, contractors, and vendors.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather and seasonal conditions.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and working on uneven terrain or in difficult-to-access areas.
• Experience with commercial or large-scale irrigation systems, automated irrigation controllers, winterization and spring start-up, pumps, valves, backflow prevention, pressure regulation, or basic electrical troubleshooting preferred.
• Irrigation, landscape, plumbing, or backflow-related certifications or training are a plus.
• Previous experience in a resort, HOA, golf course, commercial property, or large residential community environment preferred.

This is a general summary of job responsibilities. Management reserves the right to modify this job description at any time.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Our commitment to service starts with our team. We foster a welcoming, inclusive workplace and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs in accordance with applicable laws.