Lead Irrigation Technician

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS is seeking a full-time employee to manage the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and 5 years of experience in landscape construction or irrigation management. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment, performing preventative maintenance, and supervising team members. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential along with a commitment to safety. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in landscape construction or irrigation installation.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Provides input on university irrigation system layout.
• Operates and maintains machinery and equipment.

Skills

Ability to read basic blueprints

Skilled in the use of irrigation tools

Ability to operate heavy equipment

Knowledge of common plant materials

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Irrigation tools

Controllers

Heavy equipment (tractors, skid steer)

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510525
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 751400 - Campus Landscape
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Support Staff
Position Open Date: Apr 27 2026

Position Function

Manages the repairs, installation and maintenance on all irrigation systems associated with the University.

Responsibilities

1. Manages the installation and maintenance of the irrigation systems, ensuring work is completed according to established plans and standards
2. Performs seasonal irrigation services: Spring start-ups, winterization/turn-offs and mid-season checks.
3. Provides input and support on the layout and setup of university irrigation systems to achieve efficient and uniform distribution of water.
4. Operates machinery/equipment such as a tractor, dozer, skidsteer, and trencher if needed.
5. Installs, connects, programs, and repairs wiring, valves, sprinkler heads and electronic controllers, ensuring all are functioning properly and without fault.
6. Performs preventative and routine maintenance on irrigation systems.
7. Cleans and services fountains on campus.
8. Manages and installs outdoor lighting as necessary.
9. Monitors supply levels and reports material or equipment needs to supervisor. May assist in other general campus landscape duties when needed, such as laying sod, planting trees/shrubbery, and mowing campus grounds.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises and trains team members when needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of experience in landscape construction, irrigation installation, and/or landscape management.
• Any equivalent combination of related experience and/or education approved by the Department of Human Resources Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read basic blueprints and understand site layout.
• Skilled in the use of irrigation tools, controllers, valves, and related equipment.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment such as tractors, skid steers, and trenchers.
• Knowledge of common plant materials and landscape practices.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and support crew organization.
• Problem‑solving skills related to irrigation and landscaping tasks.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.

Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; travel or other inconveniences have advance notice; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Job frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing or balancing, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Job occasionally requires sitting, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting more than 100 pounds. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Advertised: Apr 27 2026 Central Daylight Time