SENIOR IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is seeking a Senior Irrigation Technician to provide skilled maintenance and repair of university irrigation systems. The role ensures conservation compliance and proper water usage across multiple locations.

The technician will oversee repairs of drip and sprinkler systems, monitor watering schedules and weather data, and coordinate projects with other departments or contractors.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of irrigation equipment, installation, repair, maintenance and programming experience.
• Knowledge of Rainbird and Hunter controllers and cloud-based irrigation software.
• Ability to operate equipment to locate broken irrigation lines and to dig for lines.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and performs repairs of existing drip and sprinkler systems.
• Monitors and tracks watering schedules, weather and irrigation needs.
• Plans and coordinates irrigation scheduling, repairs and installation projects.
• Sets and maintains times on computer and electronic valve clocks; troubleshoots controllers and heads.
• Ensures irrigation systems are maintained and working properly across locations.
• Conducts weekly inspections of irrigation systems for proper function.

Skills

Irrigation maintenance

Troubleshooting

Scheduling/watering schedules

Safety procedures

Supervision (basic)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Rainbird controllers

Hunter controllers

Cloud-based irrigation software

2-wire & 3-wire irrigation systems

Job description

Office Location
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Drive
Human Resources
MASS Building 2 nd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539

Edinburg: [phone]
Brownsville: [phone]
Office hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Faculty Recruitment:
College of Engineering & Computer Science: [e-mail]

Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship: [e-mail]

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number SRGV9234

Working Title

Working Title SENIOR IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Location

Department

Department Campus Facilities Operations

FTE

FTE 1

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Scope of Job

To provide skilled specialized maintenance and repair of University irrigation systems and ensure conservation compliance is followed in accordance with regulatory agencies for proper irrigation water usage.

Description of Duties

• Oversees and performs repairs of existing drip and sprinkler systems.
• Monitors and keeps track of watering schedules, weather and irrigation needs in all landscape areas.
• Plans and coordinates irrigation scheduling, repairs and installation projects.
• Sets and maintains times on computer and electronic valve clocks; troubleshoots computerized electronic systems, irrigation controllers, solenoid valves, and heads of all types.
• Ensures all irrigation systems throughout UTRGV are maintained and working properly.
• Implements irrigation audits, records and analyzes data collected.
• Operates tractors and trenchers to install and repair lines.
• May assist in coordination with other departments or outside contractors regarding irrigation groundwork.
• Oversees the installation of new irrigation systems and equipment as well as troubleshoots existing systems.
• Conducts weekly inspections of irrigation systems for proper function throughout all UTRGV locations.
• Trains new and current irrigation technicians and cross-trains other staff as needed.
• Oversees and performs repairs, adjustments, and settings on the campus irrigation system are done in a timely manner, including both centralized and manual systems.
• Ensures established safety procedures are followed at all times.
• Maintains the shop areas, work sites, equipment, and tools safe and orderly stored.
• Drives, cleans and maintains University vehicles and equipment.
• Attends shop and departmental meetings.
• Attends required safety training sessions or classes.
• May be required to have flexible work schedule, to include but not limited to: work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and any campus emergencies.
• Completes and submits accurate daily labor and weekly time reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

General supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given

Direct supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education

N/A

Licenses/Certifications

As condition of employment this position requires the applicant to be authorized to operate a University-Owned Vehicle for Official University Business. Per University of Texas System Policy 157, applicants will be subject to a motor vehicle record check for their most recent thirty-six (36) month history. Out of State Drivers are required to submit a 36-month history MVR from their prior State of residence(s).

Required Experience

Four (4) years of irrigation equipment, installation, repair, maintenance and programming experience.

Preferred Experience

N/A

Equipment

Use of standard equipment related to the duties. Knowledge of 2-wire & 3-wire irrigation systems, and installation and programming of Rainbird and Hunter controllers. Knowledge of cloud-based irrigation software.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/outdoor environment; some travel and weekend work is required. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

As part of their essential duties, employees in these roles are expected to maintain a consistent, in-person presence on campus at their assigned locations. Limited exceptions may apply for positions that are approved as hybrid or fully remote in accordance with UTRGV policies.

Other

Ability to operate equipment to locate broken irrigation lines as well as equipment to dig for irrigations lines and water lines. Ability to troubleshoot irrigation systems and repair them.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Employment Category Full-Time

Minimum Salary

Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary

Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date

Position Available Date 11/05/2026

Grant Funded Position

Grant Funded Position No

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.
All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development .