What are the responsibilities and job description for the Irrigation and Landscape Technician position at Buds & Blades Landscape Company?
Irrigation Technician / Project Crew Leader
Buds & Blades Landscape Company — Rochester, WA Full-Time | Serving Lewis & Thurston Counties
About Us
Buds & Blades is a family-owned landscape company that’s been serving Lewis and Thurston County homeowners and businesses for nearly 20 years. We’re a tight-knit, owner-operated team that takes pride in doing the job right — not cutting corners, not overpromising, and treating our crews and our customers like family. We’re growing, and we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
The Role
We’re looking for a hands-on, all-around field professional who can wear a few hats: irrigation technician, project/crew leader, and licensed pesticide applicator. This isn’t a desk job — you’ll be out on properties every day: sometimes working solo, sometimes leading a small crew, sometimes working alongside our other crews, and sometimes jumping in to help out on maintenance when that’s where you’re needed. You’ll be troubleshooting irrigation systems, applying treatments, and making sure our maintenance and enhancement work meets the standard our clients expect.
If you like variety, want real ownership over your work, and are looking for a company where you can build a long-term career (not just punch a clock), we want to talk to you.
What You’ll Do
Irrigation - Install, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain residential and commercial irrigation systems - Diagnose electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic issues in controllers, valves, and heads - Perform seasonal startups, winterizations, and system audits - Recommend system upgrades and efficiency improvements to clients
Crew & Project Work - Work independently on irrigation and project tasks, or lead a small crew, depending on the job - Take on a range of project work — small projects, landscape renovations, planting, and drainage — alongside irrigation and maintenance duties - Jump in alongside our maintenance or enhancement crews when a job calls for extra hands or specialized irrigation know-how - Plan and sequence your own work (or your crew’s) to keep jobs on schedule and on budget - Train and mentor crew members on proper techniques and safety standards when leading - Communicate directly with clients on-site regarding scope, timelines, and issues - Maintain quality control — walk properties and make sure work meets our standard before you leave
Spray & Maintenance - Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pest control treatments per label and licensing requirements - Maintain accurate application records - Jump in to help our maintenance crews with day-to-day work (mowing, pruning, cleanups, seasonal work) whenever that’s where the extra hands are needed
What You Bring
Experience in irrigation installation, troubleshooting, and repair (2 years preferred) Washington State pesticide applicator license, or ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire (we’ll support licensing/training)
Comfortable working independently as well as leading or joining a crew — you can adapt to whatever the day’s job calls for
Strong problem-solving skills — you can diagnose an issue in the field without someone holding your hand
Valid driver’s license with a clean record to be insurable
Ability to work outdoors in all weather, lift 50 lbs, and be on your feet most of the day
Clear communicator — with your crew, with clients, and with the office
A work ethic that matches ours: show up, do it right, own it
Bonus points for: - Strong familiarity with industry-standard irrigation equipment such as Hunter and Rain Bird (Weathermatic a plus) - Backflow testing certification - Bilingual (English/Spanish)
What We Offer
Competitive pay based on experience
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Steady, year-round work with a growing company
Training and support toward certifications and licensing
A real path for advancement — we promote from within and invest in our people A company where the owners are still in the field and know your name
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Landscape Project: 3 years (Required)
- Landscape Irrigation: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Washington State Driver's License (Required)
- Washington State Applicator's License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $32