Irrigation Specialist - Marbella Country Club

POSITION SUMMARY

The Irrigation Specialist is responsible for the programming, operation, maintenance, and repair of the golf course irrigation system(s). This position plays a vital role in supporting turf health, course conditioning, and water management practices across the property. Reporting to the Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, the Irrigation Specialist works independently and collaboratively with the maintenance team to ensure proper system functionality. While this is a technical and skilled trade position, it also offers opportunities for professional growth within the golf course management industry.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Working knowledge of irrigation systems, including electrical and hydraulic components, automatic valves, and central controllers.
• Familiarity with various types of pumps, pumping systems, and moisture sensors.
• Ability to troubleshoot system issues and perform manual repairs in the field.
• Understanding of turfgrass needs, agronomic principles, and seasonal water requirements.
• Knowledge of tools, materials, and practices used in landscape and turf maintenance.
• Ability to operate trenchers, light equipment, utility carts, and small hand tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and irrigation software systems (Rain Bird, Toro, etc.) preferred.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and maintain clear maintenance records.
• Strong organizational skills, self-direction, and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Follows all safety protocols for electrical, mechanical, and pressurized system work.
• Uses required proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, goggles, and hearing protection at all times.
• Maintains a clean, organized work area and reports safety hazards promptly.
• Participates in safety meetings and ongoing job-specific training.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Programs, monitors, and adjusts irrigation schedules to maintain optimal turf health across all playing surfaces.
• Operates manual and automatic irrigation systems, responding to weather, ET (evapotranspiration) data, and turf moisture needs.
• Diagnoses and repairs irrigation system components, including valves, sprinkler heads, lateral and mainlines, wiring, decoders, and controllers.
• Maintains pump houses, wells, filters, and other system infrastructure, ensuring all components are clean, operational, and well-documented.
• Keeps accurate records of water usage, ET data, rainfall, and irrigation patterns.
• Assists with the installation of new irrigation zones or system expansions as directed.
• Trims around heads and valve boxes to ensure visibility and access.
• Communicates regularly with the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent about system issues or turf stress conditions.
• Reports pump station issues to Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent to schedule professional repair and maintenance from preferred vendor. 
• Waters greens, tees, fairways, and other key areas using both automated and manual methods.
• Monitors turf conditions and identifies areas requiring additional water or system adjustment.
• Coordinates with the mechanic on parts inventory, preventative maintenance, and equipment needs.
• May assist in daily golf course maintenance as required. 
• Occasionally supervises small labor crews for irrigation-related projects or system installations.
• Assists with hand-watering and quick coupler irrigation during high-heat periods.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Walking, driving, lifting 50 lbs., and performing repetitive motion.
• Outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Standing, lifting, bending, kneeling, walking for extended periods 
• Exposure to pressurized systems, electricity, noise, dust, grease, uneven terrain, and moving equipment.
• Regular walking, kneeling, digging, lifting, and climbing in terrain or confined spaces.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Outdoors in heat and humidity, with exposure to lawn maintenance equipment, chemicals, and computers for recordkeeping and scheduling.

SCHEDULING

Golf maintenance operates 7 days/week. Early mornings and weekend work is required as part of a rotating crew schedule.

THE DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ALL-INCLUSIVE AND EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO PERFORM ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED AND DIRECTED BY MANAGEMENT. POSITION DESCRIPTIONS AND DUTIES MAY BE MODIFIED WHENEVER DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY MANAGEMENT.