Irrigation Specialist

Job Summary:

The Lead Irrigation Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the golf course’s complex irrigation systems. This role involves programming and troubleshooting irrigation components, training team members, maintaining water usage records, and performing physical repairs across two separate irrigation systems. The technician must understand pump station operations and agronomic watering requirements to ensure the course is properly irrigated and maintained.

Scope of Position:

• Perform major and minor irrigation repairs, service, and system maintenance.
• Operate and program central and satellite irrigation systems.
• Train and oversee other Irrigation Technicians.
• Maintain comprehensive irrigation records and ensure efficient water use.

Reporting Authority:

• Reports to the Golf Course Superintendent
• Receives daily guidance from East and West Course Supervisors

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Irrigation System Management:

• Diagnose and repair leaks, broken sprinkler heads, fittings, valves, and pipe.
• Program and monitor the OSMAC computerized central controller system.
• Adjust and manage watering schedules based on turf needs and weather conditions.
• Ensure communication between the central system and field satellites is active and functioning.
• Maintain and repair field satellite units, including:
  • Electric solenoids
  • Modem boards
  • Faceplates
  • Epcom chips

Pump Station Oversight:

• Flush tanks and clean filters.
• Monitor daily performance of all pump stations.
• Understand and operate pumps, motors, clay valves, hydraulic systems, and related components.

Record Keeping & Compliance:

• Maintain hour meter logs and water use records.
• Track usage of liquid fertilizer (fertigation).
• Record and monitor weather data (rainfall, humidity, wind, temperatures).

Maintenance & Repairs:

• Rapidly troubleshoot and resolve irrigation problems.
• Maintain inventory of repair parts and fittings.
• Adjust sprinkler heads to prevent overspray or dry spots.
• Trim around yardage-marked sprinklers monthly.

Isolation Valves & Drainage:

• Know the location of all isolation valves and quick couplers.
• Trim around valves monthly and ensure they are exercised regularly.
• Clean out clogged catch basins.
• Install and maintain drainage systems (pipe, gravel, sump holes).
• Identify and maintain existing drainage infrastructure.

General Irrigation Maintenance:

• Flag sprinkler heads before turf operations like aerification or verticutting.
• Raise or lower sprinkler heads as turf grade changes.
• Hand water hot spots and turf affected by hydraulic oil leaks to leach contaminants.

Agronomic Awareness:

• Understand irrigation requirements for turf health.
• Make proactive watering adjustments to respond to changing weather or turf conditions.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Lift, pull, and push up to 25 pounds regularly; occasionally assist with awkward or heavier items.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching above/below waist level, and crawling.
• Climbing into high or confined areas as needed.
• Manual dexterity for operating small hand tools and irrigation equipment.
• Exposure to outdoor elements (heat, cold, rain) and mechanical/chemical hazards (soap, bleach, fertilizers, hazardous substances).
• Use of personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.) as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical training or certification in irrigation systems or turf management preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience with golf course or large-scale turf irrigation systems.
• Proficiency with computerized irrigation systems, particularly OSMAC or similar central controllers.
• Strong understanding of pump station mechanics, hydraulics, and fertigation systems.
• Experience maintaining detailed irrigation logs and water usage records.
• Ability to read and interpret irrigation maps, plans, and schematics.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to train and guide others.
• Valid driver’s license required.