Irrigation Technician

Description

Course Overview

Bully Pulpit is a nationally acclaimed 18-hole, par 72 daily fee golf course designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan. We are located on the I-94 corridor in the Scenic and historic Badlands of North Dakota along the Little Missouri River, just 3 miles south of Historic Medora, ND. The golf course measures 7,166 yards from the Championship tees but has four other sets to choose from. Greens are grassed with Seaside II creeping bentgrass, and the tees, fairways, and roughs are a mixture of Kentucky Blues and Fine Fescues. Modern equipment fleet of Toro and John Deere units. 

Summary/Objective  

The primary function of the Irrigation Technician is to repair, maintain and troubleshoot all Bully Pulpit irrigation infrastructure and related specialty systems on the course. 

Duties/Responsibilities 

• Inspect, repair, and maintain all irrigation systems. This includes repairing pipe breaks and replacing irrigation pipe; repairing and replacing heads and valves, raising and leveling heads, backfilling, cleaning and replacing the surrounding turf with care and precision; troubleshooting sprinklers, valves, decoders, and troubleshooting any wiring issues with the two wire system; installation of new irrigation systems and components; review and update zones to ensure best possible irrigation coverage. 
• Perform manual inspections of Rainbird irrigation system and the Watertronics pump station. 
• Program irrigation systems using Rainbird Integrated Control System to ensure proper watering of landscapes is maintained. 
• Winterization of irrigation systems in the fall. 
• Communicate all systems performance irregularities to the Superintendent. 
• Provide management with technical analysis of course playability and how they relate to the irrigation system's current state. 
• Ensure adequate inventory for all irrigation and pump stations, parts, and related supplies. 
• Assist staff and contractors with locating current underground systems, related utilities, piping, and communication conduit. 
• Schedule irrigation systems operation and repairs in coordination with Assistants and/or Superintendent. 
• Clean and maintain safe and orderly irrigation parts room and pump station in conjunction with maintaining appropriate inventories of repair parts in these spaces. 
• Assiss in maintaining irrigation as built and any mapping updates using GPS and land surveying. 
• Prepare and maintain records of time and materials utilized. 
• Make recommendations and cost analysis on construction projects and equipment purchases that pertain to system installations or renovations. 
• Communicate with Assistant and/or Superintendent and respective contractors regarding the pump station, annual inspections, and keep full record and documentation of these inspections.  
• Operate basic, primary, and heavy equipment and provides general labor support for the golf course department. 
• Always maintain a clean and safe work area environment on the grounds, in the grounds maintenance building, and in all related work areas. 
• Propose improvement ideas to enhance work environment, operations, efficiency, and/or streamline work processes to the Assistants and/or Superintendent. 
• Report unsafe conditions and situations that warrant attention to a golf course leadership team member immediately or as practical. 
• Attend seminars for related professional training. 
• Perform all other duties deemed by management to be an integral part of the job. 

Supervisory Responsibilities - None 

Other Duties 

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of two wire irrigation systems and decoders.  
• Experience with Rainbird IC controllers is preferred.  
• Working knowledge of Rainbird IC rotors and valves.  
• Ability to operate basic landscape equipment. 
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Must be highly organized and have sound time management. 
• Ability to work with accuracy and utilize effective judgment under pressure of time sensitive deadlines. 
• High attention to detail.  
• Ability to read blueprints. 
• Proficient using diagnostic tools such as multimeters, flow meters, fault finders, locators, and leak detectors. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software. 
• Possess a valid driver’s license. 

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); one year certificate from college or technical school specifically in Golf Course Irrigation; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 
• Past golf course or sports turf management experience as crew member or assistant irrigation technician preferred. 
• Minimum of 5 years irrigation experience. 
• Familiarity with Rainbird irrigation systems and equipment. 
• Experience with computer-controlled irrigation systems. 
• Knowledge of irrigation principles and practices such as soil to water and plant relationships. 
• Knowledge of the principles of electric hydraulic, pipe and fittings, pump stations, and record keeping. 

Work Environment

Work hours may include days and evenings on weekdays and weekends. Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. May be exposed to inclement weather, potentially dangerous chemicals, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misdirected golf balls, sharp and rapid equipment movement daily. Injury or sickness may result in safety policies and practices not properly followed. 

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Continuous outdoor weather conditions including cold, heat and humidity for extended periods of time. 
• Regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, talk, or hear. 
• Frequently required to walk, reach with hand and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. 
• Occasionally sitting, grasping, lifting, and carrying.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Must be able to visually inspect machines and equipment.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position; days and hours vary depending on the season. This position regularly requires long hours and weekend work. 

AAP/EEO Statement  

It is the policy of TRMF to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, TRMF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.