The Irrigation Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the golf course irrigation system to ensure optimal turf health and course conditions. This position plays a key role in monitoring water distribution, troubleshooting irrigation issues, and performing routine inspections and preventative maintenance on pumps, valves, sprinklers and control systems. Reporting to the Director of Agronomy and Golf Course Superintendent, the Irrigation Technician helps ensure efficient water use while maintaining high-quality playing conditions across the course.

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.
• Perform routine system checks to identify leaks, pressure issues, clogged heads, or malfunctioning equipment.
• 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.

Experience, Education, and Skills Required

• Comprehensive knowledge of irrigation systems, computerized controllers, pumps, valves, and sprinkler heads.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Irrigation Tech Certification (or pursuing continuing education.)
• 2+ Years experience in golf course maintenance, landscaping, irrigation, or turf management preferred.
• Ability to diagnose and repair mechanical and irrigation-related issues.
• Positive attitude, professionalism, and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Understanding internal controls and confidentiality procedures.

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 lawn equipment, hand tools, and motorized carts.
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, uneven terrain, and moving equipment.

Schedule Requirements:

The Irrigation Technician must be available for early mornings, weekends, and overtime hours as required by weather conditions or treatment timing.