Irrigation
Wet your appetite for a career in irrigation
 
As a kid, did you like tinker toys, making mud pies, and having water fights? Then a job in irrigation could be the right fit for you. Irrigation professionals specialize in the design and installation of landscape sprinkler systems for homes, businesses, golf courses, parks – all kinds of properties.
 
Without water, plants die. That's why people who know how to use water without wasting it are important.
 
The scope of a project for an irrigation professional can be as small as developing a sprinkler system for a private home, or as large as routing water to an entire field in dry climates or during periods of little rainfall. No matter the project size, irrigation professionals play an important role in satisfying the thirst of the earth.

 
Click on a Career Path below...

  • According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, new irrigation technologies can help save nearly 24 billion gallons of water per year. That's like running 7,000 hoses constantly for a full year!

  • As much as 70-80% of all plant problems are related to incorrect watering, most often because the plants are overwatered.



Technician

Duties:
  • Install spinkler systems
  • Interpret job specifications and blueprints
  • Solve small sprinkler problems (wire valves, fix leaks, mend broken sprinkler heads) to make systems work properly
Education:
  • High school education preferred
  • Two-year technical college certificate a bonus
  • Training and certification provided by employer, but experience is helpful
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $12 to $20 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $21,000 to $130,000 per year (plus benefits)
Foreman

Duties:
  • Interpret job specifications and blueprints
  • Install sprinkler systems
  • Manage work schedules and allocate equipment
  • Supervise irrigation crews
  • Provide estimates and maintain positive client relations
  • Maintain company safety and time records
  • Quality control
  • Operate pumps, suction and other equipment
  • Complete scheduled mechanical servicing of equipment
Education:
  • High school diploma
  • Two-year technical college certificate a bonus
  • Training and certification provided by employer, but experience is helpful
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $12 to $20 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $21,000 to $130,000 per year (plus benefits)
Manager

Duties:
  • Direct all aspects of irrigation operations
  • Create and manage operating budget
  • Oversee scheduling
  • Assist in employee recruitment and hiring
  • Maintain client relations and resolve issues in a timely manner
  • Work with Landscape Architect or Irrigation Designer to ensure system success
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 5+ years of experience preferred
  • Industry certifications encouraged
Pay:
  • Seasonal positions: $12 to $20 per hour
  • Full-time, year-round positions: $25,000 to $130,000 per year (plus benefits)
Additional Career Possibilities
Salesperson or Marketing Specialist
Quality Control Specialist
Production Scheduler
Customer Service
Business Owner








AmericanHort AAHS National Association of Landscape Professionals