Irrigation Specialist Career Overview – Learn What They Do
What is an irrigation specialist?
Irrigation specialists take care of irrigation systems to help farmers have a bigger harvest or maintain their grounds. That means taking care of the following things for irrigation systems:
- Maintenance
- Operation
- Programming
- Sales
What does an irrigation specialist do?
In addition to the above, they also have the following job responsibilities:
- Leadership experience to guide a crew
- Keeping a system up and running (welding experience is a huge plus here)
- Ground preparation for irrigation line installation
- Planning water schedules with other managers
- Give suggestions to improve current irrigation needs, highly dependent on the industry
How to become an irrigation specialist
At the minimum, a high school diploma.
Depending on what type of career you want, a degree in landscape architecture or turf grass management could make that more achievable.
Work opportunities
Irrigation specialists can expect plenty of work to come from produce companies, landscaping companies, golf courses and farms.
However, they can also further specialize in product development, marketing or sales.
Professional associations and organizations
Click here to view the latest irrigation specialist jobs
A day in the life of a farm irrigation specialist
A farm irrigation specialist is responsible for managing and maintaining irrigation systems on a farm. They work to ensure that crops receive the proper amount of water, which is essential for their growth and productivity.
Here is what a typical day in the life of a farm irrigation specialist might look like.
Morning
The day for a farm irrigation specialist typically begins early in the morning. They may start by checking the weather forecast and assessing the current state of the crops. This may involve inspecting fields, checking soil moisture levels, and evaluating crop health.
After assessing the state of the crops, the irrigation specialist will likely check on the irrigation system to ensure that it is functioning properly. This may involve checking the water flow rate, inspecting pumps, and performing routine maintenance to prevent any breakdowns or system failures.
Mid-Morning
As the day progresses, the irrigation specialist may work on a variety of tasks related to irrigation management. This may include tasks such as adjusting water flow rates, repairing leaks, and replacing broken or damaged irrigation components.
The irrigation specialist may also work with other farm workers to perform tasks such as planting and harvesting crops, and they may collaborate with other professionals, such as crop consultants or soil scientists, to develop and implement irrigation strategies that maximize crop yield while conserving water.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, the irrigation specialist may continue with tasks from the morning or move on to new ones. They may also use this time to attend to administrative tasks, such as managing finances, updating records, or ordering supplies.
The irrigation specialist may also spend time scouting fields for pests or diseases, and implementing management strategies to mitigate the risks associated with these threats. They may also work to improve soil health by managing irrigation schedules and applying appropriate fertilizers or soil amendments.
Evening
As the day comes to a close, the irrigation specialist may finish up any tasks that need to be completed, such as managing irrigation or performing additional maintenance on the irrigation system. They may also use this time to review water usage reports, assess the success of their irrigation management strategies, and plan for future seasons.
Being a farm irrigation specialist requires a high level of technical expertise and a deep understanding of irrigation management strategies. It is an essential role in the agriculture industry, as it helps to ensure that crops are produced efficiently and sustainably, providing important products that are used by people around the world. By working closely with other farm workers, agricultural researchers, and industry professionals, a farm irrigation specialist can help to ensure the long-term success of the agriculture industry and contribute to the overall well-being of society.
