Irrigation Lead

Description

Position Summary:

The Irrigation Lead ensures the efficient and effective operation of irrigation systems for blueberry and hazelnut crops. This hands-on role includes planning, coordinating, and monitoring irrigation activities to optimize water delivery and support crop health. The role is essential to support organizational goals and model best practices, guided by our values of Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, and Stewardship (EATS).

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Serves as the primary point of contact for the irrigation team, ensuring daily tasks are completed efficiently.
•  Collaborates with the Farm Manager or Irrigation Supervisor to implement irrigation schedules and strategies.
•  Provides on-the-ground guidance and support to irrigation team members.
•  Operates and adjusts irrigation systems, including valves, pumps, and timers, to meet crop water needs.
•  Monitors water distribution to ensure uniform coverage and prevent flooding or dry spots.
•  Ensures proper system setup and readiness for water delivery, including pump adjustments and valve settings.
•  Inspects irrigation systems to identify and resolve issues such as leaks, clogs, or mechanical malfunctions.
•  Performs routine maintenance, including cleaning filter screens, replacing emitters, and lubricating pumps.
•  Assists the team with repairs and adjustments to ensure uninterrupted irrigation.
•  Conducts regular field checks to evaluate soil moisture levels, crop health, and irrigation effectiveness.
•  Communicates issues such as equipment malfunctions, field damage, or water shortages to management.
•  Documents irrigation activities and provide updates to the Farm Manager or Irrigation Supervisor.
•  Ensures drainage systems, ditches, and pipelines are clear of debris.
•  Assists with weed control around irrigation pumps, filter stations, and critical areas.
•  Supports replanting efforts for missing or unhealthy plants and provides necessary care.
•  Maintains field organization by removing trash, fallen branches, and other debris.
•  Works closely with the irrigation team to coordinate activities and ensure safe work practices.
•  Promotes a culture of teamwork, safety, and efficiency in irrigation operations.
•  Assists other farm operations as needed and performs additional tasks as assigned by the Farm Manager or Irrigation Supervisor.
•  Performs other duties as assigned.

Lead Responsibilities: 

•  Delegates and coordinates tasks of team members
•  Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
•  No direct reports
•  Partners with safety to promote a positive safety culture.

Requirements

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily, including all important aspects of the job- whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any duty that occurs at irregular intervals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•  Strong understanding of irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler systems.
•  Ability to obtain an agrochemical handler license (organic and conventional).
•  Knowledge of fertilizer management (organic and conventional).
•  Ability to troubleshoot and maintain irrigation equipment effectively.
•  Familiarity with soil moisture management and crop water requirements.
•  Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
•  Ability to communicate effectively with team members and management.
•  Proficiency in operating small equipment such as sprinklers, hoses, and sump pumps.
•  Basic math skills to calculate water usage and flow rates.
•  Ability to learn quickly through on-the-job training.

Qualifications:

•  High school diploma or equivalent, preferred.
•  3+ years of experience in farm irrigation or a related role.
•  Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
•  Bilingual verbal and written English/Spanish skills, preferred.