A Brief Summary of This Position:

The Irrigation Technician will assist an Irrigation Specialist to provide agricultural services to new and existing growers in the areas of irrigation scheduling, water budgeting, in-field water management strategies, soil moisture monitoring, variable rate irrigation scheduling designs, prescriptions and adjustments.  The incumbent will also assist with troubleshooting technical issues and general agronomy consulting for soil and crop practices.  The incumbent will assist the Irrigation Specialist with conducting field inspections for soil moisture content, provide assistance to enhance the end users crops and soil.

Essential Functions:

• Temporary season to run from late April or early May through the end of August or September
• Conducting field inspections for soil moisture content, crop growth stage, and verify water distribution effectiveness
• Participate in development of methodology for implementation of grower soil moisture programs
• Assist the Irrigation Specialist in providing professional customer service to existing and new customers
• Provide troubleshooting and resolution to technical issues
• Analyze In-Field water management strategies and moisture monitoring data
• If needed, learn to utilize variable rate irrigation scheduling designs, prescriptions and adjustments
• Participate in irrigation schedule and water budgeting projects
• This position reports to the Principal Soil Scientist through the assigned Irrigation Specialist and does not have any direct or indirect reports
• This role may require up to 50% travel domestically, including overnight stays

Required Qualifications of Every Candidate:

• Possession of or working toward Bachelors degree or Associates degree with relevant experience
• Basic knowledge of soils and crops
• Ability to effectively solve problems and make decisions
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Internet Browsers such as Google Chrome
• Valid US driver’s license
• Ability to travel up to 50% of time
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to organize and manage multiple, simultaneous priorities

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Also Possess These Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science or other field related to production agriculture
• Experience in consulting for crop and soil management and monitoring
• Experience with regulations pertaining to irrigation and nutrient management and reporting
• Crop Advisor certification
• Knowledge in soil mapping, irrigation and drainage, environmental sampling, analysis, monitoring and reporting, soil fertility, and/or nutrient cycling.
• Proficient in Spanish and English language
• Business management and technical staff supervision experience

Working Environment and Physical Efforts:

The duties will be performed inside on computer and outside in an agricultural field environment. The incumbent will be traveling to customer and dealer sites which may contain uneven and rough terrain in weather conditions, including heat, cold, and temperature swing, for extended period of time.  While performing the functions of this position, the incumbent will be exposed to heavy equipment and moving mechanical parts. There will be duties that will be complete in an office environment.  Environment is fast paced and demanding most of the time.  Travel will be required for this position.

The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms while working in the fields and the office.  Incumbent must utilize proper PPE as well as ergonomic safeguards such as monitor height and positions, keyboard location and height and proper wrists rests. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds in working in the fields with customers and dealers.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.