Description
Install, operate, and maintain irrigation systems to water crops in fields, nurseries, and greenhouses. Use hand tools and light equipment to lay pipe and drip tape, move sprinkler and wheel lines, set and monitor pumps, and adjust valves, regulators, and controllers. Inspect soil moisture and crop conditions, repair leaks and clogs, flush lines and filters, and keep records of water use and maintenance. May construct and repair ditches and risers, assist with fertigation, and support general farm tasks as needed.
- • Set up, operate, and monitor drip, sprinkler, wheel-line, and pivot irrigation systems.
- • Lay out, install, and retrieve drip tape, hose, laterals, and mainlines.
- • Assemble and repair PVC/HDPE pipe, fittings, valves, and risers.
- • Move and level hand lines and wheel lines for uniform coverage.
- • Install, prime, and monitor pumps, filters, and pressure regulators.
- • Flush lines and filters; clear clogs and replace emitters and nozzles.
- • Detect and repair leaks using couplings, clamps, and patch kits.
- • Set and adjust timers, controllers, and solenoid valves.
- • Check soil moisture and plant condition to adjust irrigation schedules.
- • Record runtimes, water usage, and maintenance activities.
- • Calibrate and maintain flow meters, pressure gauges, and sensors.
- • Maintain and clean pump stations, valve boxes, and work areas.
- • Construct and repair ditches, berms, standpipes, and headworks.
- • Assist with fertigation and chemigation following safety directions.
- • Regulate greenhouse irrigation and monitor climate-related watering needs.
- • Start up, winterize, and store irrigation equipment seasonally.
- • Load, transport, and stage pipe, reels, hose, and irrigation supplies.
- • Operate tractors, ATVs, or utility vehicles to move equipment and materials.
- • Train and guide seasonal workers on irrigation setup and safe practices.
- • Report irrigation status, issues, and crop water needs to supervisors.
- • Maintain inventory of irrigation parts and request replenishment.
- • Level and prepare fields and beds for proper drainage and layout.
- • Hand-water new plantings and dry spots as needed.
- • Comply with water-use rules and backflow prevention requirements.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
