Position Summary
Sol Landscapes, Inc. is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Irrigation Technician to oversee irrigation operations across our portfolio of high-end residential estates, commercial properties, and select homeowners’ association communities throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties.
The Senior Irrigation Technician serves as Sol Landscapes’ primary irrigation subject matter expert and is responsible for the overall performance, programming, maintenance, repair, documentation, and optimization of the irrigation systems under the company’s management.
This is a senior-level working field position and is not an entry-level opportunity. The successful candidate must possess extensive hands-on irrigation experience and demonstrate the ability to independently manage complex irrigation systems across multiple properties.
While this position provides technical direction and delegates irrigation-related work to other irrigation technicians and field personnel where appropriate, the Senior Irrigation Technician is expected to personally perform diagnostics, repairs, programming, installations, and other physical field work.
The Senior Irrigation Technician reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer and works closely with the President/Owner on irrigation systems, operational standards, and the continued development and implementation of Sol Landscapes’ irrigation Standard Operating Procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Portfolio-Wide Irrigation Oversight
Sol Landscapes maintains exceptional properties with complex landscapes and sophisticated irrigation systems. These range from smart-controller, 2Wire systems serving high-end residential estates to large, multi-zone commercial and HOA irrigation systems requiring advanced programming, diagnostics, repairs, documentation, and proactive water management for both City clean and recycled water, and well water infrastructures.
- Oversee the performance and condition of irrigation systems across Sol Landscapes’ portfolio of high-end residential estates, commercial properties, and select HOA communities.
- Take ownership of the day-to-day management and long-term performance of the company’s irrigation program.
- Ensure irrigation systems operate efficiently, reliably, and in accordance with Sol Landscapes’ quality standards and operating procedures.
- Conduct proactive system evaluations to identify deficiencies, potential failures, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement before they negatively affect landscape health or client satisfaction.
- Prioritize irrigation needs across multiple properties and effectively coordinate routine maintenance, programming adjustments, repairs, improvements, and emergency response.
- Develop irrigation strategies appropriate for complex landscapes, including expansive residential estates, ornamental gardens, turf areas, commercial grounds, HOA common areas, and other specialized landscape environments.
Controller Programming and Management
- Program, monitor, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize irrigation controllers across all assigned properties.
- Manage both web-based irrigation platforms and manually programmable controllers requiring on-site programming and adjustment.
- Work extensively with controller systems including:
- WeatherTrak
- Irritrol
- RainMaster
- Hunter Hydrawise
- Hunter Centralus
- Hunter
- Netafim
- Other comparable conventional, commercial-grade, and smart irrigation platforms
- Perform seasonal programming adjustments based on weather, plant requirements, soil conditions, site characteristics, and water conservation best practices.
- Optimize controller programs to support landscape health while minimizing unnecessary water use.
- Maintain appropriate schedules, cycle-and-soak programming, seasonal adjustment percentages, sensor settings, flow parameters, and other controller-specific functions.
- Develop and maintain standardized controller programming practices consistent with Sol Landscapes’ irrigation standards and SOPs.
- Verify that remote controller data and actual field conditions remain consistent.
Irrigation Diagnostics, Repairs, and Field Work
- Diagnose and repair complex irrigation system problems, including:
- Mainline and lateral line failures
- Valves and solenoids
- Sprinkler heads, rotors, nozzles, and pressure-related issues
- Drip irrigation systems
- Controller and electrical failures
- Wiring faults
- Two-wire systems
- Master valves
- Flow sensors
- Rain and weather sensors
- Pumps and pump controls
- Communication and connectivity issues
- Other irrigation system components
- Personally perform irrigation repairs, troubleshooting, installations, adjustments, and other field work whenever necessary or appropriate.
- Accurately assess irrigation problems and determine whether work should be completed personally, delegated internally, or coordinated with an outside vendor.
- Verify that repairs and installations are completed correctly and meet Sol Landscapes’ workmanship and quality standards.
- Identify recurring system problems and recommend appropriate long-term corrective actions or system improvements.
Water Management and Conservation
- Monitor water usage and irrigation performance across managed properties.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve irrigation efficiency and reduce water consumption.
- Investigate unexpected water-use patterns, flow alerts, system irregularities, and potential leaks.
- Recommend and implement irrigation improvements that support water conservation, plant health, and responsible resource management.
- Maintain awareness of applicable water conservation requirements, restrictions, and local water district regulations.
- Assist Sol Landscapes in maintaining compliance with applicable water conservation regulations and requirements.
- Provide informed recommendations regarding controller upgrades, system retrofits, water-saving components, and irrigation design improvements.
Emergency Irrigation Response
- Respond appropriately to urgent irrigation problems, including major leaks, mainline failures, controller malfunctions, stuck valves, electrical failures, and other conditions that could result in water loss or property damage.
- Assess emergency conditions, shut down or isolate affected systems when needed, and coordinate timely corrective action.
- Communicate significant irrigation failures and recommended solutions to the appropriate members of management.
- Participate in emergency irrigation response outside of normal scheduled work when reasonably required by the position and company operations.
Documentation and Record Management
- Maintain accurate, organized, and current irrigation records in accordance with Sol Landscapes’ operational SOPs.
- Create, maintain, update, and properly store controller programming sheets.
- Create, maintain, update, and properly store irrigation maps and system documentation.
- Document controller settings, seasonal adjustments, system changes, repairs, deficiencies, and other material irrigation information.
- Ensure records are sufficiently complete and accurate to allow another qualified employee to understand and service each irrigation system.
- Follow all company requirements for electronic and physical record storage.
- Assist in the continued development and improvement of irrigation documentation standards and SOPs.
Technical Leadership and Delegation
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to standard irrigation technicians and other field personnel.
- Accurately and professionally delegate irrigation-related tasks based on employee capabilities, site needs, priority, and complexity.
- Clearly communicate the scope, expectations, and technical requirements of delegated work.
- Verify the quality, accuracy, and completeness of delegated repairs and assignments.
- Maintain accountability for irrigation outcomes even when work is delegated to another employee.
- Train irrigation technicians and field crews on proper repair techniques, troubleshooting practices, controller operation, water conservation, and Sol Landscapes’ irrigation standards.
- Serve as the primary internal technical resource for irrigation-related questions and complex system issues.
- Work collaboratively with account management, operations personnel, and field teams to resolve irrigation concerns efficiently.
Inventory and Materials Management
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels of commonly used irrigation repair parts, tools, and materials.
- Monitor parts usage and identify recurring inventory needs.
- Ensure commonly needed repair components are organized, properly stored, and available for field operations.
- Coordinate the purchase or replenishment of irrigation parts in accordance with company procedures.
- Help prevent avoidable delays caused by missing or improperly stocked materials.
Vendor Coordination
- Coordinate with irrigation suppliers, manufacturers, technical support representatives, specialty contractors, and other vendors when necessary.
- Obtain appropriate technical information, parts, materials, pricing, or outside services.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with vendors.
- Assist management in evaluating irrigation products, controller platforms, system upgrades, and specialty services.
- Confirm that vendor or subcontractor work meets Sol Landscapes’ requirements and quality expectations.
Client Property Standards and Professionalism
- Represent Sol Landscapes professionally at all times while working on client properties.
- Maintain a courteous, respectful, discreet, and solutions-oriented demeanor when interacting with clients, residents, vendors, and fellow team members.
- Recognize that many Sol Landscapes clients entrust the company with exceptional properties and expect the highest levels of professionalism, care, attention to detail, and workmanship.
- Protect client property and minimize disruption while performing inspections, diagnostics, repairs, and installations.
- Maintain clean and orderly work areas and leave properties in an appropriate condition following irrigation work.
- Communicate irrigation concerns through appropriate company channels and avoid making unauthorized commitments or representations to clients.
Vehicles, Tools, and Equipment
- Safely operate company vehicles, tools, and equipment.
- Utilize a Sol Landscapes work truck when on the clock.
- Use a personal vehicle for company travel when reasonably required because a company vehicle is unavailable, in accordance with company policy and applicable reimbursement requirements.
- Maintain a valid California driver’s license and a clean, insurable driving record as a condition of employment.
- Immediately report any change in driver’s license status, insurability, or driving record that may affect the ability to perform the position.
- Properly care for and maintain assigned irrigation tools, equipment, materials, and company property.
Required Qualifications
- At least five years of progressively responsible irrigation experience, including substantial experience at a senior technician or comparable level.
- Extensive experience managing, programming, troubleshooting, and repairing complex irrigation systems serving high-end residential estates, commercial properties, HOA communities, or a combination of these property types.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage sophisticated irrigation systems across multiple properties.
- Extensive hands-on experience with conventional and web-based irrigation controller platforms.
- Demonstrated experience programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing WeatherTrak, Tucor, Hunter Hydrawise, Hunter Centralus, Hunter ICC, Hunter ICC2, or comparable systems.
- Advanced knowledge of irrigation system diagnostics, controller programming, repairs, electrical troubleshooting, hydraulics, water management, and irrigation best practices.
- Experience diagnosing and repairing 2Wire systems, pumps, master valves, flow sensors, weather sensors, wiring faults, valves, drip systems, and other complex irrigation components.
- Ability and willingness to personally perform physically demanding irrigation work in the field.
- Ability to read, interpret, create, and update irrigation maps, controller records, plans, and technical documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, organized, and complete operational records.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound independent decisions.
- Ability to prioritize competing irrigation needs across multiple properties.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to provide technical direction, delegate work professionally, and train field personnel.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with company leadership and field teams.
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to irrigation system management.
- Valid California driver’s license.
- Clean and insurable driving record.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills.
Physical and Working Conditions
This position regularly requires the employee to:
- Work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Walk and work on large, uneven, sloped, wet, muddy, or landscaped properties.
- Stand, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, dig, reach, climb, and perform repetitive physical movements.
- Lift, carry, push, or pull irrigation parts, tools, equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Access irrigation controllers, valves, equipment enclosures, and other system components in a variety of field conditions.
- Perform hands-on repairs involving dirt, mud, water, trenches, confined work areas, and active landscape environments.
- Drive between multiple job sites during the workday.
- Use computers, mobile devices, web-based controller platforms, and company recordkeeping systems.
Professional Expectations
The Senior Irrigation Technician is expected to consistently demonstrate:
- Senior-level technical knowledge and sound professional judgment.
- Ownership and accountability for irrigation system performance.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong organization and accurate recordkeeping.
- Proactive identification and resolution of irrigation concerns.
- Commitment to landscape health, water conservation, and operational efficiency.
- Professional communication with clients, vendors, management, and coworkers.
- Respect for client privacy, property, and expectations.
- Willingness to work in the field and personally perform repairs when needed.
- Commitment to following and improving Sol Landscapes’ standards and SOPs.
- Continuous learning regarding irrigation technology, controller systems, water management, and industry best practices.
Compensation
$38.00–$42.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision
A company vehicle will be provided when on the clock. Use of a personal vehicle may be required at times (rarely), in accordance with company policy.
About Sol Landscapes
Sol Landscapes, Inc. provides premium landscape construction, maintenance and related services for high-end residential estates, commercial properties, and select HOA communities throughout Sonoma, Marin, and Napa County.
We are committed to exceptional workmanship, proactive property care, technical excellence, responsible water management, and professional client service. The Senior Irrigation Technician plays a critical role in protecting our clients’ landscapes and ensuring that every irrigation system under our care performs at the highest possible level.
This position offers meaningful autonomy over Sol Landscapes’ irrigation program. The successful candidate will help shape irrigation standards, improve operational efficiency, protect valuable landscapes, support water conservation, and contribute to the company’s long-term irrigation strategy.
Schedule
This position reports to Sol Landscapes daily, M-F, 7:30am-4:30pm (1-hour lunch break)
***APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED VIA THIS INDEED POSTING - ANY APPLICANTS WHO CONTACT THE COMPANY DIRECTLY VIA PHONE OR EMAIL WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM CONSIDERATION***
Pay: $38.00 - $42.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a valid CA Driver's License and a CLEAN driving record?
- Do you have advanced experience in programming, managing, and maintaining complex irrigation systems?
- Is arriving to work on time, every day, a high priority for you?
- Do you possess complete competency with software such as Excel, Adobe PDF editing programs, and inventory management platforms?
- Are you bi-lingual English/Spanish? (not a requirement for application, but is preferred)
Work Location: In person
