Job Summary
The Irrigation Systems & Technology Manager is responsible for supporting and improving irrigation operations, irrigation planning systems, irrigation infrastructure data management, and irrigation technology implementation across all farming operations. This role works closely with farm managers, irrigation technicians, agronomy staff, and IT teams to support weekly irrigation scheduling, maintain the underlying irrigation system data used within the company’s irrigation planning platform, oversee irrigation maintenance and infrastructure reporting programs, coordinate irrigation technology improvements and sensor integration initiatives, and manage the planning, bidding, installation oversight, and quality assurance of new irrigation, automation, and fertilizer injection systems.
Reporting Relationship: The Technology & Agronomy Manager will directly report to and work under the supervision of the Director of Agronomy.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential job duties and responsibilities are included, but are not limited to:
Irrigation Planning & Operational Support
· Support farm managers in the development, input, execution, and adjustment of weekly irrigation schedules using the company irrigation planning platform.
· Maintain and update the underlying operational datasets that drive irrigation planning tools
· Assist managers with troubleshooting irrigation scheduling conflicts, system limitations, and operational inefficiencies.
· Monitor irrigation planning accuracy and identify opportunities to improve water distribution efficiency and operational execution.
Irrigation Technology & Systems Improvement
· Collect feedback from farm managers, irrigators, and operations teams regarding irrigation planning tools and operational workflows.
· Help define and scope improvements to irrigation planning systems, reporting tools, and operational dashboards.
· Assist in the integration and utilization of: Soil moisture sensors, Pressure sensors, Flow monitoring systems, Weather data, Irrigation actuals and historical records, Fertility and injection system data
· Define operational data collection requirements and reporting needs for internal IT teams and software developers.
· Coordinate testing, validation, rollout, and training for new irrigation technologies and software tools.
· Support the development and maintenance of irrigation-related GIS, mapping, and infrastructure records.
Irrigation Infrastructure Maintenance & Reporting
· Oversee companywide irrigation system condition, maintenance, and repair tracking programs.
· Coordinate with irrigation technicians responsible for field inspections, maintenance logging, repairs, and infrastructure data collection.
· Develop inspection intervals, maintenance standards, reporting expectations, and performance metrics related to irrigation system condition and maintenance programs.
· Manage and improve the systems, applications, and workflows used by field technicians to collect maintenance and infrastructure data.
· Audit irrigation system records, maintenance histories, and infrastructure status reports to ensure data quality and consistency.
Irrigation Project Management
· Assist in the development of company irrigation infrastructure standards and operational requirements for new irrigation systems and technology installations.
· Coordinate with management to define performance expectations and acceptance criteria for new irrigation systems.
· Oversee the irrigation bid process for new projects, including:
o Development of bid packages
o Scope documentation
o Vendor coordination
o Bid requests
o Proposal comparisons
o Presentation of project recommendations to management
· Coordinate installation oversight, startup verification, and quality assurance for new irrigation systems, automation systems, and fertilizer injection systems.
· Verify completed projects meet company operational standards and approved specifications.
Additional Responsibilities
· Review irrigation-related operational data and generate recommendations for system improvements.
· Assist with training related to irrigation systems, irrigation technologies, and operational procedures.
· Perform additional tasks, projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned by management.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
· Experience with agricultural irrigation systems, automation systems, or irrigation operations management.
· Experience with commercial tree, vine, or permanent crop production systems preferred.
· Experience supporting operational software systems, data management platforms, or agricultural technology systems preferred.
· Bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, water resources, agronomy, agricultural systems management, environmental resources, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
· Demonstrated ability to organize operational data and translate field needs into functional software or reporting requirements.
· Experience coordinating projects, vendors, contractors, or operational improvement initiatives.
· Intermediate to advanced computer skills including:
o Microsoft Excel
o Microsoft Office Suite
o GIS/ArcGIS platforms
o Mobile data collection applications
· Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIIES:
· Strong understanding of commercial agricultural irrigation systems and infrastructure components.
· Understanding of irrigation scheduling concepts, operational constraints, and water distribution systems.
· Ability to organize, manage, and validate operational datasets.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Ability to communicate operational needs clearly between field operations, management teams, vendors, and IT/software teams.
· Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
· Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced operational environment.
· Effective communication, documentation, and reporting skills.
· Proficiency with mobile applications, mapping systems, and operational software tools.
· Comfortable working both in office and field environments across multiple ranch locations.
PAY:
$75,000-$125,000 DOE
Pay: $75,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience with agricultural irrigation systems?
Work Location: In person
