What are the job responsibilities of an irrigation manager, and why is this role so valuable to landscaping companies? Water is the most essential resource for any commercial landscape. Irrigation managers lead the effort to use that resource wisely while ensuring landscapes are healthy.
Irrigation careers allow green industry workers to help maintain attractive properties while being good stewards of our environment. Valuable and attractive trees and plants cannot thrive without irrigation experts who provide proper watering for each plant’s specific needs.
Today, there’s enormous demand for highly skilled irrigation professionals (especially in specific states we’ll mention in this article). High demand means you can command better pay and have higher job security. Even more appealing to many considering a career as an Irrigation Professional is the impressive technology that has come into play with modern irrigation systems.
So let’s explore more and help find out if this is an ideal career path for you.
The duties of an irrigation manager include designing, installing, and maintaining irrigation systems for multiple commercial properties.
In this role, you will conduct water audits and efficiency checks that can save over 20,000 gallons of water monthly by identifying leaks. That fact alone shows the positive environmental impact you can make.
Other duties include seasonal irrigation system adjustments based on weather patterns, local watering restrictions, or evapotranspiration rates. People skills are also needed to successfully work with water officials, property managers, and landscape maintenance crews.
What about the technical job responsibilities of an irrigation manager? They include the following:
There’s more than meets the eye when learning what an irrigation manager does. Top professionals may need to be skilled in using CAD software to create and maintain highly efficient irrigation systems. That skill has to be combined with “in-the-trenches” know-how.
Comprehensive skills and a desire to keep learning about irrigation and landscaping as a whole set you up for success in the challenges of this role. You’ll be in charge of calculating precise water pressure needs and flow rates. Plus, laying out watering zones on properties requires consideration of sun exposure, individual plant needs, and seasonal changes.
Irrigation managers are also responsible for preventative maintenance on water pumps, sprinkler heads, and controllers. Of course, they’re not on their own. They manage crew members that help them maintain systems and monitor for problems. Being skilled at managing others is as important as being a horticultural expert.
Another hidden part of an irrigation professional’s job is reporting. Documenting water use is a great tool for helping our clients reach their sustainability goals and saving them money on their water usage. Below are some of the reports that are typically part of an irrigation manager’s responsibilities:
If you have certain skills (or are willing to learn them), that foundation is what quality companies like Yellowstone Landscape are searching for.
Here are some of the skills that will help you climb the ladder of success (many people have these skills due to experience outside of landscaping).
And don’t forget - if you have prior experience managing employees, that will come in handy as an irrigation manager. You could be in charge of five to ten employees. And if you have knowledge about efficient scheduling or project management, highlight those skills in your job application.
One trend we at Yellowstone Landscape are excited about is how tech-savvy young people are making a huge impact in the water conservation industry. Their keen understanding of the technology behind smart controllers, mobile apps, and weather sensors helps them hit the ground running in the modern irrigation field.
Also, a positive attitude and interest in environmental issues push candidates to study water conservation, green infrastructure, and go for the following certifications.
Irrigation technicians can earn up to $45,000 a year at the entry level, then quickly move to $65,000 when they advance to assistant irrigation manager. Senior irrigation managers can reach a salary of $95,000—and the majority of managers begin as technicians! Disclaimer alert - these figures vary from market to market and represent national averages.
Rising up the ranks is possible for anyone willing to learn and work hard. The facts below show that advancing to senior positions is more attainable than in many other industries. And new roles are opening up quickly, due to AI-driven irrigation systems and water rights issues.
There’s no sign of demand slowing for irrigation professionals, with drought conditions rampant in numerous regions across the U.S. California has about 40% more available positions than the national average. Arizona, Texas, and Florida are other top states in desperate need of irrigation professionals.
Being open to relocation can help you land the ideal job in landscape irrigation. It doesn’t mean you have to move to a new state, either. You may find the perfect position by looking at select cities and counties in your current state since local water restrictions, trends, and policies are causing growth in this industry.
For example, more communities are investing in sustainable landscaping even if their area isn’t prone to drought. They want to conserve precious resources now, not later, after problems arise. Other municipalities are expanding their environmental policies and water conservation policies, increasing water management career opportunities.
Individuals considering a career in irrigation are in a great position. They have the leverage to receive great pay since there are about three job openings for every qualified job candidate. Fighting the spread of drought conditions and combating climate change are two reasons irrigation manager roles are growing faster than most green industry careers.
Another thing on the side of irrigation professionals is the job stability and benefits of working in commercial landscaping—a recession-resistant industry. Water gives life to valuable trees, turf, and plants, so an irrigation manager will always have a job when it comes to commercial properties.
One last benefit to consider if you’re on the path to becoming an irrigation manager is job satisfaction (evidenced by some of the highest employee retention rates in the landscaping industry). This role is a nice combination of outdoor work and office time, where you can develop leadership skills and will have endless opportunities to learn. The benefits are great too, with top landscaping companies providing the following:
Getting started in irrigation system management isn’t as hard as you may think. At Yellowstone Landscape, we simplify the process by providing training and assisting workers with getting various certifications. Employee costs are reimbursed by our company also. Why do we invest in this process?
Because we want the best people, with the highest irrigation expertise, so we can continue to provide world-class landscaping service and sustainability to our customers. Plus, by helping our team members level up their skills and qualifications, we get to help them upgrade their positions in the workplace and in quality of life. In short, we like to invest back into our people.
As for educational backgrounds, job candidates with degrees in horticulture, environmental science, and related fields are in good positions to become irrigation managers. However, technical certifications are great starting points, with some statistics showing over 60% of irrigation managers started their career with a technical certificate.
The hands-on experience below improves your chances of becoming a successful landscape irrigation professional:
If you have that kind of experience, check out the following irrigation job boards:
If you’ve read to this point, there’s no doubt you’re serious about becoming an irrigation manager. It’s an admirable role—helping conserve our country’s water supply while beautifying commercial landscapes.
The majority of Yellowstone’s managers began in entry-level positions and worked their way up. We provided the training they needed to assist them in that career path. Along the way, they were able to earn top industry pay, receive great benefits, and work alongside teammates who aimed to bring out the best in each other.
Now that you know the job responsibilities of an irrigation manager, you understand the expectations and role you play in creating attractive green spaces. We laid out the qualifications that will put you ahead of other candidates, especially certifications from the top irrigation and water conservation organizations we mentioned.
A rewarding career in the irrigation field is waiting for hardworking people with great attitudes and a desire to protect our planet’s resources. If you want to join a company that rewards motivated people like you, then check out Yellowstone Landscape’s career page.
We offer: