Irrigation system installer

Irrigation system installers build the necessary infrastructure for irrigation of soil, usually for agricultural purposes. They may be specialised in one or more of the various types of stationary irrigation systems.

Excludes people using mobile irrigation devices.

The duties of an irrigation system installer include, but are not limited to:

• Inspecting and loading equipment for the day’s work.
• Driving to the client’s location.
• Testing the soil and vegetation to determine irrigation needs.
• Mapping out areas for irrigation installation.
• Digging trenches and installing pipes and lines.
• Installing pumps and electrical timers.
• Testing the irrigation system with the aid of computer software.
• Conducting routine maintenance checks.
• Troubleshooting and replacing faulty parts.
• Completing progress reports and associated paperwork.

The work of irrigation system installers is performed outdoors, often in hot, humid, and dusty conditions. They may work long hours during the peak irrigation season. Many irrigation system installers are self-employed and work on a contract basis for farmers, golf courses, landscaping companies, and other customers. They may work irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate their customers’ schedules. Some irrigation technicians travel to different job sites, while others work in one location.

The following job titles also refer to irrigation system installer:

agricultural irrigation system installer
irrigation specialist
irrigation project worker
irrigation sprinkler system installer
irrigation installer
irrigator

Irrigation system installers are typically required to have at least a high school diploma.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Irrigation system installer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to irrigation system installer.

water conservation technician
sprinkler fitter
carpet fitter
terrazzo setter
resilient floor layer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of irrigation system installer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of irrigation system installer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

water conservation technician supervisor
plumbing supervisor
terrazzo setter supervisor
rail construction supervisor
insulation supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of irrigation system installer.

• Mechanical systems: Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.
• Types of piping: A variety of types of piping and piping materials. PVC, CPVC, PEX, copper, and the advantages, usage cases, risks, and costs of each.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of irrigation system installer.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• Apply proofing membranes: Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any membranes overlap top over bottom to prevent water from seeping in. Check the compatibility of multiple membranes used together.
• Set up drip irrigation system: Connect all necessary parts of a drip irrigation system, including any filtration devices, sensors and valves. Lay out the irrigation pipes along the covered surface according to a specified design.
• Set up water filtration system: Place the appropriate filtration units for water filtration and connect them to the source and destination pipes. Make sure the filtration units are accessible for maintenance and to replace filters if necessary.
• Install stationary sprinkler system: Attach all necessary parts for a stationary sprinkler system, including any filtration equipment.
• Transport construction supplies: Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers’ safety and protection from deterioration.
• Inspect construction supplies: Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
• Check water pressure: Check the water pressure in a water circulation system, using a built-in gauge or by attaching a water pressure gauge onto a pipe. In the case of a stand-alone gauge, be sure to depressurise the system before attaching the gauge.
• Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
• Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
• Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
• Install water purity mechanism: Install different types of mechanisms that prevent impurities from getting into the recovered water. Install micron filters and membranes to filter out debris and prevent mosquitoes from entering the water supply. Place ball mechanisms to filter out the first flush from rooftop rainwater.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of irrigation system installer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Sensors: Sensors are transducers that can detect or sense characteristics in their environment. They detect changes in the apparatus or environment and provide a corresponding optical or electrical signal. Sensors are commonly divided in six classes: mechanical, electronic, thermal, magnetic, electrochemical, and optical sensors.
• Fertigation: The delivery of irrigation combined with fertilisers. Common methods for delivery of the fertigation mix and the composition of common mixes.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of irrigation system installer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Install ssti system: Install a subsurface textile irrigation system. Attach all necessary parts, including any filtration devices, valves, and sensors. Bury the underground parts of the SSTI system under the ground at the specified depth.
• Answer requests for quotation: Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.
• Apply arc welding techniques: Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of arc welding, such as shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding and flux-cored arc welding.
• Install water reservoir: Set up different types of water reservoirs either above ground or in a prepared hole. Connect it to the relevant pipes and pumps and protect it from the environment if necessary.
• Apply spot welding techniques: Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of welding metal workpieces under pressure exercised by electrodes, such as projection welding, radius style electrodes spot welding and eccentric electrodes spot welding.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Work in a construction team: Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.
• Calculate needs for construction supplies: Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
• Operate excavator: Operate excavators used to dig materials from the surface and load them onto dump trucks.
• Keep personal administration: File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
• Order construction supplies: Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
• Process incoming construction supplies: Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
• Maintain irrigation systems: Install irrigation, plumbing and sprinkler systems. Inspect and assess these systems according to agreed time schedules. Identify defects and wear in irrigation systems and arrange repairs.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Set up water pump: Install a device that pumps water from a lower location to a higher location. Set the pump in the right position, taking care not to expose any sensitive parts to water. Connect the pump to water pipes and a power source.
• Operate soldering equipment: Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.

7126 – Plumbers and pipe fitters

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References

1. Irrigation system installer – ESCO
2. Irrigation Technician Job Description – Betterteam
3. Irrigation Technician Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
4. Featured image: By Tim McCabe / Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24767122