Senior Golf Course Irrigation Technician / Irrigation Specialist

Winchester Country Club – Meadow Vista, California
Full-Time | $35.00–$40.00 per hour, DOE

Winchester Country Club is seeking an experienced and highly technical Golf Course Irrigation Specialist to join our golf course maintenance team.

This is not an entry-level irrigation position.

We are looking for an accomplished irrigation professional who understands that exceptional golf course conditioning begins with precise water management. The successful candidate will take a leading role in the operation, troubleshooting, repair, programming and continual improvement of Winchester's golf course irrigation system.

Winchester is a championship golf course located in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Auburn, California. The property presents a unique combination of elevation changes, varying exposures, soil conditions and microclimates that require thoughtful, technically sound irrigation management.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and manage the golf course irrigation system on a daily basis.
• Program and adjust the central irrigation control system based on turf requirements, weather, soil moisture and field observations.
• Troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic and communication problems throughout the irrigation system.
• Diagnose and repair valves, sprinkler heads, satellites/controllers, wiring, solenoids, piping and related components.
• Monitor irrigation performance and identify poor coverage, excessive watering, insufficient watering and system inefficiencies.
• Inspect the golf course daily for moisture conditions and make appropriate irrigation adjustments.
• Work closely with the Golf Course Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent to develop nightly irrigation programs.
• Assist with operation, monitoring and troubleshooting of pumps and pump-station components.
• Perform sprinkler audits, leveling, nozzle changes and adjustments to improve distribution uniformity.
• Maintain accurate records of repairs, system changes and recurring irrigation problems.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of irrigation parts and supplies.
• Identify longer-term irrigation-system deficiencies and recommend practical solutions.
• Participate in irrigation projects, system improvements and future capital planning.
• Assist with golf course maintenance operations when irrigation responsibilities allow.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are specifically looking for someone with strong technical irrigation experience, preferably within golf course maintenance.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Several years of hands-on golf course irrigation experience.
• Strong knowledge of golf course central-control irrigation systems.
• Advanced electrical troubleshooting ability.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, valves, pumps, pressure and flow.
• Experience locating wiring faults and diagnosing communication failures.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems independently rather than simply replacing components.
• Understanding of turfgrass water requirements and the relationship between irrigation, soils, rooting and turf health.
• Ability to evaluate soil moisture in the field and make appropriate irrigation decisions.
• Experience with moisture meters and other irrigation-management technology is desirable.
• Familiarity with Rain Bird, Toro or comparable golf irrigation systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of the irrigation system.
• Valid driver's license.

Formal turfgrass education is beneficial but demonstrated irrigation expertise and problem-solving ability are more important to us than a degree.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Winchester is making a significant commitment to improving golf course conditions and strengthening the technical capabilities of its maintenance operation.

This position will have a meaningful role in that effort.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in understanding every aspect of an irrigation system, enjoys solving difficult problems and wants responsibility for helping produce consistently excellent playing conditions.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to become a key member of the golf course leadership team rather than simply filling a traditional irrigation-technician position.

Compensation: $35.00–$40.00 per hour depending upon experience and qualifications.

Full-time position with benefits.

Qualified candidates should submit a résumé outlining their golf course and irrigation experience