IRRIGATION specialist
Water is a central component to the growth and development of any landscaped environment. Over time, the amount of water used on residential, commercial, and industrial properties can be massive; irrigation systems can provide efficient water management solutions for these properties. Irrigation specialists are water management professionals who are passionate about environmentalism and reducing water waste. Whether it is agricultural crops or the lawn of a homeowner, irrigation specialists focus on creating efficient and effective water management solutions for customers. Irrigation systems can help decrease water usage on a variety of properties, and as such, many irrigation specialists are able to put forth their passion for sustainability and environmentalism into their work.
Overall, irrigation specialists design, install, repair, and maintain irrigation systems on commercial, residential, public, and industrial properties. In recent years, new technologies have allowed irrigation systems to become more digital than ever, as applications and computerized controls allow irrigation specialists to monitor weather conditions, leaks, overflows, and shutdowns. It is important for irrigation specialists to stay up to date on the latest industry trends. Irrigation specialists are problem solving sustainability professionals who aren’t afraid to get wet.
IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN, IRRIGATION INSTALLER, IRRIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLER
Irrigation specialists play an important role in landscaping, horticulture, and grounds maintenance. In general, they:
- Design and read blueprints in order to lay out or locate irrigation valves and wiring
- Prepare the ground for the installation of irrigation lines and install pipes, wiring, and valves
- Provide system recommendations that reduce water usage and fit the needs of the client
- Develop efficient and cost-effective irrigation schedules that meet the clients’ needs
- Understand and implement computerized irrigation systems including remote monitoring systems
- Maintain and repair irrigation systems on commercial and residential properties
- Manage budgets and provide cost estimates for clients
Irrigation specialists are in demand across many industries. Irrigation specialists can be employed by:
Irrigation specialists can advance in their field by obtaining further education and on-the-job training while staying up to date on the latest best practices in irrigation systems and maintenance. With enough experience, irrigation specialists may advance to sales or management positions at irrigation firms, as well as landscaping and grounds maintenance companies. Some may also start their own companies or work as consultants.
Future employment prospects for irrigation specialists in Ontario are positive. In 2020, there were over 500 job postings for irrigation specialists and other landscape technicians across Ontario.
In Ontario, the median annual wage for an Irrigation Specialist is $39,520. Pending experience, responsibilities, location, hours of work, and qualifications an Irrigation Specialist can expect to make between $32,240 and $57,183.
Work Context
Work outdoors, exposed to weather
Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls
Interact with customers and clients
Work Attributes
Dependability
Integrity
Attention to detail
Initiative
Adaptivity/flexibility
HOW DO I BECOME AN IRRIGATION SPECIALIST?
Similar to other occupations in landscaping and horticulture, there is no singular path to becoming an irrigation specialist. In Ontario, some people will begin as landscape, grounds maintenance, or irrigation labourers and later acquire additional training and experiences to become an irrigation specialist. At some firms, an irrigation specialist can advance into a sales position if they show they have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills from working in the field. There are courses and certificates available for irrigation specialists to ensure they are trained on the proper techniques and applications of sustainable water use. Many irrigation firms look to hire new people who are interested in water management and environmental protection, regardless of their experience, so long as they are hard working and eager to learn.
HOW DO I BECOME A CERTIFIED IRRIGATION SPECIALIST?
Individuals looking to obtain certification for irrigation can do so through industry associations. For example, Landscape Ontario has a Water Smart Irrigation Professional program that provides contractors with the tools and knowledge to promote water-efficient irrigation practices to clients.
FOREPERSON
Algonquin College
· Horticulture Industries Diploma
· Horticulture Industries Diploma
1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
FOREPERSON
Algonquin College
· Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship
· Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship
1385 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
FOREPERSON
Durham College
· Horticulture Technician Diploma
· Horticulture Technician Diploma
2000 Simcoe St N, Oshawa ON L1G 0C5
FOREPERSON
Fanshawe College
· Horticulture Technician Diploma
· Horticulture Technician Diploma
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, ON N5Y 5R6
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