JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Irrigator APPROVED BY:

DEPARTMENT: Company RanchesAPPROVED DATE:

REPORTS TO: Irrigation ForemanCLASSIFICATION: Nonexempt

SEASONS: Year-roundHOURS: 10 hrs. 6-7 days/week

SUMMARY: Performs irrigation duties on Company Ranches under the direction of the Irrigation Foreman/Supervisor and other Ranch and Company Managers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties, responsibilities and work location to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

  • Acknowledges and obeys all Company Safety and Food Safety rules and regulations, at all times working in a safe and legal manner. Wears all required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) as needed, i.e. gloves, back braces, safety glasses or goggles, etc.
  • Arrives at the assigned workplace on time and in good mental and physical condition and participates in daily exercise sessions. Attends periodic tailgate training meetings and other Company training as directed.
  • Performs the following duties: IRRIGATOR I;Places portable irrigation pipes, filtration devices, hydrants and main line pipes in various fields, using clamps and other devices to connect to underground waterline sources,

Connecting pipe lengths in series until the specified block is spanned, arranges sprinkler risers in a uniform vertical position to eliminate poorly patterned irrigation results. IRRIGATOR II;all Irrigator I duties, opens valves under direction of the Irrigation Foreman, observing for proper flow, leaks, faulty/plugged sprinkler heads and other related problems, makes minor repairs and/or adjustments using hand tools as needed. IRRIGATOR III; all Irrigator I and II duties, assists in connection of hoses for chemical additives routed through the irrigation system following all Company Safety Rules, and wearing required PPE.

  • Connects and disconnects pipe trailers to and from Tractors. Demonstrates basic Tractor safety techniques on Irrigation Tractor. Successfully passes Company Tractor Safety and Operation training course.
  • Works with drip irrigation tape, regulating flow, making repairs, checking for and fixing leaks and blockage, retrieving and spooling tape carefully so as to avoid damage.
  • Reviews drip irrigation filters and connections under the direction of the Irrigation Foreman and/or team captain, ensuring proper connections to protect the equipment and provide for optimum filtration results.
  • Maintains irrigation system components, sprinkler heads, valves, seals, hydrants, etc. from time to time under the direction of the Irrigation Foreman/Supervisor.
  • Responds to changes in assignment as required by changing conditions and seasonal requirements of the Company, taking direction from the local Foreman/Supervisor without complaint.
  • Performs a daily pre-start check of the Irrigation Tractor.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • None

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to communicate orally
  • Ability to comprehend, comply with and fully complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
  • Ability to understand any and all Safety requirements

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

  • Walk, kneel, bend, lift and carry
  • Lift up to 75 pounds
  • Manipulate small hand tools, i.e. screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
  • Have the stamina for a vigorous physical workload over 10 hour shifts
  • Unload and load a pipe trailer
  • Place and retrieve drip irrigation tape
  • Make necessary irrigation pipe connections
  • Show basic Tractor Safety driving skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Work is performed outdoors in agriculturalfields and yards
  • Airborne particulate matter, windy conditions
  • Noise levels occasionally moderate to loud
  • Seasonal weather conditions

Hazards: Occasionally works near moving machinery parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid and muddy conditions, uneven ground,agricultural chemical applications, dust, wind, insects and rodents