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Irrigator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Vineyard Irrigator is responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of irrigation systems to ensure optimal vine health and grape quality. This role plays a critical part in ...

Vineyard Irrigator

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The Vineyard Irrigator is responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of irrigation systems to ensure optimal vine health and grape quality. This role plays a critical part in ...

Maintenance Irrigator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Job Purpose The Maintenance Irrigator is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the golf course irrigation system to ensure optimal turf health and water efficiency. This role ...

Maintenance Irrigator

Rosemead, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $18/hr

Job Purpose The Maintenance Irrigator is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the golf course irrigation system to ensure optimal turf health and water efficiency. This role ...

Farm Irrigator

Salinas, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

The Role: Performs irrigation and pre-irrigation tasks for vegetable and summer crops, including laying and repairing pipes and drip tape, monitoring water flow and booster pumps, inspecting ...

Performs irrigation and preirrigation tasks for vegetable and summer crops, including laying and repairing pipes and drip tape, monitoring water flow and booster pumps, inspecting irrigated areas to ...

Irrigation Technician

Roseville, CA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Conserva Irrigation promotes from within - training our Level One Technicians to become Level Two Technicians to become Sales Technicians and beyond as an accredited industry participant. As a ...

Irrigation Technician

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

A Landscape Irrigation Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems within a landscape or agricultural setting. The technician ensures that plants ...

Irrigation Technician

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Irrigation Technician Preservation and aesthetics are the face of any business. The Irrigation Technician, under the supervision of the Director of Agronomy and Landscape Project Manager, is ...

Irrigation Technician

Watsonville, CA

$20 - $26.25/hr

A Landscape Irrigation Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems within a landscape or agricultural setting. The technician ensures that plants ...

Irrigation Technician

Placentia, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

Description This position is for a golf course irrigation technician job at Alta Vista Country Club. Prior golf course or landscape irrigation experience is a must. If you don't have any experience ...

Irrigation Technician

Lincoln, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Irrigation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing irrigation systems to ensure efficient water delivery and reliable system performance. This role ...

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Irrigator information

See California salary details

$16

$19

$25

How much do irrigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for irrigator in California is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an irrigator?

Irrigators are agricultural workers responsible for managing and operating systems that deliver water to crops and farmland. Their duties often include setting up, maintaining, and repairing irrigation equipment such as pipes, sprinklers, and pumps. They monitor soil moisture, adjust water flow, and ensure crops receive the right amount of water for optimal growth. Irrigators play a critical role in maximizing crop yields and conserving water resources.

What does an irrigator do?

An irrigator oversees the moisture and fertilizer levels of plants and greenery for their company. There are many different jobs for irrigators, depending on their type of expertise. Irrigators may manually water and feed plants for small nurseries, or they may install operate complex irrigation and drip systems or large plant wholesalers. Job titles include lawn sprinkler technician, machine operator, licensed irrigation technician, park maintenance worker, irrigation foreman, and operations manager. There are also irrigation inspectors who ensure irrigation equipment meets industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an irrigator?

To thrive as an Irrigator, you need a practical understanding of irrigation systems, water management, and basic agricultural practices, often supported by hands-on experience or relevant training. Familiarity with tools for system installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as knowledge of automated irrigation controllers, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient water use, healthy crops or landscapes, and reliable system operation, which are vital for agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

What are the typical challenges an irrigator faces during peak growing seasons?

During peak growing seasons, Irrigators often grapple with long hours, unpredictable weather patterns, and the need to closely monitor irrigation schedules to ensure optimal crop hydration. Equipment maintenance and quick troubleshooting of irrigation systems are crucial, as downtime can directly impact crop health. Additionally, effective communication with farm managers and other team members is essential to coordinate water usage and respond promptly to any issues that arise.

What is the difference between Irrigator vs Plumber?

AspectIrrigatorPlumber
CredentialsTypically requires irrigation-specific certifications or licensesRequires plumbing licenses and certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly outdoors on irrigation systems in landscapes or farmsWorks indoors and outdoors on plumbing systems in buildings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in agriculture, landscaping, and golf coursesPrimarily employed in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
Job FocusDesign, install, and maintain irrigation systemsInstall, repair, and maintain plumbing fixtures and piping

While both irrigators and plumbers work with water systems, irrigators focus on designing and maintaining irrigation systems mainly outdoors, often requiring specialized certifications. Plumbers handle a broader range of water and waste systems within buildings, requiring plumbing licenses. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path based on their skills and interests.

Is irrigation a hard job?

Irrigator jobs involve installing, maintaining, and repairing irrigation systems, often requiring physical labor and working outdoors in various weather conditions. The job can be physically demanding and may require knowledge of tools and systems, but it generally does not require advanced formal education. Experience and safety training are important for success in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Irrigator jobs in CA?

For Irrigator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Irrigator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,275 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Vineyard Irrigator

Sonoma, CA

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description

 Foley Family Farms (FFF) is a rapidly growing West Coast company with farming in California and Oregon.

Position Summary:
The Vineyard Irrigator is responsible for the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of irrigation systems to ensure optimal vine health and grape quality. This role plays a critical part in winegrape production by delivering precise water applications based on vineyard needs, seasonal conditions, and direction from vineyard management.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  Operate and manage vineyard irrigation systems, including pumps, valves, filters, and drip lines.
  Execute irrigations events according to the irrigation schedule provided by the Vineyard Manager.
  Monitor system performance, identify and repair issues such as leaks, clogged emitters, damaged lines, and filter blockages.
  Perform routine maintenance on irrigation infrastructure and related equipment.
  Assist with frost protection, heat mitigation practices, and fertigation as required.
  Maintain accurate irrigation logs and records, including water usage and system performance.
  Coordinate irrigation activities with other vineyard operations, including spraying, harvesting, cultivation, and canopy work.
  Assist with general vineyard tasks as needed, particularly during peak seasons. 

Requirements

 Education, Skills, & Experience

  Previous experience in vineyard or agricultural irrigation preferred.
  Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems
  Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
  Basic recordkeeping skills required.
  Spanish language proficiency required; English is a plus.
  Valid driver's license.
  Tractor or agricultural equipment operation experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform physical tasks associated with vineyard operations, including:
  Walk vineyard terrain for extended periods.
  Lifting, carrying, and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds regularly.
  Bending, kneeling, and working with tools and equipment frequently.
  Using personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for tasks involving chemicals, dust, or noise exposure.

Work Environment

This position involves year-round outdoor work in a vineyard setting, often in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and rain. This role requires working around agricultural machinery, tractors, equipment with moving parts, and moderate to loud noise levels.

The position may involve exposure to dust, pollen, and agricultural chemicals, with appropriate PPE provided. Early morning start times, occasional weekend work, and extended hours during peak vineyard operations (including harvest and frost events) may be required.

Safety
Foley Family Farms employees are expected to work safely, follow all components of the company safety program, and actively support our safety culture.
Every employee plays a role in keeping themselves and their team safe. This includes:
Following all safety policies, procedures, and training requirements.
Using equipment, tractors, chemicals, and tools responsibly and as instructed.
Completing Safety Catches to help identify hazards before accidents happen.
Reporting unsafe conditions, near-misses, and incidents immediately.
Participating in required safety meetings, trainings, and refreshers.
Speaking up with suggestions to improve policies, procedures, and workplace safety culture.

Our goal is that everyone goes home safe every day-and your participation is essential in making that happen.Â