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Pivot Irrigation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant III

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$19.46 - $24.33/hr

Irrigation: * Managing crops (hay, corn, barley) with flood, center pivot, and gated pipe irrigation. Feed Mill and Feed Truck Operation: * Overseeing daily operations and maintenance of the feed ...

Utility Tech Lead

Boardman, OR · On-site

$43K - $55K/yr

Provide uniform and efficient water, fertilizer and chemical applications for crops through center pivot irrigation systems. Keep all sprinklers, filters and clusters clean, free of debris and in ...

Operate spray-rigs, fertilizer injection equipment, and center pivot irrigation in a safe and productive manner. * Assist with daily tasks necessary to maintain equipment, buildings, and grounds.

Operate spray-rigs, fertilizer injection equipment, and center pivot irrigation in a safe and productive manner. * Assist with daily tasks necessary to maintain equipment, buildings, and grounds.

Operate spray-rigs, fertilizer injection equipment, and center pivot irrigation in a safe and productive manner. * Assist with daily tasks necessary to maintain equipment, buildings, and grounds.

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Pivot Irrigation information

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$13

$21

$32

How much do pivot irrigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for pivot irrigation in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of someone working in Pivot Irrigation on a daily basis?

A typical day in a Pivot Irrigation role involves inspecting and maintaining center pivot systems, monitoring water distribution, troubleshooting electrical or mechanical issues, and making necessary repairs to pumps, pipes, or control panels. You may also calibrate timers or sensors, adjust system settings for different crop needs, and document maintenance activities. This work is often performed outdoors in various weather conditions and may require responding to urgent repair calls during the growing season. Working closely with farm managers and other field staff is common, making team communication important. These responsibilities help ensure that fields are efficiently irrigated, supporting healthy crop yields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pivot Irrigation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Pivot Irrigation, you need mechanical aptitude, basic agricultural knowledge, and the ability to troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems, often supported by experience in farming or irrigation technology. Familiarity with tools such as voltmeters, control panels, GPS-guided systems, and sometimes certification in irrigation or electrical systems is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and self-motivation are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient water usage, minimize downtime, and support optimal crop production in agricultural operations.

What is a Pivot Irrigation job?

A Pivot Irrigation job involves installing, operating, and maintaining center pivot irrigation systems used to efficiently water crops. Responsibilities often include monitoring system performance, repairing mechanical or electrical issues, and ensuring proper water distribution. Workers may also adjust sprinkler settings based on weather conditions and crop needs. This role requires technical knowledge of irrigation equipment, troubleshooting skills, and sometimes fieldwork under varying environmental conditions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pivot Irrigation jobs? The most popular types of Pivot Irrigation jobs are:
What states have the most Pivot Irrigation jobs? States with the most job openings for Pivot Irrigation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pivot Irrigation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pivot Irrigation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pivot Irrigation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,129 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Research Assistant III

Research Assistant III

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT • On-site

$19.46 - $24.33/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

358th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 26415
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Hope Huft
hope.huft@montana.edu
406-874-8201
Classification Title
Research Asst III
Working Title
Research Assistant III
Brief Position Overview
This position is located at Miles City, MT. Work outdoors at a livestock and range research lab. Responsibilities include diverse farm duties such as field preparation, irrigation management, feed mill operations, and animal care. The role involves operating and maintaining farm machinery, handling cattle for health and research procedures, and supporting additional tasks like snow removal and fencing. You'll also assist with research projects by managing data and using specialized technology.
Position Number
4M0214
Department
AES LARRS
Division
College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type
Classified
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
AFSCME
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
Salary range of $19.468 to $24.335 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type
Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
As an employee of MSU -Ag Experiment Station - Fort Keogh, you will work alongside other MSU employees and USDA employees conducting research in Livestock and Range management.
Duties and Responsibilities
Field Preparation and Crop Management:
  • Plowing, disking, planting crops, cultivating, haying, and harvesting.
  • Using farm equipment such as balers, swathers, disks, plows, harvesters, trucks, and tractors.

Irrigation:
  • Managing crops (hay, corn, barley) with flood, center pivot, and gated pipe irrigation.

Feed Mill and Feed Truck Operation:
  • Overseeing daily operations and maintenance of the feed mill and various equipment.
  • Using the overhead batching system; grinding grains and hay for rations.
  • Formulating and mixing feed grains with supplements.
  • Maintaining an inventory of minerals for supplements.
  • Operating the feed truck and periodically grinding hay for feeding farm animals.

Farm Machinery:
  • Operating, repairing, and maintaining farm machinery, including replacing worn parts and servicing equipment.
  • Mounting new equipment, such as replacing bearings on disks and sickle sections on swathers.
  • Greasing and checking fluid levels on machinery.
  • Operating feed trucks and tractors safely.
  • Repairing and maintaining facilities, including fixing fences and working on computerized calan gates.

Animal Care:
  • Observing and managing feedlot operations, recognizing and treating health concerns in animals.
  • Working with livestock to brand, dehorn, weigh, and haul cattle.
  • Assisting scientists with routine weigh days and vaccinations.
  • Checking cattle health, treating sick animals, providing water, and feeding cattle in winter.
  • Moving cattle from pasture to working facilities, branding, vaccinating, hauling, and handling cattle.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Basic experience in the operation, repair, and maintenance of various tractors and equipment including balers, swathers, disks, plows, harvesters, and trucks.
  2. Knowledge of and experience in field work including appropriate planting conditions and water flow.
  3. Knowledge of workplace safety procedures.
  4. Knowledge of flood, sprinkler, and pivot irrigation processes and systems, as well as the ability to set up/change and monitor systems.
  5. General math skills to calculate the exact percentages of rations to meet research needs.
  6. Knowledge of livestock care.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Working knowledge of pesticides, their application and safe uses.
  2. Experience accurately recording, filing, and monitoring detailed records.
  3. Knowledge of overhead batching system, grinding various grains and hay, and how to formulate and mix a variety or grains and supplements.
  4. Knowledgeable in assessing and treating livestock ailments.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment in day-to-day activities.
  • Strong ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
  • Must possess a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver's license, must obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 60 days of hire.)
  • Must obtain appropriate Montana Pesticide License within one year.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
  • Working in all types of weather.
  • Maneuvering up to 100 pounds.
  • Working in dust and pollen.
  • Working with farm chemicals.
  • Working with equipment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on June 5, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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