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How to hire an irrigation system installer

Irrigation system installer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring irrigation system installers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire an irrigation system installer is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new irrigation system installer to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire an irrigation system installer, step by step

To hire an irrigation system installer, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire an irrigation system installer:

Here's a step-by-step irrigation system installer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an irrigation system installer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new irrigation system installer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The irrigation system installer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an irrigation system installer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an irrigation system installer that fits the bill.

    This list shows salaries for various types of irrigation system installers.

    Type of Irrigation System InstallerDescriptionHourly rate
    Irrigation System InstallerPlumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids or gases to, from, and within businesses, homes, and factories.$9-25
    Pipe ForemanA pipe foreman oversees the daily operations of piping projects, from planning to execution, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They manage different teams, supervise the installation and maintenance of pipes, prepare and process documentation, set objectives and guidelines, delegate tasks and schedules among staff, liaise with external parties such as vendors and suppliers, and maintain an active communication line with clients or representatives... Show more$18-30
    Sprinkler Fitter ApprenticeA sprinkler fitter apprentice is responsible for assisting in the installation, repair, and maintenance of sprinkler systems. Day-to-day duties will typically include connecting piping systems to supply tanks, pumps, control equipment, and compressors, installing brackets, hangers, and clamps to support the sprinkler and piping system, and selecting, measuring, and threading pipes... Show more$13-24
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • PVC
    • Retaining Walls
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage telecommunications, data and CCTV equipment.
    • Assemble and install PVC pipe for irrigation.
    • Dig accurately size holes to install sprinkler heads while preserving the lawn.
    • Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshot breakdowns and repair malfunctioning HVAC systems and components; utilize measuring and testing instruments.
    • Rewire and redevise house and facilities.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the irrigation system installer job description is a good way to get more applicants. An irrigation system installer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for an irrigation system installer in Oklahoma may be lower than in New Jersey, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level irrigation system installer. Additionally, an irrigation system installer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average irrigation system installer salary

    $15.72hourly

    $32,699 yearly

    Entry-level irrigation system installer salary
    $19,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 17, 2025

    Average irrigation system installer salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1New York$34,735$17
    2Ohio$31,098$15
    3Ohio$31,024$15
    4Ohio$30,985$15
    5Texas$30,315$15
    6Michigan$28,556$14
    7Georgia$26,849$13
    8Idaho$22,829$11
    9Idaho$22,770$11
    10Idaho$22,765$11
    11Idaho$22,765$11
    12Idaho$22,751$11
    13Idaho$22,741$11
    14Idaho$22,738$11
    15Idaho$22,724$11
    16Idaho$22,716$11
    17Idaho$22,706$11
    18Idaho$22,695$11
    19Idaho$22,679$11
    20Idaho$22,641$11

    Average irrigation system installer salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Medxcel$32,247$15.50
    2Livestock Investors Ltd$31,881$15.33
    3The Ranch$31,551$15.17
    4Land & Co$30,785$14.80
    5Wards$29,789$14.32
    6A and G, Inc.$28,853$13.8713
    7Reed's$28,688$13.79
    8Hansen Corporation$27,299$13.12
    9c$26,570$12.77
    10Scotts$26,109$12.55
    11Farm Stores Franchising$25,548$12.28
  4. Writing an irrigation system installer job description

    An irrigation system installer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an irrigation system installer job description:

    Irrigation system installer job description example

    Medxcel is here to lead the transformation of healthcare facilities management by incorporating a new approach to providing services. Created by healthcare, for healthcare, we have a dedicated focus on our people and customers, as well as providing tools, processes, support resources, data analytics and insource strategies that drive results.

    The Irrigation Installer is a regional position. This individual will travel to various Medxcel Facilities within a specified geographic region to install irrigation systems and to perform irrigation repair projects. The position must be able to operate a variety of equipment and have extensive knowledge of irrigation systems, irrigation principals, and irrigation installations. Other duties will include irrigation troubleshooting and repair, irrigation design, and associate training and mentoring.
    This position will be located at St. Vincent Southside -Jacsksonville, FL.

    "As a healthcare company we have an important responsibility to protect individual and public health. This position will require individuals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of their job responsibilities, unless an exemption can be confirmed based on a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Submission & Approval of an Exemption does not guarantee that an exemption can be accommodated."

    Administrative & Training- 30%

    + Manages a team of direct reports

    + Provides training to reports to better facilitate the execution of projects

    + Plans and organizes projects and implementations, ensuring that sufficientresources and materials are available, and completes it in the most time-efficient manner.

    + Follows Medxcel Safety Standards

    + Designs and develops irrigation plans according to needs of facilities

    + Ensures all work is completed in adherence to safety policies and guidelines

    + Conducts weekly safety training and safety inspections on jobsites

    + Ensures that competing tasks at each facility are organized and completed on a priority basis and within the parameters established

    + Considers improvements to facilities and makes recommendations to management

    + Maintains proper inventory of materials, equipment and other supplies to ensure that they are on hand to complete production activities

    + Participates in meetings, workshops, training, and seminars, as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions

    + Considers environmental impact on all installation, repair, and operation activities. Suggests options to reduce water use and manage environmental resources

    + Coordinates travel arrangements to ensure efficient use of time on the job site

    Irrigation Installation and Troubleshooting - 70%

    + Performs a wide variety of irrigation tasks revolving around the installation of irrigation systems.

    + Make appropriate recommendations to improve the effectiveness and stability of the final product

    + Works side by side with direct reports and other associates in the execution of irrigation projects

    + Operates non-CDL automatic and manual vehicles, such as dump trucks and truck and trailer combinations

    + Maintains a clean, safe, and secure work environment, including work site and equipment

    Education:

    + An Associatedegree in Horticulture, Landscape Maintenance, Business or a related field, OR 7+ years' experience in the irrigation industry required

    + A Bachelor's degree in related field preferred

    License/Certification:

    + State Driver's License and insurable with company's agent required

    + Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred

    + Licensed irrigator with the Irrigation Association preferred

    + State licensed irrigation installation contractor preferred

    Experience:

    + At least 5 years' experiencein irrigation industry required

    + At least 3 years' experience with irrigation installation required

    + At least 3 years supervisory experience required

    Competencies: (Specify competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities required).

    + Ability to travel, by airplane and by automobile to facilities across the country to complete specific projects.

    + 50% travel required

    + Safely and proficiently operate a variety of equipment including

    + A truck and trailer combination

    + Skid steers

    + Mini excavators

    + Trenchers

    + Vibratory plow

    + Strong oral communication skills, job planning skills, and mechanical aptitude are a must.

    + Ability to read and follow blueprints/irrigation plans and as-builts

    + Great problem solving/troubleshooting skills (conventional and 2 wire)

    + Extensive irrigation troubleshooting experience.

    + Strong knowledge of water needs of a landscape in various environments.

    + Ability to program an irrigation controller accordingly

    + Strong knowledge of irrigation and hydraulic principles.

    + Strong supervisor skills, be a self-starter, trainer and able to lead groups of at least two to complete projects

    + Strong communication and record keeping skills

    #MFMLNDSP

    ID: 2022-12191

    External Company URL: www.medxcelfm.com

    Telecommute: No
  5. Post your job

    To find irrigation system installers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any irrigation system installers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level irrigation system installers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your irrigation system installer job on Zippia to find and recruit irrigation system installer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit irrigation system installers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new irrigation system installer

    Once you have selected a candidate for the irrigation system installer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new irrigation system installer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire an irrigation system installer?

Recruiting irrigation system installers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Irrigation system installers earn a median yearly salary is $32,699 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find irrigation system installers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $9 and $25.

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