Irrigation Support Engineer/Specialist I

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Assist in the implementation of the various research projects 

• Assist in the use of figures, drawings, and maps for use in technical reports 

• Assist with compiling and analyzing data from irrigation studies/projects 

• Assist with the investigation and documentation of irrigation industry technology changes   

• Assist in maintaining ITRC facilities and programs, as needed 

• Perform other duties assigned   

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Potentially, supervise assigned student employees.  Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Cal Poly Partners’ policies and applicable laws and regulations 

• Assist in the supervision of the daily activities of the department, including but not limited to, effective delegation of assignments, training and resources necessary to meet performance standards and assist employees in improving performance relevant to job requirements 

• Assist with the direction and monitoring employees to ensure that they remain in compliance with policies and procedures 

• Subordinates may include:  Student employees   

Position Requirements 

• Minimum B.S. in Agricultural Engineering preferred with an emphasis in irrigation or very closely related discipline and strong technical skills in the following areas: 

• On-farm irrigation design, management and evaluation 

• Crop water requirements and salinity 

• Water balances 

• Supervisor control and data acquisition 

• Irrigation district modernization 

• P.E. license and M.S. desirable   

• Excellent time and budget management skills and accurate project estimating skills 

• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel  

• A strong aptitude for learning new skills 

• Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet time lines 

• Ability to lead others in managing tasks; train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel 

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationship with others 

• Excellent verbal and written skills in western US irrigated agriculture and academic vernacular, and the ability to interface with all levels of staff, university community, including students, faculty and staff, and the public 

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy 

• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance 

• Ability to perform physical labor as required and work outside as required 

• Ability to travel domestically frequently 

• A background check is required for all regular benefited positions 

• The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment 

Physical Requirements  

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone 

• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to easily and accurately operate a computer keyboard and calculator 

• Seeing to read a variety of materials 

• Sitting or standing for extended period of time 

• Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height 

• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects 

• Commuting on an as-needed basis to outside meetings and training locations