An irrigation engineer is a professional who creates irrigation systems and supervises their installation. For designing effective irrigation systems, he or she must have a solid understanding of irrigation processes as well as moderate engineering skills. An irrigation engineer is likely to be part of an engineering or construction team that includes designers and various types of construction workers who can assist with the project’s completion. Candidates for this position typically have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or another design discipline.
Irrigation is the process of safely transporting water from one location to another, usually but not exclusively for agricultural purposes. This means that an irrigation engineer should be well-versed in farming processes as well as other irrigation-related applications. Although many of these topics may be covered as part of a college degree program, the irrigation engineer is more likely to learn about them through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. The engineer will most likely consult with other experts on a regular basis, such as farmers, ranchers, other engineers, or designers, to ensure that the irrigation systems meet the needs of the users and comply with local laws and regulations.
Another important part of the irrigation engineer’s job is troubleshooting irrigation systems. This necessitates a thorough understanding of water flow, water supply, common groundwater issues, soil types, and various irrigation components. If a system fails to function or performs slowly, the engineer must determine the source of the problem and devise a solution. This could entail leading a group of engineers and other workers to diagnose and repair the system.
The design and writing of irrigation system instructional manuals may or may not be part of the irrigation engineer’s job responsibilities. Because this requires a thorough understanding of the irrigation system, the engineer may collaborate with technical writers to create a comprehensive and easy-to-understand user’s manual. The engineer is unlikely to be directly responsible for the writing of technical materials, but he or she will consult other professionals during the writing process to ensure that all procedures are clearly outlined to ensure proper use and avoid system damage. These manuals will be provided to the system’s end users.