**Position Overview** The Irrigation Technician plays a critical role in maintaining the health, consistency, and productivity of the cannabis cultivation facility. This position is responsible for designing, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting irrigation and fertigation systems to ensure plants receive proper hydration and nutrient delivery at every stage of growth. The ideal candidate is highly experienced, detail-oriented, and deeply knowledgeable about irrigation science, plant water needs, and cannabis-specific cultivation practices. A strong background in agricultural or horticultural irrigation systems is **required**, as this role directly supports plant quality, yield consistency, and overall production success. * * * **Key Responsibilities** ------------------------ ### **Irrigation System Management** - Operate, monitor, and maintain all automated and manual irrigation and fertigation systems across the facility. - Program irrigation schedules based on plant stage, cultivar needs, substrate type, and environmental conditions. - Conduct routine system inspections, identify issues early, and perform necessary repairs (clogs, leaks, pressure issues, pump failures, etc.). - Calibrate irrigation equipment including emitters, dosers, valves, pressure regulators, sensors, and timers. ### **Plant Hydration & Nutrient Delivery** - Assess plant water requirements using environmental data, substrate moisture content, and visual plant health checks. - Mix nutrient solutions with accurate measurements following facility SOPs and cultivation team directives. - Track water and nutrient consumption rates and adjust schedules to support optimal growth and reduce waste. - Prevent over-watering, under-watering, root rot, or nutrient burn by maintaining precise irrigation control. ### **Environmental Monitoring** - Utilize environmental sensors, moisture meters, and data logs to verify plant hydration patterns and system performance. - Collaborate with cultivation staff to ensure irrigation aligns with climate controls (lighting, temperature, humidity, VPD). - Record daily irrigation volumes, EC/PPM readings, pH levels, and nutrient delivery timing. ### **System Troubleshooting & Preventative Maintenance** - Diagnose and repair irrigation malfunctions quickly to minimize risk to plant health. - Conduct preventative maintenance on pumps, pipes, filters, and reservoirs. - Maintain a clean, organized irrigation room and ensure all lines, tanks, and equipment meet sanitation standards. ### **Collaboration & Communication** - Work closely with the Cultivation Manager and Lead Growers to adjust irrigation strategies as plant needs change. - Communicate system issues immediately and offer solutions based on expertise. - Train cultivation team members on proper irrigation SOPs when needed. ### **Compliance & Safety** - Follow all facility SOPs, state regulations, and safety protocols related to water systems, nutrients, and cannabis cultivation. - Maintain accurate logs for compliance audits, including nutrient delivery, system checks, and maintenance activities. * * * **Required Experience & Qualifications** ---------------------------------------- - **2–4+ years of hands-on experience in irrigation or fertigation systems**, ideally in cannabis, controlled-environment agriculture, or commercial horticulture. - Strong knowledge of irrigation design, hydraulics, water pressure, flow rates, and system efficiency principles. - Experience working with automated irrigation systems (Dosatron, Netafim, Growlink, Priva, or similar). - Understanding of cannabis growth stages and how water and nutrient requirements change throughout the lifecycle. - Ability to diagnose irrigation problems (blockages, faulty valves, pump issues, uneven distribution, etc.). - Proficiency with EC/PPM meters, pH meters, moisture sensors, and environmental monitoring tools. - Ability to lift 50+ lbs, move water reservoirs, and work in warm/humid cultivation environments. - Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. * * * **Preferred Skills** -------------------- - Experience working in commercial cannabis cultivation. - Knowledge of fertigation chemistry, nutrient interactions, and water treatment (filtration, RO systems, sanitization methods). - Ability to read irrigation schematics, plumbing diagrams, or cultivation facility layouts. - Basic plumbing or facility maintenance knowledge. * * * **Why This Role Matters** ------------------------- A skilled Irrigation Technician is essential for maintaining plant consistency, health, and high-quality yields in cannabis cultivation. Precision irrigation directly impacts: - Growth speed - Nutrient uptake - Root health - Uniformity across rooms/lots - Final yield - Overall facility efficiency This position requires someone who is not only experienced, but **highly knowledgeable and proactive**, with the expertise to safeguard one of the most critical systems in the cultivation process. **_About Vangst:_**   _Vangst is the cannabis industry's hiring platform. Vangst helps cannabis companies find the talent they need to grow their business. From on-demand gig workers to trained & credential full-time employees, Vangst has built the industry's go-to talent marketplace for all cannabis hiring. Vangst is proud to work with 1,200+ of the cannabis industry's leading businesses._   _Since raising their seed round in 2018, Vangst has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the cannabis industry and was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies._   _Today, over 300,000 people have full-time jobs in the cannabis industry and this number is expected to triple over the next five years. Vangst is on a mission to fill every job in the cannabis industry._   _Vangst's headquarters is in Denver, CO. Vangst is a Series B company backed by Lerer Hippeau, Colle Capital, Level One Fund, Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital, and others._   _Vangst provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws._   _This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training._