Irrigation Manager

Brief Description ABOUT THE ROLE Cagwin & Dorward has been caring for Northern California landscapes since 1955. Water management is central to what we do. We maintain irrigation systems across our maintenance portfolio, test backflow devices, build water budgets, and employ more than 25 CLCA-certified Water Managers. We are seeking an experienced Irrigation Manager to lead our water management efforts throughout the North Bay region. This is a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, leadership, training, and consultative sales. You will help clients reduce water consumption, improve irrigation system performance, develop the irrigation skills of our branch teams, and identify upgrades and renovations that deliver measurable results. If you're the person everyone calls when an irrigation system doesn't make sense, and you're equally comfortable presenting solutions and ROI to HOA boards and property managers, this could be the perfect opportunity. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS Water conservation is one of the most important priorities in commercial landscape management today. In this role, you'll directly impact client satisfaction, resource conservation, regulatory compliance, and branch profitability by helping properties operate more efficiently while maintaining landscape quality. You'll have the opportunity to make a measurable difference and see the results of your work reflected in reduced water consumption, healthier landscapes, and improved system performance across the properties you support. What You Will Do Build and manage water budgets for client properties, tracking usage and savings against established targetsProgram and manage smart and central irrigation control systems to reduce water consumption while maintaining plant healthConduct site inspections and irrigation audits, transforming findings into prioritized recommendations with clear return on investmentDiagnose complex irrigation issues, including hydraulic problems, two-wire faults, pressure challenges, excessive water use, and chronic repair concernsComplete the irrigation portion of new property start-ups, including controller programming, repair recommendations, irrigation maps, and baseline water usage assessmentsBring newly acquired properties into established water budgets within their first 90 daysIdentify and process available water agency and utility rebates on behalf of clientsPresent recommendations, project proposals, and water-saving strategies to property managers, HOA boards, management companies, and municipal clientsRecruit, train, and develop irrigation technicians while serving as the irrigation subject matter expert for branch management teamsTrain Account Managers and Operations teams on irrigation best practices, controller technology, and water management strategiesEnsure backflow testing, MWELO requirements, recycled water compliance, and related documentation remain current and properly trackedAchieve annual sales goals through irrigation enhancements, upgrades, repairs, and renovation projects Requirements WHAT YOU BRING 5+ years of commercial landscape irrigation experience, including leadership, training, or supervisory responsibilitiesExtensive hands-on knowledge of irrigation systems, hydraulics, valves, controllers, drip irrigation, wiring, troubleshooting, and repairExperience working with smart irrigation and central control systems, including platforms such as Weathermatic, WeatherTRAK, Calsense, Baseline, Rain Bird IQ, Hunter Centralus, Toro, ETwater, or similar technologiesStrong understanding of two-wire irrigation systemsAbility to communicate and train effectively in both English and SpanishComfort working with water budgets, usage data, and return-on-investment calculationsProficiency with computers and business software, including Google Workspace or similar platformsStrong presentation, communication, and consultative sales skillsValid California Driver's License with an acceptable driving record Preferred Certifications: Certifications are preferred but not required. We actively support professional development and credentialing, including: CLCA Certified Water ManagerQWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper)Irrigation Association CLIA or CIC certificationsBackflow Tester Certification Summary WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary plus performance-based incentive opportunities tied to irrigation enhancements, upgrades, and renovation salesMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and paid holidaysCompany vehicle or vehicle allowanceCompany phone and laptopPaid certifications and continuing education opportunitiesCareer growth with one of Northern California's most established landscape companiesThe support and resources of Sperber Companies while maintaining a local, employee-focused cultureMeaningful work where you can directly measure the water savings and impact you create WORK ENVIRONMENT This position combines office-based work with frequent travel to client properties and branch locations throughout the North Bay region. The role requires flexibility to attend occasional early morning site meetings and evening HOA or client board meetings. Employees should be comfortable walking properties, navigating uneven terrain, driving between locations, and performing occasional lifting, carrying, or moving of materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Frequent use of computers, mobile devices, and other tools of the trade is required. How To Apply Apply online through our careers page or submit your resume to daniel.amador@sperbercompanies.com Equal Opportunity Employer Cagwin & Dorward is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.