Irrigation Layout & Design Engineer (R3825) Vancouver, Washington
The Irrigation Layout & Design Engineer will be responsible for contributing to the growth and profitability of the Hawthorne Gardening Company. As a supplier of horticultural products, our customers look to us to help them use our products and achieve outstanding results. The person in this position will use their knowledge and expertise to provide customers with high quality, irrigation / water management designs to meet our customer’s horticultural needs.
The objectives of this position is to help manage water management / irrigation plan requests; develop plan layouts / designs with recommendations per customer request; serve as point of contact with sales, field technical support and the customer for owned layout / designs; train sales personnel or customers where necessary; help resolve complaints / troubleshoot where necessary; assist with evaluation of competitive products and develop new ways to improve service of communicating Hawthorne irrigation designs or water management product use.
Key Worked Performed
Sales Support – Provide direct technical support to HGC sales managers, distributors and growers through the development of top-notch irrigation designs. Support other environmental controls / technologies. Train internal personnel and customers on the use of Hawthorne products to achieve fantastic results. Drive or assist in developing relevant sales literature and technical information tailored to the end-user of the information (grower, sales, and distributor).
Troubleshooting. Assist growers in situations where problems arise. Assist in or coordinate complaint investigations or product issues to ensure an accurate assessment and timely resolution.
Product Use / Technical Service Acceptance and Development. Ensure Hawthorne products and services continually meet or exceed market needs. Continually explore new ways to communicate seamlessly with growers / sales to provide amazing technical support. Liaise with R&D to explore / develop new uses of current products and/or recommendations to test new technologies to win customers. Proactively communicate uncovered opportunities and recommended solutions.
Competitive Information. Provide information and analysis of competitive products to ensure Hawthorne maintains a leadership position in those segments in which we compete.
Maintain / Improve Competency. Keep up-to-date and improve knowledge via participating in short courses, seminars, workshops and allied associations.
Most difficult or most complex task or project performed by the jobholder:
Distilling highly technical and complex information into relevant directly applicable information and designs tailored to the end-user such as Growing operation executives / growers, internal and external sales people. Balancing responsibilities to support short term needs such as sales/marketing support and troubleshooting while maintaining focus on longer-term projects leading to incremental Hawthorne sales growth.
A very high degree of original thinking is required. Troubleshooting LP or grower problems requires deep technical knowledge in water management / plumbing, water chemistry and treatment, electrical circuits, electronics and horticultural environmental control and then to think quickly and accurately with decisive and diplomatic responses to ensure customer satisfaction and minimize risk.
Minimum Requirements
Education:
Minimum B.S. degree in an engineering science with an emphasis in irrigation or a biological science discipline such as horticulture, soil science, biology, agronomy with special emphasis on irrigation, irrigation systems and water use.
Experience:
Three (3) plus years of experience in irrigation, irrigation systems or irrigation design in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), greenhouse, hydroponics or ornamental nursery.
Knowledge:
A strong working knowledge of irrigation technologies for horticultural applications, water management principles and systems for greenhouse, hydroponic, or indoor environments and plumbing and electronic control systems. This includes proper design and use of irrigation systems (plumbing and control), and their safe operating procedures. Knowledge of and appreciation of the effect of water management and water relations on plant growth. Strong appreciation for the responsibilities of sales associates/distributors to help ensure success.
Skills and Abilities:
Very strong skills in working with CAD software for designing irrigation systems. Strong computer, phone, app and related technology skills to connect with stakeholders efficiently and effectively.
Excellent communication skills are paramount, must be able to listen effectively and respond clearly using appropriate vocabulary. Must prepare clear and concise reports and detailed records. Describe technical information in a manner that is easy to understand. Recognize problems and ability to negotiate effectively. Ability to work independently, develop and implement work schedule and collaborate with others in a team approach.
Travel:
20% of time expected for travel.
Adapt to interruptions, changes, and ambiguity without losing efficiency or composure, ability to establish and maintain a balance between job and personal life / family. Maintain trust and respect for others, sound judgement in all decisions, appropriate sensitivity to the feeling of others.