Rain Bird Academy Irrigation Training

Introduction to Irrigation & Installation

So you’re new to the irrigation industry or you have never had an opportunity to get your hands on any product, now is your chance. In this introductory course you will learn the basics of irrigation installation. Topics that will be covered: introduction to an irrigation system, product identification and terminology, basic design procedures, techniques in installation and set-up of newly installed systems.

Irrigation Technician Course

This intensive two day course takes you through the important topics related to the repair and maintenance of efficient irrigation systems. The class will present scenarios commonly experienced by irrigation technicians and then examine the possible causes and solutions to each issue. This class is ideal for irrigation service technicians, irrigation system managers, distributor personnel or other irrigation professionals that want a better understanding of the set-up and maintenance of efficient, effective irrigation systems.

Landscape Irrigation Design Process

“How do you eat an elephant?: One bite at a time.” Irrigation design can be an intimidating task, but it doesn’t need to be. Explore the design process through a logical set of steps written to simplify irrigation design for beginners and experienced designers alike. The key to the popularity of this course is its hands-on approach; Participants are given opportunities to perform practical exercises in irrigation design using an in-class site plan. (Note: A Rain Bird product catalog is provided in class, but students may bring any manufacturer’s catalog they wish to use)

Efficient Irrigation Scheduling

Students will be introduced to water efficient irrigation scheduling practices including plant water requirements, irrigation system performance, soil moisture storage and weather based efficient scheduling. Topics covered include:

The cost of wasted water

Water requirement

Sprinkler performance

Soil properties

Weather based scheduling

IA’s Certified Irrigation Technician Exam

CITs are field technicians who install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems. To become a CIT, you must:

Pass the irrigation technician exam

Comply with the Select Certified Code of Ethics from The Irrigation Association

Remain in good standing. (Gain 20 CEU hours per two-year cycle)

Landscape Irrigation Auditor Review

Learn how to perform field tests on irrigation systems to determine efficiency, as well as how to combine plant water use, soils and local weather data to calculate accurate water schedules for irrigation systems. This class deals directly with the issue of wise water management. Exam registration is NOT included with class registration. This class is designed to prepare students for the Irrigation Association’s Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) exam. To apply for the exam, please visit the Certification section of the IA web site.

IA's Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Exam

CLASS DESCRIPTION COMING SOON

Irrigation Designer Review

This course deals with topics of water management as it relates to the proper design of an irrigation system. Students will review required site information, irrigation system hydraulics, system component selection, sizing, and placement, electricity as it relates to irrigation design, and proper scheduling practices including soil properties. This class is designed to prepare students for the Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Designer (CID) exams (step 2, 3, and 4 landscape/turf exam track), focusing on the key areas contractors typically struggle with when preparing for the CID exam. Exam registration is NOT included with class registration. To apply for the exam, please visit the Certification section of the IA web site.

Irrigation Contractor Review

This course deals directly with the issue of wise water management. Students will review advanced soil/water plant relationships, advanced scheduling, system uniformity and efficiency details, pumps, job safety requirements, national codes affecting our industry, and water conservation. This class is designed to prepare students for the Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) exam, focusing on the key areas contractors typically struggle with when preparing for the CIC exam. Exam registration is NOT included with class registration. To apply for the exam, please visit the Certification section of the IA web site.

Electrical Troubleshooting for Irrigation Systems

Students will be introduced to the basics of electricity and how it applies to irrigation systems. Multi-meters will be utilized in taking voltage and resistance measurements in class. Typical irrigation system electrical discrepancies will be presented with possible causes and solutions in addition to tracking buried wires and valves and isolating wire faults. Topics covered include:

Basic electrical terminology

Multi-meter usage at the controller and in the field

Wire splices

Wire tracking

Fault isolation

Residential Controller Programming & Operation

CLASS DESCRIPTION COMING SOON

Commercial Controller Programming & Operation

CLASS DESCRIPTION COMING SOON

2-Wire System Technician

This training will introduce students to Rain Bird 2-Wire Control Systems in general, design principles, and installation techniques. Additional emphasis is given to grounding techniques and using a simple 2-Wire system setup for hands-on operation and troubleshooting 2-Wire system faults.

Golf Irrigation Technician

This hands-on class is ideal for any golf course irrigation professional that wants a better understanding of the installation, maintenance and repair of efficient golf course irrigation systems. In-class activities will present each major component of the golf irrigation system, including operation and troubleshooting of each part. Irrigation system components covered will include pumps, valves, valve-in-head rotors, and weather stations. Students will also discuss irrigation electrical system operation, and surge suppression topics.

Satellite Control System Technician

This hands-on class is ideal for any golf course irrigation professional working with a satellite control system. The class material will cover communication options for both 2-wire and LINK systems. In-class activities will present each major component of the satellite and interface device, including operation and troubleshooting of each part.

Integrated Control System (ICS) Technician

Participants in this introductory class will be presented with information on the Rain Bird Integrated Control System. All aspects of the IC System will be covered, including system architecture, design, installation, operation, and troubleshooting. Throughout the class, hands-on activities will be used to reinforce each section of training.