Irrigation Systems: Repair and Maintenance

Get hands-on instruction so you can diagnose and repair irrigation system issues such as broken pipes, malfunctioning valves, electrical issues, and more.

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Sprinkler Head Adjustment for Home Lawn Irrigation System

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We do not have an offering of this course scheduled at this time. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!

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Course Details

Course Name: Irrigation Systems: Repair and Maintenance
Course Code: AL0603CB25
Date of Most Recent Offering: March 17, 2025

Date: March 17, 2025 UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Check in time: 8:30 am) UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Location: Bioresource Engineering Laboratory (formerly ECC), 18 Ag Extension Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map) UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Format: Classroom course with hands-on activities UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Registration Fee: $270 per person UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Early Bird Discount Fee: $245 per person (expires March 10, 2025) UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Registration Closes: March 14, 2025 UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

In this course, instructor Bob Dobson will teach you how to diagnose and repair the most common problems of irrigation systems. You’ll work with the system’s components, and you’ll learn the best tools for every job. Bob will set aside time to answer questions about whatever is plaguing your system.

  • Broken Pipes
  • Malfunctioning Valves
  • Misfiring Sprinkler Heads
  • Electrical Issues

Who Should Attend?

Any professional or landscaping enthusiast who wants to expand their irrigation knowledge and learn how to repair and maintain the systems they already use can benefit from attending this course. Past participants have included:

  • Athletic Fields Crew Members
  • Department of Public Works Employees
  • Gardeners
  • Golf Course Superintendents
  • Greenskeepers
  • Horticulturalists
  • Irrigation Technicians
  • Landscape Contractors
  • Parks Maintenance Workers
  • School Buildings and Grounds Crew Members

Rutgers Irrigation Courses – Video Preview

Watch this short video to see what you can expect when you attend our irrigation courses!

Meet Your Instructor

Bob Dobson, Middletown Sprinkler Co.

Instructor Bob Dobson teaching an irrigation class

By attending this course, you will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of irrigation from a true expert! Bob Dobson is President of Middletown Sprinkler Co. in Port Monmouth, NJ, a full service irrigation firm that has been serving the northeast for more than 40 years and specializes in water efficient landscape irrigation systems that promote healthy and vibrant landscapes while conserving water and reducing water costs. Bob is an Irrigation Association (IA) Certified Irrigation Designer for residential, commercial, and golf course irrigation systems and an IA Certified Irrigation Contractor.

A leading voice in the irrigation industry, Bob is a past president of the national Irrigation Association, the Irrigation Association of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association. He is also a past chairman of the national Irrigation Association’s Certification Board of Governors and has served on the IA’s Board of Directors. He is a member of the New Jersey Landscape Irrigation Contractors Examining Board.

Bob has been honored with the IA’s Industry Achievement Award and the Irrigation Association of New Jersey’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also recognized by the EPA with a WaterSense Excellence Award. He is the co-author of a book entitled Golf Course Irrigation: Environmental Design and Management Practices, which was published in 2003.

Student Reviews

Most useful part of the course: “Learning how to repair breaks and wiring in the correct way.”

– Past Participant

“I am glad that Bob involved the students in the demonstrations. He also clearly communicated his knowledge of the subject matter.”

– Past Participant

Most useful part of the course: “The hands on [activities] and real life experiences Bob brought to the class.”

– Past Participant

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Irrigation Systems: Repair and Maintenance was approved for the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.

The Irrigation Systems: Repair and Maintenance course (6 contact hours) is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew Jersey

NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 7 Technical Contact Hours (DLGS-RUCPE23-16)

NJ Landscape Irrigation Association Licensing Board: 6 credits

World map icon International

National Irrigation Association: This course is eligible for credits but students must apply on their own. There is no fee for the application.

Meals

No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.

NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least two (2) weeks in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.

Course Requirements and Policies

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Please visit our policies page for the latest information.

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Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.

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Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

Red car iconCampus Parking Policy

All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.

  • A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
  • When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
  • All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Attention U.S. Veterans

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This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Irrigation Systems: Repair and Maintenance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Joe Canzano

Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu

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Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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