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Course Status Notice – Not 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
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.
Featured Topics
- 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.

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.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 7 Technical Contact Hours (DLGS-RUCPE23-16)
NJ Landscape Irrigation Association Licensing Board: 6 credits
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 one (1) week 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.
Attention U.S. Veterans

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.

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

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.