Rain Bird launches WaterSense labeled certification program
21 May, 2010 Athletic Turf NewsNon-manufacturer-specific program designed to drive efficient irrigation practices.
Landscape design-build professionals can differentiate themselves from their competitors by becoming WaterSense certified. Rain Bird Services Corporation has launched a new, non-manufacturer-specific certification training program for experienced irrigators—the Rain Bird Certified Residential and Light Commercial Installer program. It been designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a WaterSense labeled certification program.
Sponsored by the EPA, WaterSense is a partnership program designed to drive the market for water-efficient products and services. Veronica Blette, manager of the WaterSense program, says that Rain Bird’s new certification will play an important role in encouraging the installation of irrigation systems that use water wisely.
“Considering the ever-present threat of water shortages, water-efficiency training for irrigation professionals is essential to reduce the amount of water used to maintain landscapes,” says Blette. “Rain Bird's new certification program will be an excellent resource for that training. WaterSense is pleased to label this program for certifying irrigation professionals in water-efficient practices.”
The Rain Bird Certified Residential and Light Commercial Installer program is intended for those contractors who perform installations using pipe that measures up to 2.5 in. in diameter. Starting in July 2010, the certification program will initially offer four-day workshops in Tucson, AZ, expanding to other locations later this year. Classes will be limited to six students per professional instructor. Each workshop combines classroom and field instruction plus a series of practical student projects designed to assess each student’s installation ability. All aspects of the installation process will be covered from the initial site inspection to system start-up and fine-tuning.
In addition to training, contractors who become certified will receive a self-promotional package with a variety of marketing materials to help them grow their businesses and make the most of their certified status.
“By becoming Rain Bird Certified, contractors are effectively telling their customers that they have skills and experience that can be trusted,” Wolfarth said. “Because our program has received the EPA’s WaterSense label, customers can also rest assured that certified contractors are knowledgeable in water-efficient installation principles and can contribute to a higher goal of water efficiency nationwide.”
The Rain Bird Certified Residential and Light Commercial Installer program is open only to irrigation professionals with a high level of industry experience. Participants must have a minimum of 1,200 hours of field experience, 24 hours of irrigation education, three years of irrigation industry experience and a passing score on a pre-qualifying exam. According to Robert Pfeil, training services manager for Rain Bird Services Corporation, this new certification is a rigorous test of an experienced irrigator’s skills and understanding of irrigation installation.
In addition to the new certification program, Rain Bird Services Corporation offers Rain Bird Academy Professional and Regional Training Camps for irrigation and landscape contractors at all levels.
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