Fairbairn Irrigation Network – Emerald QLD

Reporting to the Operations & Maintenance Supervisor, you will work as part of FIN's field operations team responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of irrigation water across FIN's network. This is a varied field-based role combining irrigation water delivery, infrastructure operation, maintenance and the use of modern monitoring and control systems. The role involves a combination of water operations, monitoring, customer interaction, routine maintenance, fault response and infrastructure inspections.

Key responsibilities

Operating and monitoring irrigation channels, regulators, gates and associated control structures.

Delivering water safely and efficiently in accordance with customer water orders and operational requirements.

Monitoring channel levels, flow rates, volumes and system performance.

Using SCADA, telemetry and other monitoring systems to support day-to-day network operation.

Interpreting operational data and investigating unusual or unexpected system behaviour.

Undertaking water-delivery calculations involving flow, volume, time and system capacity.

Adjusting water-control structures to maintain appropriate flows and levels throughout the network.

Carrying out routine inspections of channels, pipelines, structures and associated infrastructure.

Identifying defects, asset deterioration and emerging maintenance requirements.

Undertaking general maintenance and minor repairs.

About you

Strong practical problem-solving skills.





An ability to think critically and work through operational issues logically.

Sound mathematics and numeracy skills.

Confidence working with flow rates, volumes, measurements, levels and basic operational calculations.

Experience using SCADA, telemetry or similar monitoring and control systems.

Competence using Microsoft Excel for recording, reviewing and interpreting data.

The ability to recognise trends, inconsistencies and abnormal readings and investigate likely causes.

Practical mechanical aptitude and an ability to undertake minor maintenance and repairs.

Positive communication and customer-service skills.

A current driver's licence.

About us

Fairbairn Irrigation Network Limited is a locally managed irrigation infrastructure business based in Emerald, Central Queensland. FIN operates and maintains irrigation infrastructure supporting agricultural production throughout the Emerald irrigation area and provides an essential water-delivery service to its customers.

Stable, locally based employment in Emerald.

Training and development opportunities.

A supportive and experienced Operations & Maintenance team.

A varied role combining water operations, technology and infrastructure maintenance.

Exposure to SCADA, telemetry and automated water-management systems.

The opportunity to develop skills across irrigation operations, maintenance, plant and water infrastructure.

The opportunity to contribute directly to the reliability and long-term performance of an important regional irrigation network.

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📌 Irrigation Channel Operator-Maintainer (Emerald)
🏢 Fairbairn Irrigation Network
📍 Emerald