Job Description
Fairbairn Irrigation Network – Emerald QLD
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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.
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Key responsibilities
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Operating and monitoring irrigation channels, regulators, gates and associated control structures.
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Delivering water safely and efficiently in accordance with customer water orders and operational requirements.
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Monitoring channel levels, flow rates, volumes and system performance.
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Using SCADA, telemetry and other monitoring systems to support day-to-day network operation.
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Interpreting operational data and investigating unusual or unexpected system behaviour.
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Undertaking water-delivery calculations involving flow, volume, time and system capacity.
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Adjusting water-control structures to maintain appropriate flows and levels throughout the network.
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Carrying out routine inspections of channels, pipelines, structures and associated infrastructure.
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Identifying defects, asset deterioration and emerging maintenance requirements.
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Undertaking general maintenance and minor repairs.
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About you
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Strong practical problem-solving skills.
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An ability to think critically and work through operational issues logically.
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Sound mathematics and numeracy skills.
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Confidence working with flow rates, volumes, measurements, levels and basic operational calculations.
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Experience using SCADA, telemetry or similar monitoring and control systems.
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Competence using Microsoft Excel for recording, reviewing and interpreting data.
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The ability to recognise trends, inconsistencies and abnormal readings and investigate likely causes.
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Practical mechanical aptitude and an ability to undertake minor maintenance and repairs.
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Good communication and customer-service skills.
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A current driver's licence.
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About us
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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.
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Stable, locally based employment in Emerald.
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Training and development opportunities.
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A supportive and experienced Operations & Maintenance team.
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A varied role combining water operations, technology and infrastructure maintenance.
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Exposure to SCADA, telemetry and automated water-management systems.
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The opportunity to develop skills across irrigation operations, maintenance, plant and water infrastructure.
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The prospect to contribute directly to the reliability and long-term performance of an important regional irrigation network.

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