IRRIGATION ASSISTANT

Operate and maintain irrigation systems and programs to ensure effective and efficient water delivery to all crop areas and maximise the value of the crop production

Must have full Australian Working Rights. Will take over Visa for experienced candidates

Key Accountabilities

- Provide support to the Farm Manager (Irrigation) in relation to determining hydraulic parameters for irrigation systems, implementing irrigation-related programs and schedules, identifying, and managing pumping systems, interpreting, and applying irrigation designs, supporting irrigation system installation and maintenance.
- Supervise the installation of drainage and water harvesting systems.
- Identify, schedule, and supervise routine and preventative maintenance of irrigation systems to minimise breakdowns.
- Develop and implement irrigation equipment upgrades, modifications, and new installs to reduce risk, improve capability, quality, and reliability, while lowering operational costs.
- Install and program variable rate irrigation (VRI) systems to match application rates.
- Maintain irrigation rates and schedules according to recommendations.
- Maintain fertiliser application and calibrate pumps according to recommended applications.
- Maintain accurate records on water, fertiliser, and chemical applications and provide to management as requested.
- Interpret schematics and electrical configurations on centre pivots.
- Diagnose faults and perform operational maintenance on irrigation pumps and equipment as required.
- Monitor field operations to identify problems with water, fertiliser, or chemical application.
- Procure parts and equipment as required and in accordance with company process and procedure.




- All other requirements as directed to achieve business objectives.

Work Health & Safety Responsibilities

- Observe and comply with all health and safety policies and procedures.
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure personal safety and that of others.
- Report and identify hazards, incidents including near misses or injuries which arise in the course of work.
- No injury or incidents which negatively impact safety or the environment.

Quality Assurance Responsibilities

- Observe and comply with all quality and food safety policies and procedures.
- Understand the site’s commitment, and ongoing compliance, to the Freshcare Food Safety and Quality Standard.
- Demonstrate compliance with the site’s food safety, access, and movement requirements.
- Take all reasonable steps to ensure quality assurance policies and procedures are always adhered to.
- Report and identify concerns related to quality standards which arise in the course of work.

Deliverables

- No unplanned irrigation equipment breakdowns and equipment does not cause damage to produce.
- All machines and equipment are performing at, or above, capacity.
- Planned and unplanned irrigation downtime is minimised.
- Irrigation machinery is maintained in good working order and maintenance concerns are communicated to the workshop in a timely manner.




- Operations schedule is maintained in accordance with company policies, procedures, and business needs.
- Crop yields are optimised, weeds and pests are reduced through effective irrigation and spray techniques.

Special Conditions

- Responsiveness to a 24/7 operational environment.
- Responsiveness to seasonal variations and unexpected developments which result in increased workloads for limited periods.
- Flexible work hours considering crop and weather conditions/risks.

Required Experience / Qualifications

- Certificate II level qualification in irrigation management or relevant field OR equivalent relevant work experience.
- Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience.
- Experience in irrigation operations / farm management.
- Experience in the irrigation of potato, carrot, and onion crops (desirable).
- Basic mechanical knowledge and experience working with large scale agricultural machinery.
- Unrestricted Class C Drivers Licence (essential).
- Chemical User Certificate Accreditation (essential).
- Cultural adaptability and a willingness to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Ability and willingness to undertake manual, and sometimes physical work.
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions.
- A willingness to be hands on and participate in a broad range of duties, a strong work ethic is essential.
- Respect for others and pride in team’s performance.
- Commitment to ongoing learning.
- Commitment to delivering team goals and the drive to be successful.

Pay: $70,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Housing provided

Work Location: In person

📌 Irrigation Technician (South Australia)
🏢 Quokkaroo
📍 South Australia