Irrigation Manager

Blackbook Executive; Mildura; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackbook Executive Pty is seeking an Irrigation Manager for our Robinvale farm. You will oversee irrigation and fertigation operations across the orchard, ensuring optimal tree health and efficient water use while coordinating maintenance and capital projects.

Reporting to the Farm Manager, the role requires strong data skills, 5+ years in irrigation roles, and experience in horticulture or viticulture settings. On-site work with performance-based opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in an Irrigation 2IC, Irrigation Supervisor or Farm Hand role.
• Experience in orchards, tree nut production or other perennial horticulture/viticulture preferred.
• Tertiary qualifications or strong on-farm experience in horticulture/irrigation management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all irrigation and fertigation activities to maintain soil moisture and tree health.
• Collect, analyse and interpret irrigation monitoring data to optimise scheduling.
• Develop and manage irrigation and fertigation schedules to minimise waste.
• Oversee maintenance of irrigation infrastructure including pumps, pipelines, valves and controllers.
• Maintain records of irrigation activities, fertilizer applications, water and power usage.
• Identify opportunities to improve water efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Irrigation management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Irrigation scheduling

Education

Tertiary qualifications in horticulture/irrigation/agricultural management

Tools

Telemetry systems (MAIT)

Job description

A leading agricultural organisation is seeking an Irrigation Manager to join the team based at their Robinvale farm.

The Company

An industry-leading agricultural organisation is seeking an experienced Irrigation Manager to join the team based in Robinvale. This role will lead the planning, coordination and implementation of irrigation programs, manage irrigation infrastructure and personnel, and use operational data to drive informed decision-making, improve efficiency and support overall orchard performance.

The Role

The Irrigation Manager is responsible for overseeing all irrigation and fertigation operations across the farm, ensuring optimal tree health, efficient water usage and effective nutrient management throughout the orchard’s growth cycle.

Reporting into the Farm Manager, the responsibilities of the role includes:

• Lead and coordinate all irrigation and fertigation activities to maintain optimal soil moisture, tree health and orchard performance.
• Collect, analyse and interpret irrigation monitoring data, including soil moisture, water table levels and telemetry systems (e.g. MAIT), to optimise irrigation scheduling.
• Develop and manage irrigation and fertigation schedules, ensuring efficient water and nutrient application while minimising waste.
• Oversee preventative and reactive maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, pipelines, valves, filters, controllers, storage facilities and drip systems.
• Identify and address irrigation issues, including wet areas, soil compaction and system inefficiencies, in consultation with the Farm Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of irrigation activities, fertiliser applications, water and power usage, and operational data to support reporting and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve water efficiency, reduce operational costs and introduce new irrigation technologies and practices.
• Manage irrigation-related components of the farm’s horticultural budget, including labour, asset maintenance and fertiliser inventory.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback and recognise individual and team achievements.

In order to be successful in this role, you will have:

• Minimum five years’ experience in an Irrigation 2IC, Irrigation Supervisor or Farm Hand role with extensive irrigation experience.
• Experience within orchards, tree nut production or other perennial horticultural or viticultural operations is highly desirable.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or practical on-farm experience in horticulture, irrigation or agricultural management.
• Strong understanding of irrigation and fertigation systems, infrastructure and maintenance requirements.

What’s On Offer:

Join a company that prides themselves on creating a positive and supportive workplace where people can grow and succeed.

• Offering a competitive salary, ongoing professional development and opportunities for career progression.