Irrigation Manager

Blackbook Recruitment; Mildura; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Blackbook Recruitment is seeking an experienced Irrigation Manager for a Robinvale farm. You will oversee all irrigation and fertigation operations, ensuring optimal tree health and efficient water use across the orchard.

You will analyse telemetry data, develop schedules, manage infrastructure maintenance, and monitor budgets. The role requires strong leadership and a proactive approach to improve efficiency and performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in an irrigation leadership or supervisor role.
• Experience in orchards or perennial horticulture is highly desirable.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or practical on‑farm experience in horticulture or irrigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead irrigation and fertigation activities to maintain soil moisture, tree health and orchard performance.
• Analyse irrigation data (soil moisture, water table, telemetry) to optimise scheduling.
• Develop irrigation and fertigation schedules to maximise water and nutrient efficiency.
• Oversee maintenance of pumps, pipelines, valves, filters, controllers, storage and drip systems.
• Keep accurate records of irrigation activities, fertiliser use, water and power consumption.
• Identify opportunities to improve water efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Irrigation management

Data analysis

Budget management

Team leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in horticulture/irrigation/agricultural management

5+ years irrigation leadership experience

Tools

MAIT telemetry

Pumps and drip irrigation systems

Fertigation systems

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.