Irrigation Manager

Vitonga Farms; Moree; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vitonga Farms near Moree is seeking a Citrus Irrigation Manager to oversee irrigation, fertigation, water management, and orchard performance within our growing citrus operation.

Reporting to the General Manager and Citrus Manager, you will lead maintenance, schedule irrigation, monitor plant health, and drive continuous improvement across the citrus enterprise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture or equivalent experience.
• Strong operational farming knowledge in horticulture.
• Experience with irrigation and fertigation systems is preferred.
• Good mechanical aptitude and hands-on agricultural experience.

Responsibilities

• Work with Citrus Manager to implement orchard management strategies focused on fruit quality and production outcomes.
• Develop and manage irrigation schedules and water budgets based on soil, climate data, and crop needs.
• Monitor irrigation system performance, plant health and water usage efficiency.
• Identify maintenance requirements and propose improvements to irrigation infrastructure.
• Support preventative, scheduled and emergency maintenance activities.
• Assist with fertigation programs to maximise tree health and productivity.
• Provide guidance to farm staff on irrigation operation and maintenance.
• Promote workplace safety through leadership, training and compliance.

Skills

Irrigation management

Horticulture operations

Budgeting & planning

Team leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Moree Full Time | $95,000 – $100,000 per year

Citrus Irrigation Manager, Vitonga Farms

About the Opportunity

Vitonga Farms is seeking a motivated and capable Citrus Irrigation Manager to join our growing agricultural business based near Moree. This role offers the opportunity to work within a progressive and diversified farming operation focused on innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.

Reporting to the General Manager and Citrus Manager, you will play a key role in supporting citrus production operations across irrigation, fertigation, water management, orchard performance, and continuous improvement projects. This position is suited to someone who enjoys practical problem solving, leadership, teamwork, and contributing to a high-performing agricultural business.

At Vitonga Farms, we value people who are willing to learn, take initiative, and contribute positively to our culture. We are committed to investing in our people and supporting long-term career development within the agricultural industry.

About You

You are a practical and motivated professional with strong operational farming experience and a genuine interest in horticulture and irrigation management. You are organised, adaptable, safety-focused, and enjoy working collaboratively within a team environment.

You will ideally bring experience in:

• Citrus production and horticultural operations
• Irrigation and fertigation systems
• Tractor and machinery operation
• Harvesting, pruning and orchard maintenance
• Water management and scheduling
• Workshop and maintenance skills
• Budgeting and planning processes
• Microsoft Office and general computer literacy

You will also demonstrate:

• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Commitment to workplace health and safety
• Ability to lead by example and support team development
• A positive attitude and willingness to continuously improve

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Citrus Manager to implement best practice orchard management strategies focused on fruit quality and production outcomes
• Develop and manage irrigation schedules and water budgets based on soil conditions, climate data and crop requirements
• Monitor irrigation system performance, plant health and water usage efficiency
• Identify maintenance requirements and recommend improvements to irrigation infrastructure and systems
• Support preventative, scheduled and emergency maintenance activities
• Assist with nutrition and fertigation programs to maximise tree health and productivity
• Provide guidance and support to farm staff regarding irrigation operation and maintenance
• Promote and maintain a strong workplace safety culture through leadership, training and compliance

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture or equivalent qualification preferred, or a minimum of 5 years' relevant industry experience.
• Experience within horticulture or citrus operations highly regarded
• Strong practical and operational farming knowledge
• Good mechanical aptitude and experience working hands‑on in agricultural environments
• Sound computer and administrative skills
• Australian work authorisation required for this position.

About Vitonga Farms

Vitonga Farms is a diversified agricultural business located near Moree. Over the past 15 years, the business has progressively transitioned from irrigated cotton production toward large-scale drip irrigated citrus farming to improve water efficiency and long-term sustainability.

By the end of the year, our operations will be standing at 480,000 citrus trees alongside irrigated cotton and grain production. Our citrus is harvested across nine months of the year and supplied to our vertically integrated juice business, Grove Juice, which services major Australian supermarkets and export markets throughout South-East Asia.

We are proud to maintain a strong reputation within the agricultural industry through innovation, sustainability, community involvement, and long-term investment in our people and operations.

Career Development & Training

Vitonga Farms is committed to supporting the ongoing development of our employees. We provide opportunities for industry training, professional development, and relevant certifications to help our team build long-term careers within agriculture.

Our business values loyalty, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with many team members choosing to build lasting careers with us over many years.

Lifestyle & Location

Located just outside Moree, Vitonga Farms offers employees the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of regional living while working within a progressive agricultural business.

Moree is renowned for its welcoming community, quality schools, sporting facilities, and relaxed lifestyle. The region provides an excellent balance between career opportunities and family-friendly living, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking both personal and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vitonga Farms is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value respect, professionalism, and fairness and are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all employees.