Irrigation Manager

GO.FARM; Narrandera Shire Council; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company provided housing

Company vehicle

Short-term incentive (STI) up to 10%

5% of salary dedicated learning budget

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

GO.FARM is seeking an experienced Irrigation Manager for the Dellapool olive grove in NSW. You will plan daily, weekly and seasonal irrigation and fertigation programs, lead the irrigation team, and ensure reliable infrastructure.

You’ll use soil moisture data, weather and crop observations to optimise water use and tree health, while maintaining records and aligning with production plans. Salary is base 90,000–110,000 AUD per year with up to 10% STI, company housing and a company vehicle.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial horticulture or permanent crops
• Experience with olives/high-density orchards preferred
• Experience using irrigation software and telemetry systems

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver daily, weekly and seasonal irrigation programs across the Dellapool grove.
• Use soil moisture, weather data and crop observations to optimise scheduling and water-use efficiency.
• Coordinate fertigation programs in line with production plans.
• Monitor water use against seasonal plans and crop requirements.
• Oversee pumps, filters, valves, pipelines and irrigation control systems.
• Lead maintenance to minimise downtime and ensure consistent performance.
• Lead and coordinate the irrigation team and contractors.
• Maintain accurate irrigation and water-use records.
• Align irrigation activities with grove operations and production objectives.

Skills

Irrigation management

Team leadership

Planning and scheduling

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Tools

Irrigation software

Automated control systems

Telemetry

Job description

GO.FARM is an Australian-owned, high-conviction agricultural investor, developer and manager with a clear purpose: to transform Australian agriculture.

We identify underutilised and undercapitalised agricultural assets and reimagine them through land use change, investment in people, and adoption of climate-smart technologies. Our investment decisions and operations are underpinned by our Responsible Agriculture Framework, which guides our stewardship of natural capital, people and communities.

About the role:

Dellapool is a high-density olive grove currently in development and looking for an Irrigation Manager to join the team.

Reporting to the Grove Manager, you’ll be responsible for the planning, delivery and performance of irrigation and fertigation across the grove. You’ll lead the day-to-day irrigation function, maintain reliable irrigation infrastructure, use data and technology to inform decisions, and help build a capable and accountable irrigation team.

In this role, you will:

• Plan and deliver daily, weekly and seasonal irrigation programs across the Dellapool olive grove.
• Use soil moisture, weather, crop observations and available data to optimise irrigation scheduling, tree health and water-use efficiency.
• Coordinate and deliver fertigation programs in line with crop and production plans.
• Monitor water use against seasonal plans, allocations and crop requirements.
• Oversee the performance and reliability of pumps, filters, valves, pipelines, emitters and irrigation control systems.
• Lead preventative maintenance, system checks and repairs to minimise downtime and maintain consistent irrigation performance.
• Identify irrigation faults, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead and coordinate the irrigation team, setting clear priorities and building capability.
• Coordinate contractors and external service providers where required.
• Maintain accurate irrigation, fertigation and water-use records.
• Work closely with the Grove Manager, farm team and technical advisers to align irrigation activities with grove operations and production objectives.
• Champion safe work practices and ensure irrigation activities are completed in line with GO.FARM policies and relevant compliance requirements.
• Other duties as required

About you

You’re practical, solutions-focused and comfortable combining hands-on irrigation knowledge with planning, data and team leadership.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• Demonstrated irrigation management experience within commercial horticulture, permanent crops or a similar agricultural environment.
• Experience in olives, high-density orchards or other permanent tree crops will be highly regarded.
• Experience using irrigation software, automated control systems, telemetry or similar technology.
• Previous experience leading employees, contractors or work crews will be highly regarded.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Chemical handling accreditation, or willingness to obtain.

Why work for GO.FARM:

We’re serious about building long-term careers in agriculture. You’ll benefit from:

• Real investment in your development, including 5% of your annual salary dedicated to learning
• Flexibility through enhanced leave options, salary sacrifice opportunities, and competitive incentives
• Access to growth programs focused on building long-term careers in agriculture
• Wellbeing programs that support your financial, physical, and mental health

In addition, this role is offering

• Base salary between $90,000 - $110,000 per annum
• Short Term Incentive (STI) of up to 10% of your salary
• Company provided house
• Company vehicle for business use