Irrigation Operative

Agricultural And Farming Jobs Limited; Hereford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension and holiday pay

Accommodation may be available

Long-term career opportunity

Overtime during growing season

Job summary

Farming Jobs Limited seeks an Irrigation Operator for a busy Herefordshire soft fruit operation. You will manage irrigation and fertigation for raspberries and blueberries, monitor water quality and maintain equipment.

This full-time role offers a salary of £28,000–£33,000 depending on experience, with overtime during the growing season March–October. Accommodation may be available; a full clean UK driving licence is required.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one year's irrigation experience within fruit or arable farming.
• Understanding of irrigation systems and fertigation principles.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good organisation and planning skills.
• Effective communication skills, including with non-English-speaking workers.
• Ability to work independently and manage daily priorities.
• Full clean UK driving licence.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and overtime during the growing season from March to October.

Responsibilities

• Carry out timely and accurate irrigation of raspberry and blueberry crops.
• Conduct regular water testing.
• Monitor fertigation programmes and assess effectiveness.
• Install, maintain and operate irrigation equipment.
• Identify and report irrigation or equipment issues promptly.
• Support the Irrigation Manager with daily crop irrigation requirements.
• Maintain accurate records relating to irrigation and water testing.
• Ensure high standards of health and safety are maintained.
• Work independently while communicating effectively with colleagues and seasonal workers.

Skills

Irrigation experience

Irrigation systems

Fertigation principles

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Organisation & planning

Communication skills

Independent working

Full UK driving licence

Willingness to learn

Flexible hours

Tools

Irrigation equipment

Water testing equipment

Job description

Irrigation Operator - Soft Fruit Production

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.

Do you have practical irrigation experience within fruit or arable farming?

Are you an organised and detail-focused individual looking for a hands-on role within a progressive soft fruit business?

Could this be the opportunity you've been waiting for… a varied and rewarding position where you can take responsibility for the irrigation and fertigation of high-value raspberry and blueberry crops?

Location of the Job:

Herefordshire - Accommodation may be available - to be discussed

Salary & Benefits Package:

• £28,000 - £33,000 dependent upon experience
• Overtime opportunities available during the growing season
• Pension and holiday pay
• Accommodation may be available subject to agreement
• Long-term career opportunity within a progressive soft fruit business
• Varied role combining irrigation, fertigation monitoring and equipment maintenance
• Full-time permanent position

About the Company:

Our client is a family-run soft fruit production business based in Herefordshire. The business specialises in growing multiple varieties of raspberries and blueberries in polytunnels across 25 hectares, producing over 400 tonnes of fruit each season.

Irrigation Operator - The Job Role Details:

This is a hands-on role reporting directly to the Irrigation Manager. You will be responsible for ensuring raspberry and blueberry crops receive timely and accurate irrigation, while monitoring fertigation programmes, carrying out water testing and maintaining irrigation equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out timely and accurate irrigation of raspberry and blueberry crops
• Conduct regular water testing
• Monitor fertigation programmes and assess their effectiveness
• Install, maintain and operate irrigation equipment
• Identify and report irrigation or equipment issues promptly
• Support the Irrigation Manager with daily crop irrigation requirements
• Maintain accurate records relating to irrigation and water testing
• Ensure high standards of health and safety are maintained
• Work independently while communicating effectively with colleagues and seasonal workers

Essential Candidate Skills & Experience:

• A minimum of one year's previous irrigation experience within fruit or arable farming
• Understanding of irrigation systems and fertigation principles
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Strong attention to detail
• Good organisation and planning skills
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to communicate with colleagues and non-English-speaking workers
• Ability to work independently and manage daily priorities
• Full clean UK driving licence
• Willingness to learn and develop within the role
• Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and overtime during the growing season from March to October

Desirable:

• Previous experience within commercial soft fruit production
• Experience working with raspberries and/or blueberries
• Knowledge of polytunnel crop production
• Experience with irrigation equipment installation and maintenance
• Previous fertigation monitoring experience

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday with flexibility required during the growing season, including weekend work and overtime from March to October.

Keywords:

Irrigation Operator, Irrigation Technician, Soft Fruit, Raspberries, Blueberries, Fertigation, Fruit Farm, Horticulture, Polytunnels, Farm Operative, Agricultural Operative, Water Testing, Irrigation Systems, Herefordshire.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.