Irrigation Specialist

About the business

Established in 2003, Queensland Berries is Australia's largest privately owned and operated commercial strawberry, raspberry and blackberry enterprise. We supply berries through Driscolls Australia all year round. Our berries can be found in Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and Costco.

We are currently seeking an Irrigation Manager to perform duties at our Caboolture site. The property is located in the Moreton Bay region, approximately 50kms north of Brisbane. 

Reporting to the Production Manager, the role will provide the supervision of all ongoing irrigation activities. The role would suit a candidate with an understanding of berry irrigation systems and seasons.

About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available for an Irrigation Specialist. This role combines the operation and maintenance of irrigation and fertigation systems, including irrigation control systems and with regular monitoring of plant water use and plant health. This position is a hands-on, outdoor role with the primary aim of achieving great production results! 

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the use of water resources to maintain healthy soil and crops.
• Operation of irrigation computer control systems and scheduling to meet targets.
• Work closely with the farm manager and farm staff to implement these schedules.
• Ensure irrigation/ fertigation systems operation, programming, and maintenance.
• Monitor plant water use and health.
• Operation of fertiliser mixing equipment and dosing equipment ready for application.
• Irrigation installation for new plantings. Monitor and repair irrigation lines and equipment.
• Some supervision of casual team members may be required.
• Provide general farm assistance where required.
• Ensure compliance related to workplace health and safety.
• Prepare & provide water budgets & reports to Farm Management. 
• Assist with operation and maintenance of farm machinery, plant and equipment if required.
• Ensure compliance related to workplace health and safety.

To Be Successful in this Role

We are looking for staff who are energetic and possess a positive attitude. On top of being able to physically manage the role, we are looking for the following candidates:

• Candidates who are vocational or tertiary qualified will be highly regarded.
• Have a genuine passion for the Horticultural Industry.
• Experience supervising a small team.
• Be able to participate as a member of the team and to contribute to the overall achievement of the company’s objectives.
• In depth knowledge of Irrigation control, maintenance and construction preferred, however we are open to training up the right candidate with similar suitable experience or relevant qualifications.
• Hold a current driver licence, and have reliable transport to/from site.
• Well organised and be able to prioritise your work, self-motivated, hardworking, team oriented and be self-directed.
• Physically fit, with a good level of general fitness to meet the physically demanding requirements of the role.
• Ability to have flexibility in working hours, weather conditions and cropping cycles. Some weekend work will be required at times.

Candidates will receive a competitive pay and paid under the Horticultural Award MA000028. Each fortnight you will receive a pay slip, via email showing you a description of your earnings, including your superannuation entitlements.

How to Apply

We are looking for someone to join our team who is looking for a long-term career in horticulture. If this is you, please submit your application through seek or email a resume to [email protected]