Irrigation 2IC

Nericon Citrus is a significant large scale orchard focused on the production of premium table citrus for premium markets. High levels of agronomic management and irrigation management are required to develop Nericon Citrus into one of Australia's most productibe citrus orchards.

The Irrigation 2IC has reponsibility for supporting the Irrigation Manager in programming annual orchard activities and implementing orchard development activities in relation to irrigation. This will include:

• The implementation and scheduling of orchard irrigation and fertigation programs accurately an on time;
• Monitoring and maintaining the irrigation and fertigation system as well as the infrastructure to ensure it operates to design specifications; and
• Assist managing the orchard irrigation and fertigation systems to enable sustainable production uniformity across the orchard by minimising the imacts of irrigation variations between soil types.

The Irrigation 2IC reports directly to (and takes direction from) the Irrigation Manager whilst working closely with the Farm Manager and Farm hands to maximise orchard productivity.

Attention to detail, effective problem solving, good interpersonal skills and excellent time management anre key ingredients for the right candidate. The role is critical in delivering the level of production and peformance of the orchard.

ACTIVITIES, DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Orchard Health

• Liaise with the Irrigation Manager to plan, discuss, co-ordinate and implement irrigation and fertigation programs to maintain and maximise orchard health;
• Monitor irrigation management systems to ensure the irrigation system is running efficiently and to design specifications to maximise tree performance;
• Assist the Irrigation Manager and Farm Manager by continually observing and monitoring tree growth, soil moisture status, tree nutrition and health (e.g. leaf nutrient deficiencies or diseases) and soil health (i.e. soil pH and salinity); and
• Attend orchard operational, employee and WH&S meetings to assist reporting on irrigation, nutrition and disease related issues.

Water Usage

• Regularly record water usage in the orchard and from the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) channel water source; and
• Pressure test the system, flush the system and inject chemicals as required to ensure the irrigation system is kept free of foreign material and organisms.

Infrastructure and Maintenance

• Ensure the correct training and operation of all irrigation infrastructure;
• Manage routine maintenance and servicing of soil moisture monitoring equipment, irrigation infrastructure, pumps, motors, and electronics and the irrigation and fertigation systems and keep accurate maintenance records; and
• Participate in rostered checking of irrigation systems, infrastructure, and dams on weekends, and other `out of normal' hours work as required by the Irrigation Manager.

Welfare Health & Safety (WH&S) Responsibilities

• Be responsible for site security and access, including unlocking/locking of gates, sheds etc. when directed by the Irrigation Manager;
• Compile, and maintain in an orderly manner WH&S compliance and administration records relating to irrigation and fertigation management;
• Assist the other irrigation team member to ensure all orchard policies and procedures, WH&S, staff training, quality assurance and environmental programs are adhered to and performed to industry "best practice" maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for staff, contractors and other professionals and visitors;
• Report any breaches or problems promptly to the Orchard Manager or the Safety Officer; and
• Ensure that all visitors to the site are inducted and have signed in, according to Company's policy and procedures.

EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATIONS

General Skills and Experience

• Experience working at a management level within a successful horticultural enterprise, particularly the irrigation and fertigation operations associated with large-scale horticulture tree crop operations;
• Experience and knowledge of irrigation control systems and equipment;
• Experience with cycle irrigations using evapo-transpiration and crop factor records;
• An understanding of basic machinery maintenance;
• Experience in working with and managing, demanding seasonal conditions;
• Able to work cooperatively with minimal supervision;
• Ability to understand the growth habits of Citrus trees and be in tune with seasonal conditions and able to respond in a timely manner to climatic variations.

Education & Training

• Qualifications in horticulture are desirable;
• Current Drivers licences; and
• Current Chemical User's Certificate.

Person Profile

• Takes direction willingly and positively from management;
• Ability and willingness to learn and adopt new work methods and practices in the work place;
• Attention to detail;
• Hands-on management style; and
• Excellent communication skills.