Irrigation Technician

Zerella Fresh is one of Australia's largest growers and packers of Carrots, Onions and Potatoes supplying Australia's leading supermarket chains plus independents and exports.

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated Irrigation Technician to join our team on a full-time permanent basis at our Parilla site located in the Mallee region of South Australia.

Reporting to the Irrigation Manager, this person will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems and programs to ensure effective and efficient water delivery to all crop areas and maximise the value of the crop production.

A remuneration package between $75,000 – $115,000 will be available to the successful candidate, based on experience and qualifications.

Zerella Fresh is an approved employment sponsor, we are willing to consider suitably qualified candidates for this role who require visa sponsorship.

Duties include:

• Provide support to the Farm Manager in relation to determining hydraulic parameters for irrigation systems, implementing irrigation-related programs and schedules, identifying, and managing pumping systems, interpreting, and applying irrigation designs, supporting irrigation system installation and maintenance.
• Supervise the installation of drainage and water harvesting systems.
• Identify, schedule, and supervise routine and preventative maintenance of irrigation systems to minimise breakdowns.
• Develop and implement irrigation equipment upgrades, modifications, and new installs to reduce risk, improve capability, quality, and reliability, while lowering operational costs.
• Install and program variable rate irrigation (VRI) systems to match application rates.
• Maintain irrigation rates and schedules according to recommendations.
• Maintain fertiliser application and calibrate pumps according to recommended applications.
• Maintain accurate records on water, fertiliser, and chemical applications and provide to management as requested.
• Interpret schematics and electrical configurations on centre pivots.
• Diagnose faults and perform operational maintenance on irrigation pumps and equipment as required.
• Assist with the planting, cultivation and harvesting of crops.
• Operate various equipment used in agricultural production.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and cleaning.
• All other requirements as directed to achieve business objectives.

Requirements:

• Certificate II level qualification in irrigation management or relevant field OR equivalent relevant work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience.
• Experience in irrigation operations / farm management.
• Experience in the irrigation of potato, carrot, and onion crops (desirable).
• Basic mechanical knowledge and experience working with large scale agricultural machinery.
• Unrestricted Class C Drivers Licence (essential).
• Chemical User Certificate Accreditation (desirable).
• Cultural adaptability and a willingness to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to undertake manual, and sometimes physical work.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions.
• A willingness to be hands on and participate in a broad range of duties, a strong work ethic is essential.
• Respect for others and pride in team's performance.
• Commitment to ongoing learning.
• Commitment to delivering team goals and the drive to be successful.

Flexible work hours are required for this role, in line with seasonal production requirements.

Please visit for more information about the company.

To express your interest in this position, please apply by attaching a current resume.