Irrigation Operator

Job Description

Irrigation Operator Soft Fruit Production

Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application.

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.

The business is committed to producing high-quality fruit through modern growing methods and careful crop management, and is now seeking an Irrigation Operator to support the effective irrigation and fertigation of its crops throughout the growing 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 years 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.

How to Apply:

Please click on the Apply Now button. As we are a specialist recruitment business within the Agricultural and Farming industry, all applicants must hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role.

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. xwzovoh

About Us

Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide expert recruitment, headhunting, and job advertising services across agriculture, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education sectors across the UK and internationally.