Irrigation Manager

Overview 

Bottle Tree Citrus is a large-scale citrus orchard located in Emerald, Central Queensland, which is focused on the production of premium mandarins, primarily for export markets. The orchard will undergo a substantial development program to provide best in class crop protection, irrigation systems and operational management systems. The development program and the high levels of agronomic management are expected to develop Bottle Tree Citrus into one of Australia’s most productive and profitable citrus orchards. 

Role Description 

• The Irrigation Manager has primary responsibility in assisting programmed 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 and on time. 
• Monitoring and managing the irrigation channel to ensure that adequate water is available for all farm activities. 
• Monitoring and maintaining the irrigation and fertigation system as well as the infrastructure to ensure it operates to design specifications. 
• Managing the orchard irrigation and fertigation systems to enable sustainable production uniformity across the orchard by minimising the impacts of irrigation variations between soil types.  
• The Irrigation Manager reports directly to (and takes direction from) the Farm Manager whilst working closely with the Assistant Farm Manager, Business Manager, and Farm Hands to maximise orchard productivity. 
• Attention to detail, effective problem solving, good interpersonal skills, excellent time management and intellectual curiosity are key ingredients. The role is critical in delivering the level of production and performance from the orchard. 

Activities, Duties & Responsibilities 

Irrigation and Fertigation 

Orchard Health 

• Liaise (daily) with the Farm 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. 
• Identify and prepare a costed plan in a timely manner to address any irrigation or fertigation related issues which may be detrimental to the reliable, efficient and accurate working of the orchard irrigation and fertigation systems. 
• Assist the Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager and Business 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) etc. 
• Attend orchard operational, employee and WH&S meetings to report on irrigation, nutrition and disease related issues.  

Water Usage 

• Regularly record water usage in the orchard and from the water source (Bore and river). 
• 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 & 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. 
• Participate in rostered checking of irrigation systems, infrastructure, and dams on weekends, and other ‘out of normal’ hours work as required by the Farm Manager. 

Staff Leadership & Training 

Daily Activities 

• Participate in planning the allocation and sharing of labour, plant and equipment and other resources. 
• As directed, oversee staff and contractors to ensure the company’s safety policies and quality assurance programmes are carried out. 
• Supervise and train all staff working in orchard irrigation and fertigation to ensure all jobs are carried out correctly, accurately, on-time and within WH&S, food safety quality assurance parameters and that environmental programs are adhered to. 

Mentoring Responsibility 

• Ensure staff are adequately trained to provide backup for critical responsibilities of this role. 

New Employees 

• Induct all new employees under your control before they begin working onsite (this includes all WH&S aspects and completion of the ‘new employee’ pack).  

Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) Responsibilities 

• Be responsible for site security and access, including unlocking/locking of gates, sheds etc when directed by the Farm 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. 
• Ensure that all visitors to the site are inducted and have signed in, according to Company’s policy and procedures. 

Administration  

Orchard Administration 

• Maintain appropriate and accurate records of the irrigation system and fertigation records and ensure there is quick access to information by other staff when required. 
• Ensure all fertiliser applied is recorded and allocated accurately to each orchard on the appropriate form. 
• Use farm specific apps, such as Safe Ag Systems, as specified by the Farm Manager to complete tasks such as checklists, training records, inductions, procedures and policies. 
• Comply with internal controls and ensure regular administration activities are completed accurately and on time. 
• Maintain any other records as required by the Orchard Manager and other senior management.  
• Respond promptly to all queries regarding Orchard administration and paperwork at the orchard. 

Timesheets / Contractor Work Orders 

• Ensure irrigation and fertigation employees timesheets are correctly completed, with hours of work, and allocated to correct account codes. 
• Liaise with external contractors and consultants regarding irrigation monitoring and management work orders.  

Purchase Orders 

• When directed, issue purchase orders at the time of purchase or a quote is made or accepted. 
• Ensure purchase orders are fully completed (items, projects, activities and estimated price clearly identified), authorised by the Orchard Manager, scanned and sent immediately to Finance and Administration.  

Other Duties 

• Ensure any vehicles, tractors, plant and machinery used are checked before operation and cleaned after use. 
• Maintain your workspace in a tidy and clean work environment in all irrigation offices, sheds and control rooms. 
• Any other duties as directed by the other Irrigation Manager or other senior management as required from time to time. 

EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATIONS 

Education & Training 

• Qualifications in horticulture are desirable 
• Current Drivers licence 
• Forklift licence 
• Current First Aid Certificate 
• Current Chemical Users Certificate 

General Skills & 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 in leading a team to achieve results within set time frames and in demanding circumstances such as during very hot weather and the harvest season. 
• 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. 
• Computer literacy with working knowledge of Microsoft Office. 
• 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. 

Person Profile 

• Takes direction willingly and positively from management. 
• Analytical approach to duties. 
• Ability and willingness to learn and adopt new work methods and practices in the workplace. 
• Attention to detail. 
• Hands-on management style. 
• Excellent communication and leadership skills. 
• The organisational ability to prioritise a varied work program and complete it within agreed deadlines. 
• Always presents a professional image. 

Benefits

This position's salary is $100,000 - $120,000 plus superannuation depending upon experience and qualifications. Utility vehicle, mobile phone, laptop computer and housing will be provided to the right candidate

If you think you possess the skills and experience that we are looking for, please submit a copy of your resume and supporting cover letter by Friday 28 June 2024.