Irrigation Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Irrigation Technician

Permanent, full-time employment

Position Summary

We require an experienced Irrigation Technician to install, operate, inspect, maintain, service and repair irrigation systems used across the company’s horticultural operations.

The Irrigation Technician will ensure that irrigation equipment operates safely, efficiently and in accordance with crop requirements, system specifications, water-use requirements and the company’s operational programme. The employee will diagnose system faults, undertake technical repairs, monitor irrigation performance and maintain accurate service and water-use records.

This is a technical irrigation position. The employee will be expected to work independently at different work locations and respond promptly to irrigation faults, leaks, pressure problems and equipment failures.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Irrigation Technician will be responsible for

• Installing and setting up irrigation systems according to approved plans, manufacturer specifications and operational requirements.
• Installing, connecting and maintaining irrigation pipes, pumps, filters, valves, sprinklers, drippers, emitters, control units, pressure regulators, water meters and related equipment.
• Reading irrigation plans, technical specifications and site layouts to determine the correct placement of irrigation components.
• Inspecting irrigation systems regularly to identify leaks, blockages, pressure variations, damaged components and other performance issues.
• Testing irrigation systems, water pressure, flow rates, distribution patterns and equipment performance using appropriate testing instruments.
• Diagnosing electrical, mechanical and hydraulic faults affecting pumps, controllers, valves, filters and irrigation lines.
• Repairing or replacing defective pipes, fittings, valves, emitters, sprinklers, pumps, control units and other irrigation components.
• Carrying out preventive maintenance and servicing in accordance with maintenance schedules and manufacturer recommendations.
• Programming, operating and adjusting automated irrigation controllers, timers and monitoring equipment.
• Monitoring soil moisture, weather conditions, crop development and water requirements to support efficient irrigation scheduling.
• Adjusting irrigation timing, duration, flow and pressure in consultation with the Orchard Manager or other authorised management personnel.
• Checking filtration and fertigation equipment and ensuring that filters, injectors and associated components remain clean and operational.
• Flushing irrigation lines and cleaning filters, nozzles, emitters and other components to prevent blockages and uneven water distribution.
• Identifying areas of overwatering, underwatering or uneven irrigation and implementing appropriate technical corrections.
• Conducting start-up and shutdown procedures for pumps, irrigation lines and control systems.
• Responding promptly to urgent irrigation breakdowns and taking corrective action to minimise crop damage and disruption.
• Maintaining records of inspections, servicing, repairs, water usage, faults, replacement parts and system adjustments.
• Maintaining an adequate supply of irrigation fittings, tools, spare parts and repair materials and advising management when additional items are required.
• Liaising with managers, contractors, suppliers and other workers regarding irrigation installation, maintenance and repair requirements.
• Ensuring irrigation trenches, pipes, fittings and equipment are installed safely and reinstating work areas after installation or repair.
• Using hand tools, power tools, testing instruments and irrigation equipment safely and correctly.
• Keeping tools, machinery, equipment and work vehicles clean, secure and in serviceable condition.
• Following Sahib Limited’s health and safety policies, hazard-management procedures and emergency requirements.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment and immediately reporting hazards, incidents, equipment damage and unsafe working conditions.
• Undertaking other irrigation-related technical duties reasonably associated with the position.
• Minimum Skills and Experience

Applicants must have either

• A qualification at Level 4 or higher, or
• * At least two years of experience
• Pay rate - $28 - $35 per hour
• Weekly working hours 30-40
• Pay: $28.00 – $35.00 per hour
• Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week
• Work Location: In person