Irrigation Technician

This is a well-established, large-scale irrigated horticulture enterprise based at Parilla in the SA Mallee, with additional operations across Robe, Mount Gambier and Virginia. The business runs a continuous year-round production program across potatoes, carrots and onions — supplying major Australian retailers and food manufacturers — across around 15,000 hectares of cropping land. The operation runs an impressive fleet of modern machinery including John Deere and Fendt tractors, self-propelled Dewulf, Grimme, Spudnik and Asa-Lift harvesters, centre pivot irrigation systems with FieldNet monitoring, and variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology. GPS and precision ag tools are embedded across the business. This is a serious, well-resourced operation that invests in its people, its infrastructure and its technology. The team is multicultural and community-oriented, with a genuine mix of long-term families and younger workers from across Australia and around the world.

A full-time Irrigation Technician position reporting to the Farm Manager. This is a hands-on technical role with real scope — you'll be responsible for operating and maintaining the irrigation systems and programs that keep the entire crop production enterprise running. Key duties include: 🔸 Operating and maintaining large-scale centre pivot and irrigation systems across the full cropping program 🔸 Implementing irrigation schedules and programs in line with Farm Manager direction 🔸 Installing, programming and managing variable rate irrigation (VRI) systems to match crop application rates 🔸 Identifying, scheduling and supervising routine and preventative maintenance to minimise downtime 🔸 Diagnosing faults and performing operational maintenance on irrigation pumps and equipment 🔸 Supervising the installation of drainage and water harvesting systems 🔸 Maintaining fertiliser application and calibrating pumps to recommended rates 🔸 Maintaining accurate records on water, fertiliser and chemical applications 🔸 Interpreting schematics and electrical configurations on centre pivots 🔸 Monitoring field operations and identifying problems with water, fertiliser or chemical application 🔸 Procuring parts and equipment in line with company procedures 🔸 Working in line with WHS, food safety and Freshcare quality standards at all times This role suits a technically capable operator who is methodical, proactive about maintenance, and understands that getting irrigation right is the foundation of crop performance.

• Certificate II in Irrigation Management or a relevant field — OR equivalent hands-on experience • Minimum 2 years relevant work experience in irrigation operations or farm management • Experience with centre pivot systems and large-scale agricultural irrigation — essential • Experience irrigating potato, carrot or onion crops — desirable • Basic mechanical knowledge and experience with large-scale agricultural machinery • Ability to interpret schematics and electrical configurations • Unrestricted Class C Driver's Licence — essential • Chemical User Certificate Accreditation — essential • Strong record-keeping habits and attention to detail • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including during peak and high-demand periods • Team-first attitude with respect for a diverse, multicultural workplace

Parilla sits in the heart of the SA Mallee — flat, open country with a genuine rural feel and a strong farming community around it. Lameroo and Pinnaroo are both within easy reach for day-to-day services including groceries, schools, a hospital, cafes and sporting clubs. For bigger shopping you're around 1.5 hours from a larger regional centre. The business has a genuinely diverse workforce with communities from India, Pakistan, South Africa, Indonesia, Latin America and Europe all represented on site. The company runs mid-year and Christmas events for employees and their families — it's a place where people tend to stay. Accommodation options are available in the surrounding area and are discussed in detail with shortlisted candidates, with options for singles, couples and families.