About the role
Talent Agri is recruiting for an experienced Irrigation Specialist to join a well-established and progressive commercial horticultural business based in the West Midlands.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced irrigation professional with a strong practical and technical background to take responsibility for the effective operation, monitoring and maintenance of modern irrigation and fertigation systems.
Working closely with the growing and production teams, the Irrigation Specialist will play an important role in ensuring accurate and efficient delivery of water and nutrients to crops while maintaining the reliability and performance of the wider irrigation infrastructure.
The position would suit someone who combines practical agricultural or horticultural experience with good technical and engineering knowledge and is confident working with automated irrigation technology, including Priva systems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Irrigation & Fertigation
• Operate, monitor and manage day-to-day irrigation and fertigation systems.
• Set up and adjust irrigation programmes according to crop requirements, environmental conditions and instructions from the growing team.
• Monitor water and nutrient delivery to ensure crops receive accurate and consistent irrigation.
• Work with Priva irrigation and environmental control systems.
• Monitor irrigation performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and reliability.
• Support the preparation, dosing and application of fertilisers and nutrients through fertigation systems.
Systems & Maintenance
• Carry out routine inspections of irrigation equipment and infrastructure.
• Monitor and maintain pumps, valves, filters, pipework, dosing equipment, irrigation lines and associated systems.
• Identify faults and undertake first-line troubleshooting and repairs where appropriate.
• Ensure irrigation equipment is maintained to a high operational standard.
• Assist with installation, modification and improvement of irrigation infrastructure where required.
• Work with internal engineering teams and external contractors when specialist repairs or maintenance are required.
Crop & Production Support
• Work closely with growers and production teams to understand crop irrigation requirements.
• Respond quickly to changing crop, weather and environmental conditions.
• Ensure irrigation programmes support crop health, quality and production targets.
• Report system issues or irregularities promptly to the appropriate manager.
• Support the wider growing operation during busy production periods where required.
Monitoring & Records
• Maintain accurate records relating to irrigation, fertigation, maintenance and system performance.
• Monitor water usage and irrigation efficiency.
• Assist with identifying opportunities to improve water management and reduce unnecessary usage.
• Ensure irrigation activities are completed in accordance with company procedures, environmental requirements and relevant health and safety standards.
THE PACKAGE
• Competitive salary – DOE
• Permanent, full-time employment
• Accommodation available
• Opportunity to work within an established and progressive commercial horticultural operation
• Modern irrigation and growing technology
• Long-term career development opportunities
Qualifications & experience
- Previous practical experience working with irrigation and fertigation systems within commercial horticulture, agriculture or fresh produce production.
- Good working knowledge of PRIVA irrigation and climate control systems.
- Strong practical, mechanical and engineering ability.
- Experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting pumps, valves, filters, dosing equipment, pipework and water distribution systems.
- Good understanding of irrigation principles, fertigation, nutrient dosing and efficient water management.
- Experience with automated irrigation systems, including system monitoring, programming and adjustment.
- Ability to identify and resolve irrigation, mechanical and basic electrical faults.
- Experience with irrigation installation, routine maintenance and system improvements.
- Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills with the ability to respond quickly to operational issues.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate irrigation and maintenance records.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with growers, engineers and production teams.
- A proactive, practical and hands-on approach to maintaining reliable and efficient irrigation operations.
Candidate requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
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