At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage irrigation for delicious raspberries and blueberries while ensuring top-notch crop health.
- Company: Family-run soft fruit business in Herefordshire, dedicated to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime opportunities, pension, holiday pay, and potential accommodation.
- Other info: Flexible hours with great opportunities for growth during the busy growing season.
- Why this job: Join a progressive team and grow your career in sustainable agriculture.
- Qualifications: Irrigation experience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 33000 £ per year.
Irrigation Operator - Soft Fruit Production
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant must have existing Right to Work in the UK.
- 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 year's 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.
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Irrigation Operative in Hereford employer: Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency
Join a forward-thinking agricultural business in Herefordshire, where your role as an Irrigation Operator will not only contribute to the success of our raspberry and blueberry crops but also offer you a supportive work culture that values employee growth. With full-time permanent employment, opportunities for overtime, and potential accommodation, we are committed to providing a rewarding environment that fosters career progression in the thriving soft fruit industry.
Contact Details:
Agricultural and Farming Jobs Agency Recruitment Team
