At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage irrigation and fertigation for high-value raspberry and blueberry crops.
- Company: Family-run soft fruit business in Herefordshire with a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Salary up to £33,000, overtime, pension, holiday pay, and potential accommodation.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a progressive team and make a real impact on sustainable fruit production.
- Qualifications: One year of irrigation experience and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 33000 £ per year.
Do you have practical irrigation experience within fruit or arable farming? Are you an organised and detail-focused individual looking for a hands-on role within a progressive soft fruit business? Could this be the opportunity you've been waiting for a varied and rewarding position where you can take responsibility for the irrigation and fertigation of high-value raspberry and blueberry crops?
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
- 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.
We thank all applicants who apply for this role; however, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. All applications will be handled in strict confidence and personal details will not be shared without prior consent.
Irrigation Operative in Hereford employer: Menter a Busnes
Join a leading international property consultancy that values your agricultural expertise and offers a dynamic work environment where no two days are the same. With a strong commitment to sustainability and a focus on high-profile projects, you will have the opportunity to develop your career while making a meaningful impact in the rural and property sector across the South West of England. Enjoy a collaborative culture, excellent professional development opportunities, and the chance to work closely with landowners and stakeholders to shape the future of UK agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Irrigation Operative in Hereford
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
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✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
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We think you need these skills to ace Irrigation Operative in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Menter a Busnes does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Menter a Busnes
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Menter a Busnes will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Menter a Busnes.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Menter a Busnes.
