# Irrigation Manager

**Company:** [Barfoots of Botley](http://jobs.workable.com/companies/hkT7PQiEHFnhrRz9ALDwwh.md)
**Location:** Bognor Regis, United Kingdom
**Workplace:** on site
**Department:** Farm

[Apply for this job](http://jobs.workable.com/view/d054c267-fd07-490a-a2b1-d18e796932ca)

## Description

**The Role**

We're looking for an experienced **Irrigation Manager** to lead the planning, operation and continuous improvement of irrigation across our large-scale vegetable farming operation.

Reporting to the relevant Farm Director, you'll play a key role in ensuring our crops receive the right water and nutrient applications to maximise yield, quality and sustainability. You'll oversee our irrigation infrastructure, lead a dedicated team, and work closely with Agronomy, Production and Engineering teams to optimise water use, improve system performance and support the delivery of high-quality crops.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong technical knowledge, leadership skills and a passion for modern agriculture to make a real impact within one of the UK's leading fresh produce businesses.

**What You'll Be Doing**

-   Develop and manage irrigation programmes based on crop requirements, soil moisture, weather conditions and agronomic recommendations.
-   Monitor and optimise water usage to maximise crop performance, quality and resource efficiency.
-   Oversee the operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, reservoirs, pipelines, filtration, automated systems and fertigation equipment.
-   Manage water abstraction, storage and distribution while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and water licences.
-   Lead, coach and develop the irrigation team, planning workloads and supporting continuous improvement.
-   Analyse irrigation data, soil moisture monitoring and telemetry to improve system performance and efficiency.
-   Coordinate preventative maintenance programmes, contractor activities and accurate operational reporting.
-   Ensure all irrigation activities comply with health, safety, environmental and food safety standards.

## Requirements

**What We're Looking For**

·       Degree, diploma or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation Technology, Agronomy or a related discipline.

·       At least 5 years' experience managing irrigation systems within commercial vegetable, horticultural or large-scale farming operations.

-   Experience managing irrigation systems within commercial vegetable, horticultural or large-scale farming operations.
-   Strong knowledge of irrigation scheduling, crop water requirements, fertigation and water management.
-   Experience with irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, filtration systems and automated controls.
-   Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams and contractors.
-   Excellent planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
-   Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and irrigation management software.
-   A proactive, continuous improvement mindset with a passion for sustainable farming.

**Technical Experience**

-   Irrigation scheduling, water management and fertigation systems.
-   Drip irrigation, pump stations, reservoirs, filtration and distribution systems.
-   Automated irrigation controls, telemetry, soil moisture sensors and weather monitoring technology.
-   Water abstraction, environmental compliance and resource management.
-   Preventative maintenance, asset management and performance reporting.

## Benefits

**Why work for Barfoots?**

-   Investors In People Silver Award status
-   24/7 On-line GP
-   Company pension scheme
-   Life Assurance
-   Employee Assistance Program
-   Benefits Platform
-   Development opportunities
-   Discounted leisure membership
-   Discounted vegetable box scheme
-   Cycle to work scheme
-   Free onsite parking
-   Approved training centre for Highfield qualifications
-   Rapidly growing company
-   Committed to Sustainability - Using our waste to power our site!