About

Position: Irrigationist Assistant
Location: Cressy, Tasmania
Company: Burlington Berries
Remuneration: $68k - $78k plus superannuation
Classification: Full-Time

About Burlington Berries
Burlington Berries is a leading berry production company located in the fertile Northern Midlands of Tasmania. Known for delivering high-quality strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries to major national retailers, Burlington Berries combines innovative growing techniques with sustainable farming practices. Our operations combine leading horticultural practices with a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence in every stage of berry production. Our team is passionate about excellence in horticulture and dedicated to producing premium fresh produce for Australian consumers.

Position Overview
The Assistant Irrigationist supports the planning, maintenance, and execution of irrigation systems across Burlington Berries’ production areas. Working under the direction of the Irrigationist, this role is hands-on and operationally focused, ensuring that all irrigation tasks are carried out accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner. The role is ideal for someone looking to grow their technical skills in a fast-paced, high-yield berry farming environment.

Key Responsibilities/Tasks
Irrigation Support and Execution
• Assist in daily irrigation operations including the setup, adjustment, and monitoring of drip lines, valves, and other water delivery infrastructure.
• Execute irrigation schedules as directed, ensuring water application matches crop requirements across different berry varieties and stages of growth.
• Observing the crop daily to ensure optimal fertigation programs

System Checks and Maintenance
• Conduct routine inspections of irrigation systems to identify leaks, clogs, or wear-and-tear on components.
• Support filter cleaning, emitter flushing, pressure checks, and other maintenance activities to ensure optimal system performance.

Data Logging and Communication
• Record irrigation and fertigation activities as required, including volumes applied, timing, and any system faults.
• Recording water and fertiliser use and report on for each crop type
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, agronomists, and other team members regarding field conditions, task completion, and issues requiring escalation.
• Attending daily meetings to help align the irrigation/fertigation plans with the daily climatic changes and crop requirements

Infrastructure Installation and Upgrades
• Assist with installation and modification of irrigation lines, control valves, filters, and pumps for new planting blocks or seasonal adjustments.
• Work alongside contractors or in-house teams during major system upgrades or expansions.

Fertigation and Nutrient Delivery
• Prepare and apply fertigation mixes under guidance, ensuring accurate dosing through injection systems.
• Monitor fertigation equipment during runs and report any issues or anomalies promptly.

Key Skills and Attributes
• Willingness to learn and apply technical irrigation and fertigation skills in a commercial horticulture setting.
• Good attention to detail, especially when working with measurement, timing, and calibration tasks.
• Reliability and a strong work ethic, including availability for early starts, weekends, and peak seasonal periods.
• Ability to follow instructions, take initiative, and work safely in outdoor environments.
• Interest in agriculture, irrigation, or horticulture as a career path.

Qualifications and Experience
• A basic understanding of irrigation systems, pumps, and fertigation principles is an advantage.
• Certificate II or III in Agriculture, Irrigation, or Horticulture and one year of work experience (at least 20+hrs per week), or have at least 2 years full time work experience in lieu of formal qualifications
• Current driver’s licence required; machinery tickets (e.g., forklift, quad bike) are beneficial but not essential.