Our Client
Our client is a large-scale, innovative horticultural business specialising in premium hydroponic berry production, just a 30 minute drive from Timaru.
With a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and quality, they are entering a significant growth phase and are seeking an experienced Irrigation Manager to lead all water, nutrient, and climate control systems across the operation.
With 6 hectares in production this season and expansion plans to grow to 12 hectares next season, this is a key role within a modern, high-tech growing environment.

About the Role
This is a specialist technical role where you will take full ownership of irrigation, fertigation, and environmental control systems across a hydroponic berry operation.
You will play a critical role in optimising crop health, yield, and quality through precision nutrient and climate management, working closely with the Grower Manager and wider production team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and managing fertigation programmes across crop stages
• Monitoring and adjusting EC, pH, and nutrient balances
• Managing automated irrigation and climate control systems (Priva)
• Maintaining pumps, filters, sensors, and irrigation infrastructure
• Optimising water use, recycling systems, and environmental performance
• Providing technical insight on crop performance and plant health
• Ensuring compliance with NZ environmental and chemical regulations
• Supporting health & safety across irrigation and technical systems

About You
You are a technically strong irrigation or fertigation specialist who thrives in a high-performance growing environment.
You will bring:

• 3+ years’ experience managing automated irrigation/fertigation systems
• Experience in hydroponic, greenhouse, or protected cropping environments
• Strong knowledge of plant nutrition, water chemistry, and climate control
• Experience with Priva systems or similar automation technology
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with high attention to detail
• Ability to analyse data and make real-time adjustments to optimise crop performance

Preferred:

• Experience working with berries, tomatoes, or soft fruit crops
• Relevant qualification in Horticulture, Agronomy, or Agricultural Engineering
• Understanding of NZ compliance (HSNO, RMA, HSWA)

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary package reflective of technical expertise
• Work in a state-of-the-art hydroponic growing environment
• Join a rapidly expanding horticultural business
• Play a key role influencing crop performance and production outcomes
• Long-term opportunity within a progressive and well-backed operation

If you’re an irrigation specialist ready to take ownership of a high-tech system and make a real impact on crop performance, we’d love to hear from you.