Full Description

Agricultural Technician – Irrigation & Horticulture Operations

Location: Keith, South East South Australia
Employment Type: Fulltime, Permanent
Salary: $75,000 – $95,000 + superannuation

About the Company

Delta Produce is a well-established, family-owned farming enterprise located near Keith in Southeast South Australia. The business specialises in largescale onion production under centre pivot irrigation, supported by broadacre cropping, modern machinery, and on farm logistics operations.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Agricultural Technician to support irrigated horticulture and field operations within a largescale onion production enterprise in regional South Australia. This is a handson, technically focused role suited to someone with strong centre pivot irrigation, machinery operation, and crop production experience.

Main Responsibilities

Irrigation & Water Management
• Daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of centre pivot irrigation
systems
• Adjust irrigation programs based on weather, soil moisture, and crop stage
• Diagnose and repair irrigation faults including pumps, gearboxes, tyres,
sprinklers, and control systems
• Operate fertigation systems and pump stations
• Conduct irrigation checks during highrisk periods

Crop & Field Operations
• Support onion production including planting, monitoring, spraying, and harvest
• Conduct crop inspections for pests, disease, weeds, and nutrient deficiencies
• Operate boom sprays and pivot mounted spray systems
• Maintain accurate irrigation and spray records
• Assist with harvest, curing, loading, and logistics

Machinery & Equipment
• Operate tractors, loaders, telehandlers, and specialist horticultural equipment
• Handle oversize machinery in compliance with South Australian regulations
• Perform routine servicing and preventative maintenance

General Farm & Team Support
• Maintain irrigation infrastructure, fences, sheds, and farm assets
• Assist with workshop repairs where skilled
• Provide task based leadership to seasonal staff
• Liaise with agronomists, contractors, and suppliers

Requirements

Education / Experience / Skills

Essential
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in irrigated horticulture or row cropping
• Demonstrated centre pivot irrigation experience
• Strong machinery operation skills
• Chemical handling and spraying experience
• Ability to work independently

Desirable
• Onion or vegetable crop experience
• Mechanical or trade skills
• GPSguided machinery exposure
• HC or MC licence or willingness to obtain