IRRIGATION SUPERVISOR

Irrigation Planning

- Develop and implement daily and seasonal irrigation schedules based on crop growth stage, weather conditions, and substrate moisture.

- Adjust irrigation programmes to meet changing crop water requirements.

Fertigation Management

- Coordinate the application of fertilizers through the irrigation system according to the farm's nutrition programme.

- Ensure accurate fertilizer mixing, dosing, and application rates.

- Monitor fertilizer usage and maintain fertigation records.

System Operation

- Operate pumps, valves, filters, pressure regulators, and automated irrigation controllers.

- Ensure all irrigation zones receive the correct volume of water.

- Monitor system pressures, flow rates, and application uniformity.

Equipment Maintenance

- Supervise routine inspection, servicing, and repair of pumps, pipelines, filters, drip lines, valves, and fertigation equipment.

- Identify and repair leaks, blocked emitters, damaged pipes, and faulty equipment promptly.

- Schedule preventative maintenance to minimise downtime.

Water Resource Management

- Monitor water availability, storage levels, and usage.

- Promote efficient water use and minimise losses from leaks or over-irrigation.

- Ensure sustainable water management practices are followed.

Team Management

- Supervise irrigation technicians and field workers.

- Assign daily tasks and monitor work quality.

- Train staff on irrigation procedures, equipment operation, maintenance, and workplace safety.

Monitoring Crop Water Status

- Regularly assess soil moisture using probes, sensors, or manual methods.

- Monitor crop performance for signs of water stress, waterlogging, or irrigation-related problems.

- Recommend irrigation adjustments based on field observations and monitoring data.

System Performance Monitoring

- Check emitter flow rates and distribution uniformity.

- Monitor filtration efficiency and clean filters as required.

- Verify that automated systems are functioning correctly.

Record Keeping

- Maintain accurate records of daily irrigation schedules, water volumes, fertigation applications, equipment maintenance, water meter readings, repairs, substrate moisture, and weather observations.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

- Ensure safe operation of pumps, electrical equipment, and irrigation infrastructure.

- Follow environmental regulations related to water abstraction, fertilizer application, and wastewater management.

Coordination with Farm Operations

- Work closely with the farm manager, spray supervisor, and harvest supervisor.

- Coordinate irrigation schedules to avoid conflicts with spraying, harvesting, pruning, and other field operations.

Continuous Improvement

- Evaluate irrigation efficiency and recommend system upgrades or improvements.

- Implement water-saving technologies and best management practices.

- Assist in developing annual irrigation and maintenance budgets.