The irrigation assistant is responsible for ensuring all crops/plants on the site are adequately watered, and all the associated equipment is correctly maintained.
Also known as a horticultural assistant, glasshouse worker, technician, or irrigation operative.
Irrigation assistant is a variable and rewarding role. A successful irrigation assistant will be able to respond to changing weather conditions to ensure their crops and/or plants are appropriately irrigated for a successful harvest.
An irrigation assistant is a role where you will most likely be working in an outdoor, soil-based system but sometimes could be indoors working on container-based systems. You will also have a working knowledge of the different species of crop or plant on your site, their general care requirements, and their stages of growth to tailor watering to their needs.
You don’t need specific experience for this role, but you’ll need to be confident in handling large-scale irrigation equipment and vehicles. You’ll also need to be able to perform basic maintenance of this equipment during the off-season and be flexible enough to complete other farm/site maintenance work throughout the year.
As part of your role, you may be required to become proficient in using irrigation-based technology and data recording software packages. You’ll need to have a practical, hands-on approach and be able to complete tasks with very little supervision. This will help the farm run a productive and sustainable business.
The role of irrigation assistant can be quite physically demanding, so some degree of physical fitness will be required. Due to the nature of the large, mechanised equipment involved, you’ll also need to become aware of the health and safety risks associated with their use. In addition, during periods of unfavourable weather during critical times for plant/crop growth, you’ll also need to be open to working overtime, including shifts and weekends, to ensure crop growth is not affected and harvesting is a success.
You may need to have your own transport to get to work and should have a clean full driving licence.
As an irrigation assistant, your responsibilities might include:
To work as an irrigation assistant, you should:
As an irrigation assistant, you won’t require any specific previous experience, although any relevant experience may affect the level of salary offered.
You should be confident handling large-scale irrigation equipment and driving large vehicles on fields and public highways.
You should also be able to problem solve as conditions/circumstances change and have sound time-management skills.
As an irrigation assistant, you’ll have competencies that ensure all crops/plants on the site are adequately watered, and all the associated equipment is correctly maintained.
You will:
The salary for an irrigation assistant is in the region of £24,000 to £30,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position for workers over 21 years of age, depending on level of experience, business type and location. Workers below 21 years of age can be paid a lower hourly rate.
This role though is often advertised as casual, self-employed, part-time or hourly with a salary that is reflective of the full-time rate of pay.
As an irrigation assistant you may, in some instances, be paid for travel time and receive support in travelling to your place of work.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production bonuses.
As an irrigation assistant, you could progress your career in a number of ways.
There are other on-farm roles that you could explore, such as farm worker, sprayer operator, crop technician, or vegetable/plant (trials) technician.
You may also wish to train further and work towards a more advanced career, such as an assistant manager or agronomist. This may require further study, such as FACTS training, which helps achieve a high standard of soil and crop nutrient advice at a consultancy level.
Courses which can help you on this career path include:
Previous experience or qualifications in horticulture, gardening, or farming would be useful, though not essential.
Foundation Level 1 Land-Based Diploma
Level 2 Diploma in Land and Environment
Level 1 Practical Horticulture
Level 2 Technical Qualifications in Horticulture
RHS Level 2 Practical Certificate in Horticulture (part-time)
Apprenticeships
Assistant Farm Manager Level 4
Agriculture or Horticulture Professional Advisor Level 6
TIAH Essential Skills
Our online Essential Skills modules can help you develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas and are a great addition to your CV.
Anyone considering working as an irrigation assistant would find our Biosecurity and Foundations in Farm Safety courses helpful.
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
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