Irrigation Engineer - Agricultural Systems

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 51,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Impactful projects in Northern Cape

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Irrigation Engineer to design, implement and manage efficient water systems for agricultural operations. This role focuses on optimizing water use, improving crop yields, and promoting sustainable farming in arid conditions across the Northern Cape region.

The candidate will collaborate with farmers to assess needs, design drip, sprinkler and pivot systems, and ensure reliable operation through installation oversight and ongoing maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural/Water Engineering with irrigation specialization.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in design, installation and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, soil-water-plant relations and irrigation scheduling principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for irrigation design (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Experience with drip, sprinkler and center pivot irrigation methods.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems for crops and farm sizes, considering water availability, soil type and topography.
• Specify and select irrigation equipment, pumps, pipes and controllers.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new irrigation systems.
• Troubleshoot and provide maintenance recommendations for existing infrastructure.
• Conduct water audits and develop water management plans to optimize use.
• Advise farmers on irrigation scheduling and water conservation best practices.
• Use surveying equipment and CAD software for system design and layout.
• Ensure compliance with water resource regulations and environmental standards.
• Stay updated on irrigation technologies and best practices.
• Collaborate with agricultural specialists to provide integrated client solutions.

Skills

Hydraulics

Irrigation scheduling

Project management

CAD design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural/Water Engineering (irrigation specialization)

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural consultancy firm serving the **Northern Cape** region, is seeking a skilled Irrigation Engineer to design, implement, and manage efficient water systems for agricultural operations. This role is vital for optimizing water usage, enhancing crop yields, and promoting sustainable farming practices in an often arid environment. The successful candidate will work closely with farmers to assess their needs, design appropriate irrigation solutions (including drip, sprinkler, and pivot systems), and ensure their effective operation. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact on agriculture in the **Kimberley** area and the broader **Northern Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems for various crops and farm sizes, considering water availability, soil type, and topography.
• Specify and select appropriate irrigation equipment, pumps, pipes, and controllers.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new irrigation systems.
• Troubleshoot and provide maintenance recommendations for existing irrigation infrastructure.
• Conduct water audits and develop water management plans to optimize water use efficiency.
• Advise farmers on best practices for irrigation scheduling and water conservation.
• Utilize surveying equipment and CAD software for system design and layout.
• Ensure compliance with water resource regulations and environmental standards.
• Stay updated on the latest irrigation technologies and best practices in water management.
• Collaborate with other agricultural specialists to provide integrated solutions to clients.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, soil-water-plant relationships, and irrigation scheduling principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for irrigation system design (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Experience with various irrigation methods (drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and conduct site visits to farms across the **Northern Cape**.
• Familiarity with water resource management challenges and regulations in **South Africa**.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical aid and a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in irrigation technology will be provided.
• This role offers the chance to work on diverse and impactful projects contributing to water security and agricultural productivity in the **Kimberley** region.
• You will be part of a respected consultancy firm known for its expertise in agricultural solutions.
• Join us and play a key role in optimizing water resources for the agricultural sector in the **Northern Cape**.
• This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer to advance their career.