Irrigation Systems Manager

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape, seeks an experienced Irrigation Systems Manager to design, implement, and maintain advanced irrigation across diverse crops. You will optimize water use, ensure crop health, and drive yields while complying with water regulations.

The role requires a Diploma/Degree in irrigation or related field, 5+ years in large-scale systems, and strong leadership of technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level or higher in irrigation engineering, agricultural engineering, agronomy, or related field.
• 5+ years designing, installing and managing large-scale irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of irrigation methods, hydraulics, pumps and water management principles.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling software and sensors.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) for different crops and soils.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new irrigation infrastructure.
• Develop a preventive maintenance program for irrigation equipment, pumps, and controllers.
• Monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure timely repairs.
• Manage water resources with budgets and regulatory compliance.
• Utilize sensors and weather data to optimize scheduling.
• Supervise and train irrigation technicians and operators.
• Keep records of water usage, performance, and costs.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to meet production goals.
• Research and recommend new irrigation technologies and best practices.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Education

Diploma/Degree in Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or Agronomy

Tools

Irrigation scheduling software

Soil moisture sensors

Weather data integration

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a large-scale agricultural producer operating in the arid conditions of the Kimberley, Northern Cape region, where efficient water management is paramount. We are seeking an experienced Irrigation Systems Manager to design, implement, and maintain advanced irrigation systems across our diverse crop operations. This role is vital for optimizing water use efficiency, ensuring crop health, and maximizing yields while adhering to water conservation regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in irrigation engineering, agronomy, and water resource management, with practical experience in managing large-scale irrigation projects. You will be responsible for system design, installation oversight, maintenance scheduling, water budgeting, and leading a team of irrigation technicians. This position is based in **Kimberley**, **Northern Cape**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) appropriate for different crops and soil types.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new irrigation infrastructure.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all irrigation equipment, pumps, and controllers.
• Monitor system performance, diagnose and troubleshoot issues, and ensure timely repairs.
• Manage water resources effectively, developing water budgets and ensuring compliance with water usage regulations.
• Utilize soil moisture sensors, weather stations, and other technologies to optimize irrigation scheduling.
• Supervise and train a team of irrigation technicians and operators.
• Keep accurate records of water usage, system performance, maintenance activities, and costs.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to ensure irrigation strategies support crop production goals.
• Research and recommend new irrigation technologies and best practices for water conservation.

Requirements

• A Diploma or Degree in Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, installing, and managing large-scale agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proven knowledge of various irrigation methods, hydraulics, pump systems, and water management principles.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling software and technologies (e.g., soil moisture sensors, weather data integration).
• Strong understanding of agronomic principles and crop water requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Supervisory experience and the ability to lead and motivate a technical team.
• Familiarity with the water challenges and agricultural context of the Northern Cape is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license required; willingness to travel to various farm sites near Kimberley.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund. Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced irrigation technologies are available. This role is based in **Kimberley**, **Northern Cape**, a region critical for strategic agriculture in South Africa. The company values efficiency and sustainability in its operations.