Remote Precision Irrigation Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Precision Irrigation Specialist to optimize water use and crop yields using soil moisture sensors, weather data, satellite imagery, and farm management systems. This fully remote role is open to candidates across South Africa who can design, implement, and monitor efficient irrigation strategies.

You will provide expert guidance, perform remote monitoring, and collaborate with agronomists to integrate irrigation with overall crop management, staying up to date

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related water-management field.
• 4+ years of experience in precision agriculture, irrigation management, or a similar field.
• Strong understanding of soil–plant–water relationships and crop physiology.
• Proficiency with irrigation scheduling software, soil moisture sensors, weather data, and data analysis tools.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing for agriculture is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to work independently and manage remote projects.
• Familiarity with drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot irrigation systems.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture and water conservation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from soil moisture sensors, weather data, and other sources to determine crop water needs.
• Develop customized precision irrigation plans for different crops and fields.
• Monitor remote irrigation systems and adjust as needed to optimize water use.
• Provide remote support and troubleshoot irrigation equipment and software.
• Advise farmers on selecting, installing and operating irrigation technologies.
• Conduct remote training on irrigation scheduling and water management.
• Evaluate effectiveness of irrigation strategies and suggest improvements.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate irrigation with crop management.
• Stay updated on irrigation tech, sensor networks, and management software.
• Maintain records of schedules, water usage, and system performance.

Skills

Soil moisture sensing

Irrigation scheduling

Data analysis

GIS

Remote troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering / related field

Tools

GIS software

Irrigation software

Soil moisture sensors

Weather data tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in smart agricultural solutions, is looking for a dedicated Remote Precision Irrigation Specialist to join their fully remote team. This role is essential for optimizing water usage and improving crop yields through advanced irrigation technologies. Operating remotely from anywhere in South Africa, you will leverage data from soil moisture sensors, weather stations, satellite imagery, and farm management systems to design, implement, and monitor efficient irrigation strategies. You will provide expert advice and technical support to farmers, helping them adopt precision irrigation techniques that conserve water resources and enhance agricultural sustainability. This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically skilled professional passionate about water management in agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze data from various sources to assess crop water requirements and irrigation needs.


• Develop customized precision irrigation plans for different crops and field conditions.


• Monitor irrigation system performance and water usage remotely, making necessary adjustments.


• Troubleshoot and provide technical support for precision irrigation equipment and software.


• Advise farmers on the selection, installation, and operation of irrigation technologies.


• Conduct remote training sessions on best practices for water management and irrigation scheduling.


• Evaluate the effectiveness of irrigation strategies and recommend improvements for water conservation and yield optimization.


• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate irrigation plans with overall crop management.


• Stay updated on the latest advancements in irrigation technology, sensor networks, and water management software.


• Maintain accurate records of irrigation schedules, water application, and system performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field with a focus on water management.


• Minimum of 4 years of experience in precision agriculture, irrigation management, or a related field.


• Strong understanding of soil-plant-water relationships and crop physiology.


• Proficiency with irrigation scheduling software, sensor technologies (soil moisture, weather), and data analysis tools.


• Experience with GIS and remote sensing data analysis for agricultural applications is highly desirable.


• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.


• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a remote setting.


• Familiarity with different irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot).


• Passion for sustainable agriculture and water conservation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and the significant advantage of a fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance. You will have access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, along with opportunities for professional development and training in advanced irrigation and data management techniques. Join an innovative company dedicated to improving agricultural sustainability and efficiency through technology. This role supports professionals ideally located near Kimberley, Northern Cape, but is open to candidates across South Africa who thrive in a remote work environment.