Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems Specialist

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Professional growth & certifications

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Engineer specializing in irrigation near Welkom, Free State. You will design, implement, and optimize drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot systems for large-scale farms, leveraging hydraulics and water management to boost efficiency and crop yields.

You will oversee site assessments, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, analyze water resources, and collaborate with agronomists to integrate irrigation with crop plans, while ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Agricultural/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of professional irrigation design and management experience.
• Expertise in irrigation technologies, hydraulics, and water management.
• Proficiency in CAD for system design and drawings.
• Willingness to travel within Welkom region and surroundings.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation installations.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and maintenance of irrigation equipment.
• Analyze water resources and soil data to optimize irrigation scheduling and water application.
• Troubleshoot system performance issues and optimize operations.
• Evaluate new irrigation technologies and best practices.
• Develop training materials and provide technical support to clients and field teams.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate irrigation with crop management plans.
• Ensure compliance with water management regulations and environmental standards.

Skills

Irrigation design

CAD software

Hydraulics

Project management

Water management

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Agricultural/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software (AutoCAD)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural technology firm operating near Welkom, Free State , is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in irrigation systems. This role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced irrigation solutions for large-scale agricultural operations. You will work at the intersection of engineering and agriculture, leveraging technology to enhance water use efficiency, improve crop yields, and promote sustainable farming practices in the arid regions of the Free State . The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in fluid dynamics, hydraulics, and agricultural sciences, coupled with practical experience in managing complex irrigation projects. You will be instrumental in advising clients on the best irrigation technologies and methodologies, ensuring seamless integration with their existing farm infrastructure. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to contribute to water resource management and agricultural productivity in a vital sector. We are looking for an innovative engineer who can provide cutting-edge solutions and ensure the long-term success of irrigation infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient and cost-effective irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation installations.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of irrigation equipment.
• Analyze water resources and soil data to optimize irrigation scheduling and water application.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to irrigation system performance.
• Research and evaluate new irrigation technologies and best practices.
• Develop training materials and provide technical support to clients and field teams.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate irrigation with crop management plans.
• Ensure compliance with water management regulations and environmental standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in designing and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• In-depth knowledge of various irrigation technologies, hydraulics, and water management principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for system design and technical drawing.
• Experience with irrigation control systems, sensors, and automation technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Welkom, Free State region and surrounding areas.
• Understanding of the specific agricultural challenges in the Free State is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a retirement savings plan. This role provides opportunities for professional growth, including specialized training and certifications in agricultural engineering and water management technologies. You will be part of an innovative company driving advancements in agricultural efficiency and sustainability. We foster a collaborative work environment where your technical expertise will be valued and contribute directly to impactful projects. Join our team and help shape the future of irrigation in South African agriculture.