Head of Irrigation & Agricultural Engineering — Upington

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Company-provided vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Agricultural Engineer to spearhead the design and deployment of advanced irrigation systems in Upington, South Africa. You will drive hydraulic modeling, pump selection, and water distribution strategies, coordinating with agronomists and stakeholders to optimize crop productivity while meeting environmental standards.

The role requires a strong background in irrigation engineering, leadership skills, and a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years in agricultural engineering with irrigation specialization.
• Proven project management experience with budgets and teams.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and water resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of large-scale irrigation projects (drip, sprinkler, center-pivot).
• Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Oversee procurement and installation of irrigation equipment with quality and timelines in mind.
• Develop and manage project budgets and resources; mentor engineers.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and water resource policies.
• Provide guidance on hydraulic modeling, pump selection, and water distribution networks.
• Collaborate with agronomists and stakeholders to tailor solutions.
• Implement and monitor water usage and system performance.

Skills

Project management

Hydraulics

Water resources

Communication

Negotiation

Sensor technologies

Automation

SCADA

Education

Bachelor's in Agricultural Engineering

Master's preferred

Engineering fundamentals

Tools

CAD software

EPANET

SWMM

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Agricultural Engineer to spearhead the design and deployment of advanced irrigation systems in Upington, South Africa. You will drive hydraulic modeling, pump selection, and water distribution strategies, coordinating with agronomists and stakeholders to optimize crop productivity while meeting environmental standards.

The role requires a strong background in irrigation engineering, leadership skills, and a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within