Irrigation and Water Management Specialist

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work

Professional development

Company vehicle

Health & retirement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation and Water Management Specialist for operations based in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA. The role combines field site visits with remote planning to design, implement, and optimize irrigation systems for efficient water use and higher crop yield.

The ideal candidate has a background in Agricultural/ Civil Engineering or Agronomy, at least 4 years of hands-on irrigation experience, and strong knowledge of hydraulics, crop water requirements, and water

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agronomy or related field within Agriculture & Forestry.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience designing, installing and managing irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic principles, water flow dynamics, and irrigation scheduling.
• Familiarity with irrigation technologies and water management software.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) for agricultural use.
• Assess soil types, topography and crop water needs to optimize irrigation strategies.
• Monitor water usage, system performance and crop health for improvements.
• Implement water conservation measures and technologies to reduce usage.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems and train farm staff on operation.

Skills

Hydraulics

Irrigation scheduling

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Agricultural Engineering

Tools

Water management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural services provider, is seeking an **Irrigation and Water Management Specialist** to join their team, serving operations in the **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA** region. This role utilizes a hybrid work model, requiring regular site visits and field assessments in addition to remote planning, analysis, and client communication. The specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use and maximum crop yield, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of hydraulics, soil science, crop water requirements, and water conservation techniques within the **Agriculture & Forestry** context. You will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainable use of water resources, a vital element for agricultural success in the **Northern Cape, ZA**. The ideal candidate is a practical problem-solver with expertise in modern irrigation technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, pivot) for various agricultural applications.
• Assess soil types, topography, and crop water needs to determine optimal irrigation strategies.
• Monitor water usage, system performance, and crop health to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement water conservation measures and technologies to reduce water consumption.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions promptly.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm staff on irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Conduct site assessments and develop water management plans for agricultural operations.
• Stay current with advancements in irrigation technology, water management practices, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farm managers, and clients to ensure effective water use.
• Prepare reports on water usage, system efficiency, and recommendations for optimization.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agronomy, or a related field within **Agriculture & Forestry**.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in designing, installing, and managing irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic principles, water flow dynamics, and irrigation scheduling.
• Familiarity with a range of irrigation technologies and water management software.
• Experience working in arid or semi‑arid agricultural regions is highly desirable.
• Understanding of crop water requirements and soil-plant-water relationships.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for client and staff interaction.
• Ability to work independently and manage field operations effectively.
• A valid driver's license is essential for frequent site visits.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of field and remote work flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training in water management technologies.
• Contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in water‑scarce regions.
• Work with a leading provider of agricultural solutions in the **Agriculture & Forestry** sector.
• Company vehicle provided for business‑related travel.
• Health and retirement benefits.
• Direct impact on improving agricultural productivity through efficient water use.