Irrigation Engineer - Water Management Specialist

Placements24; Willows (CA); Sur place; USD 45 000 - 66 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Medical aid and disability insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Irrigation Engineer for our client in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and managing advanced irrigation systems to optimize water use and crop yield.

You will work with farm managers and agronomists to assess needs, oversee installation and maintenance, and ensure environmental compliance. A strong background in hydraulics, water resource management, and soil science is essential, with ≈6 years of experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering with irrigation specialization.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience designing and managing irrigation systems in agriculture.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Civil 3D and irrigation design tools.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, fluid mechanics and water resource management.
• Hands-on experience with various irrigation technologies and their applications.
• Understanding of soil science and plant water requirements.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and ability to liaise with stakeholders and field teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Valid driver's license for site visits.

Responsabilités

• Design, develop, and implement efficient irrigation systems for agricultural uses.
• Conduct site assessments based on soil type, topography, and crop needs.
• Manage installation, commissioning, and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues and perform upgrades.
• Analyze water usage data to optimize schedules and conserve resources.
• Develop and manage budgets for irrigation projects and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with local water regulations and environmental standards.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm staff on system operation.
• Evaluate new irrigation technologies and water-saving techniques.
• Collaborate with agronomists and engineers to align irrigation with crop management.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and project documentation.
• Assess water sources (bores, rivers, dams) and design pumping/distribution solutions.

Connaissances

Hydraulics knowledge

Water resource management

Soil science understanding

Project management

Communication skills

Independent work

Driver's license

Problem solving

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering with irrigation specialization

Outils

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Irrigation design software

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a skilled and experienced Irrigation Engineer to join their team in Welkom, Free State . This role is crucial for optimizing water usage and enhancing agricultural productivity through the design, implementation, and management of advanced irrigation systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient water delivery, minimizing waste, and maximizing crop health and yield. You will work closely with farm managers and agronomists to assess needs, develop tailored irrigation solutions, and oversee their installation and maintenance. This position requires a strong understanding of hydraulics, water management principles, and agricultural practices. If you are passionate about sustainable water use and have a proven track record in irrigation engineering, this is an excellent career opportunity within a growing agricultural sector. The ideal candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, and possess excellent problem-solving skills to address the unique challenges of water management in the region. We are looking for an expert to lead our water resource strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, pivot) for agricultural applications.
• Conduct site assessments to determine optimal irrigation system design based on soil type, topography, and crop requirements.
• Manage the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement necessary repairs and upgrades.
• Analyze water usage data to optimize irrigation schedules and conserve water resources.
• Develop and manage budgets for irrigation projects and ongoing maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with local water usage regulations and environmental standards.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm staff on irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Evaluate and recommend new irrigation technologies and water‑saving techniques.
• Collaborate with agricultural scientists and engineers to integrate irrigation plans with overall crop management strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and project documentation.
• Assess water sources (e.g., boreholes, rivers, dams) and design appropriate pumping and distribution systems.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in designing and managing irrigation systems, preferably in an agricultural setting.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, specific irrigation design tools).
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water resource management.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and their application.
• Understanding of soil science and plant water requirements.
• Excellent project management and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to liaise with stakeholders and field teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A valid driver's license for site visits within the Welkom region.
• Experience with pumping systems and water treatment is advantageous.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessments related to water use.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package that reflects your expertise and experience, along with potential annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and occupational disability insurance are provided.
• A valuable retirement savings plan with employer contributions is part of the benefits.
• Opportunities for continued professional development, including specialized training courses and certifications.
• Generous allocation of annual leave, sick leave, and observance of public holidays.
• Company vehicle provided for business travel and site inspections.
• A supportive team environment that values innovation and collaboration.
• Exposure to diverse agricultural projects and technologies.
• Access to advanced engineering tools and software.