Irrigation Specialist - Agricultural Water Management

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Irrigation Specialist to design, install, and optimize agricultural irrigation systems across Welkom and surrounding regions. The role focuses on efficient water use, crop yield, and system reliability.

The ideal candidate holds advanced knowledge of soil-water-plant relationships, irrigation technologies, and scheduling software, and possesses strong problem-solving and travel readiness for field sites.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation Technology, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years hands-on irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance.
• Experience with drip, micro-sprinkler, and center-pivot systems.
• Knowledge of soil-water-plant relationships and irrigation scheduling.
• Familiarity with irrigation scheduling software and water management tools.
• Understanding of pumps, filtration, and water quality.
• Good problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel to farm sites with a valid driver7s license.

Responsibilities

• Designing and planning irrigation systems tailored to crops and soil types.
• Overseeing the installation and commissioning of new irrigation infrastructure.
• Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot).
• Troubleshooting and repairing irrigation system malfunctions to minimize downtime.
• Monitoring water usage and implementing strategies for water conservation and efficiency.
• Calibrating irrigation controllers and sensors for optimal performance.
• Advising farmers on best practices for water management.
• Keeping abreast of new irrigation technologies and water management techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with water usage regulations and environmental standards.

Skills

Irrigation design

Water management

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Agricultural Engineering

Irrigation Technology

Agronomy

Tools

Drip irrigation systems

Micro-sprinkler

Center pivot

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Irrigation Specialist with expertise in agricultural water management to join their team on a contract basis, serving operations in the Welkom, Free State area and surrounding regions. This role is vital for ensuring the efficient and effective use of water resources across diverse agricultural operations. You will be responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of various irrigation systems to maximize crop yield while conserving water. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of soil-water-plant relationships, irrigation technologies, and water conservation techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your technical skills to critical agricultural infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and planning irrigation systems tailored to specific crops and soil types.


• Overseeing the installation and commissioning of new irrigation infrastructure.


• Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of existing irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, center pivot).


• Troubleshooting and repairing irrigation system malfunctions to minimize downtime.


• Monitoring water usage and implementing strategies for water conservation and efficiency.


• Calibrating irrigation controllers and sensors for optimal performance.


• Advising farmers and farm managers on best practices for water management.


• Keeping abreast of new irrigation technologies and water management techniques.


• Ensuring compliance with water usage regulations and environmental standards.


• Maintaining detailed records of system performance, maintenance activities, and water usage data.

Requirements

• A qualification in Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation Technology, Agronomy, or a related field.


• A minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in agricultural irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance.


• Proficiency with various irrigation technologies, including drip, micro-sprinkler, and center pivot systems.


• Knowledge of soil-water-plant relationships and their impact on irrigation scheduling.


• Experience with irrigation scheduling software and water management tools.


• Understanding of pump systems, filtration, and water quality considerations.


• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work independently and manage project timelines.


• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various farm sites.

Benefits

This contract position offers a competitive annual rate of up to ZAR , depending on experience and expertise. As a contractor, you will have the flexibility to manage your schedule. Our client provides opportunities to work on diverse projects and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in the Welkom region. You will be part of a team focused on optimizing resource utilization in agriculture.