Irrigation Systems Engineer

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle provided for field use

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation Systems Engineer to design, install, manage, and maintain sophisticated irrigation systems for large-scale agriculture. This hands-on role requires extensive field presence in the Northern Cape and close collaboration with farmers and agronomists.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, expertise in hydraulics and water management, and a passion for sustainable agriculture in arid regions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with irrigation specialization.
• 5+ years designing, installing and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong hydraulics, fluid dynamics and water management knowledge.
• Experience with drip, sprinkler, pivot irrigation methods and associated tech.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) suited to site conditions.
• Conduct site assessments, soil and water evaluations for design input.
• Oversee installation and commissioning per specs and quality standards.
• Develop irrigation scheduling using crop needs, weather and soil moisture data.
• Provide troubleshooting for pumps, pipes, emitters, and controllers.
• Manage maintenance programs for irrigation infrastructure.
• Educate clients and farm staff on operation and best practices.
• Stay updated on irrigation tech, automation, and water conservation.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and water policies.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate irrigation with farm management.

Skills

Hydraulics knowledge

Field engineering

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural/Mechanical/Civil Engineering (irrigation specialization)

Tools

AutoCAD

ReHydrator

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client is a leading provider of advanced agricultural solutions, specializing in water management and irrigation technologies designed to optimize crop yields and promote water conservation. We are seeking a highly skilled Irrigation Systems Engineer to join our team in Upington, Northern Cape . This is a hands-on role requiring significant field presence to design, install, manage, and maintain sophisticated irrigation systems for large-scale agricultural operations. You will work closely with farmers and agronomists to develop customized irrigation plans that meet specific crop needs and environmental conditions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, a deep understanding of hydraulics, water management principles, and a passion for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring efficient water use and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and pivot systems, tailored to client needs and site-specific conditions.
• Conduct site assessments, soil analysis, and water resource evaluations to inform irrigation system design.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.
• Develop irrigation scheduling strategies based on crop water requirements, weather data, and soil moisture monitoring.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing irrigation systems, addressing issues related to pumps, pipes, emitters, and control systems.
• Manage maintenance programs for irrigation infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Educate clients and farm staff on the operation and best practices for utilizing their irrigation systems effectively.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in irrigation technology, automation, and water conservation techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and water usage policies.
• Collaborate with agronomists and other technical experts to integrate irrigation solutions with broader farm management practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, installing, and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, fluid dynamics, and water management principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for irrigation system design (e.g., AutoCAD, ReHydrator).
• Experience with various irrigation methods (drip, sprinkler, pivot) and associated technologies (pumps, filters, controllers).
• Understanding of soil-plant-water relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with clients and field teams.
• Willingness to work extensively in field conditions across the Northern Cape region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work on impactful water management projects in a key agricultural region.
• Access to modern irrigation technologies and equipment.
• Company vehicle provided for field travel.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Contribution to sustainable agriculture and water conservation.