Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation and Water Management Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office allowance

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agricultural Engineer with irrigation and water management expertise to join a prominent agricultural consultancy. This fully remote role lets you contribute from anywhere while collaborating with farmers, agronomists, and project managers to deliver efficient irrigation solutions.

You will design drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot systems, perform feasibility studies, and develop water management plans that conserve resources while meeting regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years in agricultural irrigation design and water management.
• Proficiency in hydraulic principles and irrigation software.
• Experience with AutoCAD/EPANET and GIS is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for irrigation projects.
• Develop water management plans to optimize water use and conservation.
• Analyze soil and climate data for scheduling and requirements.
• Provide guidance on selection, installation and maintenance of irrigation equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve irrigation system performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations and environmental standards.
• Prepare detailed reports, specs, and project documentation.
• Collaborate with farmers, agronomists and project managers for success.
• Stay updated on irrigation technology and agricultural engineering trends.

Skills

Irrigation design

Hydraulic principles

Data analysis

Report writing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Irrigation specialization

Tools

AutoCAD

EPANET

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural consultancy firm, is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Engineer with specialized expertise in irrigation and water management to join their team. This role is a fully remote position, allowing you to leverage your skills and experience from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Develop water management plans that optimize water use efficiency and promote conservation.
• Analyze soil and climate data to determine optimal irrigation scheduling and requirements.
• Provide technical guidance on the selection, installation, and maintenance of irrigation equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to irrigation system performance and water delivery.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations and environmental standards.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, technical specifications, and project documentation.
• Collaborate with farmers, agronomists, and project managers to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in irrigation technology, water management techniques, and agricultural engineering principles.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in agricultural irrigation design and water management.
• In-depth knowledge of hydraulic principles, fluid mechanics, and irrigation system design software (e.g., AutoCAD, EPANET).
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and water conservation methods.
• Familiarity with soil science, agronomy, and crop water requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for report writing and client interaction.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects remotely, meeting deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in GIS software is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, a retirement savings plan, and a home office allowance.
• This fully remote role provides excellent flexibility and the opportunity to work on impactful projects without geographical constraints.
• You will be part of a team that is dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and addressing critical water resource challenges.
• Our client encourages professional growth and provides access to relevant training and development opportunities.
• This is an exciting chance to contribute your expertise to the agricultural sector.