Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Presencial; ZAR 600.000 - 900.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary package

Annual bonuses

Medical aid plan

Company vehicle for site visits

Tool allowance

Professional development opportunities

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Agricultural Engineer (irrigation specialist) to join our Durban operations. You design, implement, and maintain advanced irrigation infrastructure, focusing on water efficiency and crop performance.

The role involves hands-on site work, troubleshooting, and collaborating with farm teams. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Agricultural/Civil Engineering with an ag focus, at least 5 years of irrigation experience, and strong CAD skills.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering with ag focus.
• Minimum 5 years designing/managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic principles and water resource management.
• Proficient in CAD software for irrigation system design.
• Experience with pump selection, piping, and control systems.
• Understanding of soil science in water infiltration/retention.

Responsabilidades

• Design efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) for diverse crops.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of new irrigation infrastructure.
• Inspect and maintain irrigation equipment for performance and longevity.
• Analyze water use and soil moisture to optimize schedules and reduce waste.
• Troubleshoot irrigation systems and water delivery issues.
• Evaluate new irrigation tech and water conservation strategies.
• Collaborate with agronomists to meet crop yield requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, schematics, and cost estimates.
• Ensure irrigation designs comply with standards and regulations.
• Provide training to field staff on operation and maintenance.

Conocimientos

Irrigation design

Hydraulic principles

Data analysis

Site supervision

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Herramientas

CAD software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and skilled Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in irrigation systems to join their operations based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is integral to ensuring the efficient and sustainable use of water resources across our extensive agricultural projects. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced irrigation infrastructure, focusing on maximizing water efficiency and crop performance. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of hydraulic principles, soil-water-plant relationships, and modern irrigation technologies. You will work on-site, collaborating with farm management and operational teams to troubleshoot issues, optimize existing systems, and develop innovative solutions for water management challenges specific to the Durban region. This is a hands-on role requiring regular site visits and direct engagement with farming operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) tailored to diverse crop types and soil conditions.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of new irrigation infrastructure.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of irrigation equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Analyze water usage data and soil moisture levels to optimize irrigation schedules and reduce water waste.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to irrigation systems and water delivery.
• Evaluate and recommend new irrigation technologies and water conservation strategies.
• Collaborate with agronomists to ensure irrigation practices align with crop requirements and yield goals.
• Prepare technical reports, schematics, and cost estimates for irrigation projects in KwaZulu-Natal .
• Ensure all irrigation designs and installations comply with relevant engineering standards and environmental regulations.
• Provide training to field staff on the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering with an agricultural focus, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in designing and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic principles, fluid mechanics, and water resource management.
• Proficiency with CAD software for irrigation system design.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies, including pump selection, pipe sizing, and control systems.
• Understanding of soil science and its impact on water infiltration and retention.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and water challenges in the KwaZulu-Natal region is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including annual bonuses and a comprehensive medical aid plan.
• Employees are provided with a company vehicle for site visits, a tool allowance, and ample opportunities for professional development and certifications in irrigation technology.
• We also offer a generous leave policy and contribute to a retirement fund.
• The work environment is dynamic and challenging, with the satisfaction of contributing directly to sustainable agricultural practices in Durban .
• Join a team committed to water conservation and agricultural innovation.