Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development opportunities

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in irrigation for a leading agricultural technology firm in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced irrigation solutions for diverse farming needs.

You will work with farm managers, agronomists, and clients to assess water requirements, develop efficient systems, and ensure reliable operation, leveraging hydraulics and soil-water-plant knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (water resources focus), or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in the design and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• In-depth knowledge of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and soil-water-plant relationships.
• Proficiency in CAD software for designing irrigation layouts and plans.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling software and water management technologies.
• Strong understanding of water conservation techniques and sustainable irrigation practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various farm sites in and around Paarl, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, center pivot) tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.
• Conduct site assessments to determine water requirements, source availability, and system feasibility.
• Prepare detailed engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for irrigation projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring compliance with design standards and safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot and repair existing irrigation systems, diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Optimize irrigation schedules using sensor data, weather forecasts, and crop models to ensure water use efficiency.
• Research and evaluate new irrigation technologies and methodologies.
• Provide technical training and support to clients and field staff on irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with water resource management regulations and environmental best practices.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines and agricultural specialists.

Skills

Hydraulics

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (water resources focus), or a related field

Tools

CAD software

Irrigation scheduling software

Water management technologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural technology firm, is seeking a skilled Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in irrigation systems to join their team in **Paarl, Western Cape**. This role focuses on the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced irrigation solutions for various agricultural applications. You will work closely with farm managers, agronomists, and clients to assess water needs, design efficient systems, and ensure their effective operation. The ideal candidate possesses a strong engineering background, a deep understanding of hydrology and soil science, and practical experience in agricultural water management. This is a vital role for promoting water conservation and enhancing crop productivity in the **Paarl, Western Cape** region, a key agricultural hub. You will be contributing to sustainable farming practices through innovative engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, center pivot) tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.
• Conduct site assessments to determine water requirements, source availability, and system feasibility.
• Prepare detailed engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for irrigation projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring compliance with design standards and safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot and repair existing irrigation systems, diagnosing issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Optimize irrigation schedules using sensor data, weather forecasts, and crop models to ensure water use efficiency.
• Research and evaluate new irrigation technologies and methodologies.
• Provide technical training and support to clients and field staff on irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with water resource management regulations and environmental best practices.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines and agricultural specialists.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with water resources focus), or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in the design and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• In-depth knowledge of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and soil-water-plant relationships.
• Proficiency in CAD software for designing irrigation layouts and plans.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling software and water management technologies.
• Strong understanding of water conservation techniques and sustainable irrigation practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various farm sites in and around **Paarl, Western Cape**.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on impactful projects in the dynamic agricultural landscape of **Paarl, Western Cape**.
• You will be at the forefront of applying engineering solutions to critical agricultural challenges.