Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems Design

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Richards Bay projects

Professional development

Irrigation technology access

Supportive environment

Sustainable agriculture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Agricultural Engineer specializing in irrigation systems for Richards Bay. You will design, develop, and implement advanced irrigation solutions, conduct site assessments, and provide technical expertise to optimize water use and productivity in regional agricultural projects.

The role requires CAD proficiency, hydraulics knowledge, and collaboration with farmers, agronomists, and project managers to deliver efficient, sustainable irrigation systems in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering with an agricultural focus.
• Minimum 4 years of experience designing and implementing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D) for irrigation layouts.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water resource management.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) tailored to crop needs and site conditions.
• Perform detailed site assessments including surveys and soil analysis.
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and tender documents for irrigation projects.
• Oversee installation and commissioning, ensuring adherence to design specs and quality standards.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing irrigation infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend new irrigation technologies, pumps, filters, and control systems.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Hydraulics

Site surveys

Education

Bachelors in Agricultural Engineering

Civil Eng with Ag focus

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and innovative Agricultural Engineer specializing in Irrigation Systems Design to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for optimizing water usage and ensuring efficient irrigation solutions for diverse agricultural projects in the region. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced irrigation systems, conducting site assessments, and providing technical expertise to support agricultural productivity and sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in engineering principles, a deep understanding of water management in agriculture, and proficiency with relevant design software. This position offers the chance to work on impactful projects that contribute directly to food security and efficient resource management in a vital agricultural area. You will collaborate closely with farmers, agronomists, and project managers to deliver state-of-the-art irrigation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer comprehensive irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, pivot) tailored to specific crop needs, soil types, and topographical conditions.
• Conduct detailed site assessments, including topography surveys and soil analysis, to inform system design.
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and tender documents for irrigation projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing irrigation infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend new irrigation technologies, pumps, filters, and control systems to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
• Calculate water requirements and design pumping and distribution networks to meet demand.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant water usage regulations and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay current with advancements in agricultural engineering, water management, and irrigation technology.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering with an agricultural focus, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in designing and implementing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) for designing irrigation layouts and systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water resource management principles.
• Knowledge of various irrigation techniques and technologies.
• Experience with pump selection, pipe sizing, and water flow calculations.
• Ability to conduct site surveys and analyze technical data.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural practices and water management regulations is a plus.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on significant agricultural infrastructure projects in Richards Bay.
• Professional development opportunities and potential for career advancement.
• Access to cutting-edge irrigation technology and tools.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Contribution to sustainable agriculture and water resource management.