Agricultural Engineer – Irrigation Systems Designer

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based incentives

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and training

Exposure to innovative irrigation tech

Company vehicles for business travel

Leave allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Engineer (Irrigation) in Gauteng to design, implement, and maintain advanced irrigation systems for large-scale farms. The role emphasizes water efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and collaboration with farm managers and agronomists.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Agricultural or Civil Engineering, 5+ years in irrigation design, and strong CAD skills (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering.
• 5+ years designing/managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong hydraulics, fluid mechanics and soil–water–plant relations knowledge.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Experience with irrigation technologies and water management.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center-pivot).
• Conduct site assessments based on topography, soil and crop water needs.
• Calculate water flow rates, pressures and system capacity for new/existing installs.
• Select pumps, pipes, valves and irrigation components.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of irrigation systems.
• Develop maintenance schedules for irrigation infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot irrigation system performance issues.
• Ensure compliance with water usage regulations and conservation strategies.
• Create detailed designs using CAD software and schematics.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to align irrigation with crop goals.

Skills

Hydraulics

Project management

Analytical thinking

On-site supervision

Teamwork & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural enterprise operating in Tembisa, Gauteng , is actively seeking a skilled Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in irrigation systems. This role is critical to ensuring efficient water resource management across extensive farming operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced irrigation solutions tailored to diverse crop needs and environmental conditions. This position demands a blend of technical expertise, practical problem-solving, and a deep understanding of hydraulics and soil-water dynamics. You will contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by optimizing water use efficiency, thereby reducing operational costs and environmental impact. The role involves significant site work, collaborating closely with farm managers and technical teams. We are looking for an innovative engineer who can adapt to evolving agricultural technologies and contribute to the long-term success of our client's operations in Gauteng, South Africa . This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a tangible impact in a vital industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and planning efficient irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot systems.
• Conducting site assessments to determine optimal system layouts based on topography, soil type, and crop water requirements.
• Calculating water flow rates, pressure, and system capacity for new and existing installations.
• Selecting appropriate pumps, pipes, valves, and other irrigation components.
• Overseeing the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems.
• Developing and implementing maintenance schedules for all irrigation infrastructure.
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to irrigation system performance.
• Ensuring compliance with water usage regulations and promoting water conservation strategies.
• Utilizing CAD software for creating detailed irrigation system designs and schematics.
• Collaborating with agronomists and farm managers to align irrigation strategies with crop production goals.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and soil-water-plant relationships.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) for design work.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and water management techniques.
• Knowledge of pump selection, system optimization, and water distribution networks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to conduct field assessments and provide technical guidance on-site.
• A valid driver's license is essential for travel within Gauteng .

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary package.
• Performance-based incentives and potential for project bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
• Exposure to innovative irrigation technologies and large-scale agricultural projects.
• A stable and supportive work environment within a reputable company.
• Contribution to sustainable agriculture and water resource management in South Africa .
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to company vehicles for business-related travel.
• Supportive management and a team-oriented culture.