Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems Specialist

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage and provident fund

Annual performance bonuses

Access to modern equipment and tech

Professional training and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Agricultural Engineer specializing in irrigation in the Tembisa area, Gauteng. You will design, implement, and maintain efficient irrigation solutions across farming operations, focusing on water resource management and crop productivity.

The role requires hydrological expertise and familiarity with AutoCAD, IrriCAD, and GIS, along with strong problem-solving and teamwork skills. Willingness to relocate to the vicinity of Tembisa is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with water focus), or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, soil-water-plant relationships, and water resource management.
• Proficiency with irrigation design software (AutoCAD, IrriCAD) and GIS tools.
• Experience with pump selection, system calibration, and water flow measurement.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good communication skills with farm staff, suppliers, and management.
• Must reside in or relocate near Tembisa, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan advanced irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot) tailored to crops and soils.
• Supervise installation and commissioning of irrigation infrastructure.
• Maintain and assess existing irrigation systems for optimal performance.
• Analyze water usage data and recommend efficiency improvements.
• Troubleshoot irrigation equipment and water delivery issues.
• Collaborate with farm managers and agronomists to integrate irrigation with crop management.
• Stay updated on irrigation technologies and environmental regulations.
• Develop training materials and conduct staff workshops on irrigation operation.

Skills

Problem solving

Independent work

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Civil Engineering (water focus)

Tools

AutoCAD

IrriCAD

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural enterprise focused on optimizing water usage, is seeking a dedicated Agricultural Engineer with a specialization in irrigation systems. This role is critical for designing, implementing, and maintaining efficient and sustainable irrigation solutions across various farming operations in the Tembisa area. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring optimal water resource management, contributing to increased crop yields and reduced environmental impact. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute to innovative agricultural practices in a hands‑on capacity. You will be involved in projects that leverage technology to enhance water efficiency and farm productivity. The position requires a deep understanding of hydrological principles and modern irrigation technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan advanced irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems, tailored to specific crop and soil requirements.
• Supervise the installation and commissioning of new irrigation infrastructure.
• Conduct regular assessments and maintenance of existing irrigation systems to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues.
• Analyze water usage data and recommend strategies for efficiency improvements and water conservation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems related to irrigation equipment and water delivery.
• Collaborate with farm managers and agronomists to integrate irrigation strategies with overall crop management plans.
• Stay updated on emerging irrigation technologies, best practices, and relevant environmental regulations.
• Develop training materials and conduct workshops for farm staff on the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with water focus), or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in the design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, soil-water-plant relationships, and water resource management.
• Proficiency with irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, IrriCAD) and GIS tools.
• Experience with pump selection, system calibration, and water flow measurement is essential.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills for liaising with farm staff, suppliers, and management.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the vicinity of Tembisa , Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and benefits, including comprehensive medical coverage, a provident fund, and annual performance bonuses.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a company committed to sustainable agriculture.
• Access to modern equipment and technology, and the chance to lead impactful projects.
• Supportive work environment that values innovation and practical expertise.
• Subsidized site visits.
• Continuous professional training sessions.