Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Travel allowances

Hybrid role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Engineer specializing in irrigation for a Polokwane-based role. The position combines field assessments and installations with a hybrid capacity for design work, data analysis, and reporting.

You will lead the design of drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot systems, perform feasibility studies, produce drawings and cost estimates, and oversee installation. Travel across Limpopo will be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering with a focus on irrigation.
• Minimum 6 years' experience designing and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, soil physics and crop water requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot) for crops.
• Conduct site assessments, water resource evaluations and feasibility studies.
• Prepare detailed design drawings, specs, and cost estimates.
• Oversee installation and commissioning, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Troubleshoot and optimize irrigation for water use efficiency.
• Develop water management plans including scheduling and monitoring.
• Train farmers and staff on operation and maintenance.
• Collaborate with agronomists and project stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports and progress updates.

Skills

Hydraulics

Irrigation design

Project management

Fieldwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural development consultancy, is seeking a skilled Agricultural Engineer with specialization in Irrigation Systems. This position is based in Polokwane, Limpopo , a region with significant agricultural potential and diverse water management needs. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of efficient and sustainable irrigation solutions for a variety of agricultural projects. This role requires a blend of technical engineering expertise and practical understanding of agricultural water requirements. While the role is primarily field-based for assessments and installations, analysis, design, and reporting will be conducted in a hybrid capacity, allowing for remote work on specific tasks. We are looking for an innovative engineer passionate about water conservation and agricultural productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, center pivot) tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.
• Conduct site assessments, water resource evaluations, and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Prepare detailed design drawings, specifications, and cost estimations for irrigation infrastructure.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring quality and compliance with designs.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing irrigation systems to improve water use efficiency and crop yields.
• Develop and implement water management plans, including scheduling and monitoring strategies.
• Conduct training for farmers and farm staff on the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in irrigation technology, water management practices, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and other project stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation, and progress updates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on irrigation.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the design, implementation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in using CAD software for irrigation system design (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, hydrology, soil physics, and crop water requirements.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and their applications.
• Knowledge of water resource management and conservation techniques.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for client and team interactions.
• Willingness to travel extensively within Limpopo and surrounding regions for field assignments.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, retirement plan contributions, and allowances for travel expenses. This hybrid role provides a flexible working arrangement, balancing on-site project work with remote technical analysis and design tasks. Employees have access to advanced design software and continuous professional development opportunities. You will work on impactful projects contributing to water security and agricultural development in a vital region. Join a team of dedicated professionals committed to sustainable agricultural practices.