Agricultural Systems Engineer - Irrigation & Water Management

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund contribution

Company vehicle

Bonuses

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced Agricultural Systems Engineer specialized in irrigation and water management. You will design, implement, and optimize advanced irrigation systems using smart sensors, automation and data analytics to enhance crop productivity across diverse settings.

The role requires a strong engineering background with at least 6 years in irrigation design and water management, plus knowledge of hydraulics, water resource principles, and willingness

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering field is required.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in agricultural systems engineering focusing on irrigation design and water management.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software and understanding of hydraulics and water resources.
• Experience with smart irrigation technologies, automation, and sensor networks.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot) for diverse crops.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Select irrigation equipment, pumps, and control systems.
• Develop water management plans with scheduling and optimization based on crop needs.
• Implement and calibrate sensor networks for soil moisture, weather, and flow monitoring.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of irrigation systems.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing irrigation infrastructure.
• Analyze system performance data to identify improvements and water savings.
• Ensure compliance with water regulations and environmental standards.

Skills

Irrigation design

Automation & sensor networks

Hydraulics & water resources

Analytical & problem-solving

Communication & project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Eng./Civil/Mechanical

Tools

AutoCAD

Irrigation scheduling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent agricultural technology company seeking an experienced Agricultural Systems Engineer specializing in irrigation and water management solutions for their operations in Benoni, Gauteng. This role involves designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use and enhance crop productivity across various agricultural settings. You will work with cutting-edge technologies, including smart sensors, automation, and data analytics, to develop tailored water management strategies. The successful candidate will collaborate with farm managers, agronomists, and project teams to deliver sustainable and cost-effective solutions. This position requires a strong engineering background combined with a practical understanding of agricultural needs and water resource management. You will be instrumental in troubleshooting system issues, conducting field assessments, and providing technical support to ensure the optimal performance of irrigation infrastructure. We are looking for a problem-solver with excellent analytical skills and a commitment to water conservation in agriculture. The challenge involves designing systems that are both efficient and adaptable to diverse geographical and climatic conditions. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact on resource management and agricultural sustainability in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and engineering efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot) for diverse agricultural applications.
• Conducting site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Selecting appropriate irrigation equipment, pumps, and control systems.
• Developing water management plans, including scheduling and optimization based on crop needs and water availability.
• Implementing and calibrating sensor networks for soil moisture, weather, and water flow monitoring.
• Overseeing the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems.
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting for existing irrigation infrastructure.
• Analyzing system performance data to identify areas for improvement and water savings.
• Ensuring compliance with water use regulations and environmental standards.
• Collaborating with research institutions to explore innovative water management technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in agricultural systems engineering, with a focus on irrigation design and water management.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, irrigation scheduling software).
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water resource management principles.
• Experience with smart irrigation technologies, automation, and sensor networks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conduct field assessments and provide technical recommendations.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Familiarity with South African water legislation and agricultural practices is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to R per annum.
• Comprehensive medical aid benefits.
• Pension fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced irrigation technologies.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.
• Work on impactful projects contributing to agricultural sustainability.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Generous annual leave.
• Access to cutting-edge engineering tools and resources.
• Performance-based bonuses.