Agricultural Systems Engineer - Irrigation & Water Management

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Cutting-edge design tools

Impactful projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Agricultural Systems Engineer based in Sandton, Gauteng, to design, implement, and optimize advanced irrigation systems for farms across the province. You will work with clients to assess water needs and ensure operation of water management technologies using hydraulics, hydrology, and soil-plant-water insights.

The role requires a 6+ year track record, a water-focused engineering degree, CAD proficiency, and strong project management and client collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (water focus), or related field.
• 6+ years designing and implementing agricultural irrigation systems and water management projects.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, soil-plant-water relationships, and irrigation scheduling methods.
• Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD) and relevant hydraulic modeling software.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and pumping systems; travel across Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot) tailored to crop and soil requirements.
• Conduct hydrological assessments and water resource analyses for agricultural projects.
• Develop plans for water harvesting, storage, and distribution systems.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation infrastructure.
• Provide technical support and training on operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing irrigation systems to improve water use efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
• Evaluate and recommend new irrigation technologies and water management practices.
• Prepare technical specifications, drawings, and project proposals.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and farm managers to integrate water management strategies.

Skills

Hydraulics

Hydrology

Soil-plant-water relationships

Irrigation scheduling

CAD software

Hydraulic modeling

Project management

Client collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Eng (water focus)

Tools

AutoCAD

Hydraulic modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural engineering firm in Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Systems Engineer specializing in irrigation and water management. Based in the Sandton area, this role is pivotal in designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced irrigation systems for farms across the province. You will work with clients to assess water needs, design efficient and sustainable irrigation solutions, and ensure the effective operation of water management technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in agricultural engineering, fluid dynamics, hydrology, and a deep understanding of modern irrigation technologies. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer to contribute to water security and agricultural productivity in Gauteng , utilizing innovative solutions for farms in and around Sandton .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot) tailored to specific crop and soil requirements.
• Conduct hydrological assessments and water resource analyses for agricultural projects.
• Develop plans for water harvesting, storage, and distribution systems.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation infrastructure.
• Provide technical support and training on the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing irrigation systems to improve water use efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
• Evaluate and recommend new irrigation technologies and water management practices.
• Prepare technical specifications, drawings, and project proposals.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and farm managers to integrate water management strategies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with water focus), or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in designing and implementing agricultural irrigation systems and water management projects.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, soil-plant-water relationships, and irrigation scheduling methods.
• Proficiency in using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and relevant hydraulic modeling software.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and pumping systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients and teams.
• Familiarity with water resource management challenges and policies in Gauteng .
• A valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites across the province.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration is a strong advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with performance bonuses. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training courses and industry conferences, are encouraged. Employees will have access to cutting-edge design tools and work on impactful projects contributing to agricultural sustainability in Sandton and across Gauteng . Our client fosters a culture of innovation and technical excellence in agricultural engineering.