Irrigation and Water Management Specialist

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation and Water Management Specialist to support operations in Upington, Northern Cape. The role combines field site visits with remote planning and client coordination under a hybrid work model.

The ideal candidate has a background in agricultural engineering or related fields and at least four years of hands-on irrigation experience, with strong hydraulics knowledge and proficiency in irrigation software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agronomy, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years hands-on experience in irrigation system design and management.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, water flow, and irrigation scheduling.
• Familiar with irrigation technologies and water management software.
• Experience in arid or semi-arid regions preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and field coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot).
• Assess soil types, topography, and crop water needs for optimal strategies.
• Monitor water usage, system performance, and crop health.
• Implement water conservation measures and technologies to reduce usage.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm staff on irrigation operation.

Skills

Hydraulic principles

Irrigation scheduling

Problem solving

Communication

Self-management

Site coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agronomy, or related field

Tools

Irrigation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural services provider, is seeking an Irrigation and Water Management Specialist to join their team, serving operations in the Upington, Northern Cape, ZA region. This role utilizes a hybrid work model, requiring regular site visits and field assessments in addition to remote planning, analysis, and client communication. The specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use and maximum crop yield, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of hydraulics, soil science, crop water requirements, and water conservation techniques within the Agriculture & Forestry context. You will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainable use of water resources, a vital element for agricultural success in the Northern Cape, ZA. The ideal candidate is a practical problem-solver with expertise in modern irrigation technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain efficient irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, pivot) for various agricultural applications.
• Assess soil types, topography, and crop water needs to determine optimal irrigation strategies.
• Monitor water usage, system performance, and crop health to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement water conservation measures and technologies to reduce water consumption.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions promptly.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm staff on irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Conduct site assessments and develop water management plans for agricultural operations.
• Stay current with advancements in irrigation technology, water management practices, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farm managers, and clients to ensure effective water use.
• Prepare reports on water usage, system efficiency, and recommendations for optimization.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agronomy, or a related field within Agriculture & Forestry.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in designing, installing, and managing irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic principles, water flow dynamics, and irrigation scheduling.
• Familiarity with a range of irrigation technologies and water management software.
• Experience working in arid or semi-arid agricultural regions is highly desirable.
• Understanding of crop water requirements and soil-plant-water relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for client and staff interaction.
• Ability to work independently and manage field operations effectively.
• A valid driver's license is essential for frequent site visits.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of field and remote work flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and specialized training in water management technologies.
• Contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in water-scarce regions.
• Work with a leading provider of agricultural solutions in the Agriculture & Forestry sector.
• Company vehicle provided for business-related travel.
• Health and retirement benefits.
• Direct impact on improving agricultural productivity through efficient water use.