Irrigation Engineer - Water Resource Management for Agriculture

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and incentives

Comprehensive health insurance and退休/"

Generous leave and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Travel allowances for fieldwork

Exposure to cutting-edge irrigation技術

Hybrid work model with flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Irrigation Engineer to design, implement, and manage efficient irrigation systems in Upington, Northern Cape. You will oversee site assessments, installations, and performance optimization to conserve water in arid environments.

The role requires a strong engineering background, proficiency in AutoCAD and irrigation software, and the ability to work across field and remote design activities. Hybrid schedule with travel to client sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in irrigation design, implementation, and management, preferably in an agricultural context.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, IrriPro, DHI-Water) and hydraulic principles.
• Strong understanding of water resources management, hydrology, and soil-water-plant relationships.
• Experience with various irrigation technologies and water conservation strategies.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse clients.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment, including site visits.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and water challenges in the Northern Cape region is a significant advantage.
• Professional registration with a relevant engineering body is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan efficient irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems, tailored to specific crop and soil requirements.
• Conduct site assessments to determine suitability for different irrigation methods and water source analysis.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.
• Develop water management plans to optimize water use efficiency and minimize waste.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to irrigation systems.
• Utilize software for hydraulic calculations, system design, and water balance modeling.
• Provide technical training and support to farmers and farm managers on irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in irrigation technology, water conservation techniques, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and other specialists on integrated water resource management projects.
• Prepare technical reports, project proposals, and cost estimates for irrigation projects.

Skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

IrriPro

DHI-Water

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural technology and consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Irrigation Engineer to join their team in **Upington, Northern Cape, ZA**. This role is critical in designing, implementing, and managing efficient irrigation systems that optimize water use in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like the **Northern Cape**. You will work on projects ranging from large-scale commercial farms to smaller agricultural developments, ensuring sustainable water resource management. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining site assessments, installation oversight, and client meetings in the **Upington** area with remote design, planning, and data analysis. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, expertise in irrigation technologies, and a commitment to water conservation in agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan efficient irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems, tailored to specific crop and soil requirements.


• Conduct site assessments to determine suitability for different irrigation methods and water source analysis.


• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.


• Develop water management plans to optimize water use efficiency and minimize waste.


• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to irrigation systems.


• Utilize software for hydraulic calculations, system design, and water balance modeling.


• Provide technical training and support to farmers and farm managers on irrigation system operation and maintenance.


• Stay updated on the latest advancements in irrigation technology, water conservation techniques, and relevant regulations.


• Collaborate with agronomists, environmental scientists, and other specialists on integrated water resource management projects.


• Prepare technical reports, project proposals, and cost estimates for irrigation projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in irrigation design, implementation, and management, preferably in an agricultural context.


• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, IrriPro, DHI-Water) and hydraulic principles.


• Strong understanding of water resources management, hydrology, and soil-water-plant relationships.


• Experience with various irrigation technologies and water conservation strategies.


• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse clients.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment, including site visits.


• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and water challenges in the **Northern Cape** region is a significant advantage.


• Professional registration with a relevant engineering body is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.


• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.


• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.


• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.


• Travel allowances and support for field assignments.


• Exposure to cutting-edge agricultural water management technologies.


• Supportive and innovative work environment.


• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.