Irrigation Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Irrigation Specialist to optimize water use in Welkom, Free State. You will design, install and maintain irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water application and crop yields.

Responsibilities include overseeing pumps and pivots, reading schematics, and advising on best practices for sustainable water management in agriculture. A hands-on role with opportunities for field training and growth.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to design, install and maintain agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, soil water requirements and crop needs.
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and site plans.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and implement irrigation solutions tailored to crop needs and soil conditions.
• Oversee installation of pumps, pipes, sprinklers, drip systems and pivots.
• Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance on irrigation equipment.
• Monitor water usage, soil moisture and weather to adjust schedules and conserve water.
• Troubleshoot faults promptly to minimize crop stress and water loss.
• Advise farm management on best practices and technology adoption.

Skills

Irrigation design

Hydraulics

Soil science

Reading schematics

Education

Technical qualification in irrigation or agricultural engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a qualified Irrigation Specialist to manage and optimize water usage for agricultural operations in Welkom, Free State . This role is critical for ensuring efficient water application, maximizing crop yields, and promoting water conservation. You will be responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various irrigation systems. This is a hands-on position for an individual with a strong technical background in irrigation technologies and a commitment to sustainable water management practices in a key agricultural region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and implement efficient irrigation systems tailored to specific crop needs and soil conditions.
• Oversee the installation and setup of new irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, pipes, and sprinkler/drip systems.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of existing irrigation equipment to ensure optimal performance and prevent breakdowns.
• Monitor water usage, soil moisture levels, and weather patterns to adjust irrigation schedules and conserve water resources.
• Troubleshoot and repair faults in irrigation systems promptly to minimize crop stress and water loss.
• Advise farm management on best practices for water management and irrigation technology adoption.

Requirements

• Proven experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of agricultural irrigation systems .
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, soil science, and crop water requirements.
• Proficiency with various irrigation technologies, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and site plans.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude for repairs.
• A relevant technical qualification or certification in irrigation or agricultural engineering is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary based on experience and expertise.
• Provision of a reliable vehicle for site visits and fieldwork.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Training opportunities to stay updated with the latest irrigation technologies and water management techniques.
• A key role in promoting water efficiency in a critical agricultural province.