Irrigation Specialist - Upington

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly skilled Irrigation Specialist to manage and optimise water use for agricultural operations around Upington in the arid Northern Cape. You will design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced irrigation systems to promote sustainable farming practices and conserve water.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Irrigation Technology or Agricultural Engineering with at least five years of hands-on experience and proficiency in irrigation design software.

Qualifications

• A degree or technical certification in Irrigation Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing and maintaining agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in irrigation system design software and techniques.
• Strong understanding of soil types, plant water requirements, and hydrology.
• Experience with troubleshooting electrical and mechanical components of irrigation systems.
• Ability to work independently and remotely, with strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and oversee the installation of new irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, etc.).
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of all irrigation infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions promptly to minimize water loss and crop stress.
• Monitor soil moisture levels and weather data to schedule irrigation effectively and conserve water.
• Implement and manage water‑saving technologies and strategies, such as smart irrigation controllers .
• Maintain detailed records of water usage, system performance, and maintenance activities.

Skills

Irrigation design

Soil-water relationships

Hydrology

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Remote work capability

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Irrigation Technology or Agricultural Engineering

Tools

Irrigation design software

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking a highly skilled Irrigation Specialist to manage and optimize water usage for their agricultural operations in the arid region surrounding Upington . This role is vital for ensuring efficient water management, supporting crop health, and promoting sustainable farming practices in an area where water is a precious resource. You will be responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of advanced irrigation systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in irrigation technologies, a deep understanding of soil-water relationships, and the ability to implement water-saving solutions. Contribute to the success of our client's agricultural endeavors by ensuring optimal water delivery and conservation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and oversee the installation of new irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, etc.).
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of all irrigation infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions promptly to minimize water loss and crop stress.
• Monitor soil moisture levels and weather data to schedule irrigation effectively and conserve water.
• Implement and manage water‑saving technologies and strategies, such as smart irrigation controllers .
• Maintain detailed records of water usage, system performance, and maintenance activities.

Requirements

• A degree or technical certification in Irrigation Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing and maintaining agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in irrigation system design software and techniques.
• Strong understanding of soil types, plant water requirements, and hydrology.
• Experience with troubleshooting electrical and mechanical components of irrigation systems.
• Ability to work independently and remotely, with strong problem‑solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Allowance for travel and expenses related to site visits in the Northern Cape .
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Access to specialized training and industry conferences.
• Opportunity to work with cutting‑edge irrigation technology in a challenging environment.