Irrigation Specialist - Water Management

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle and tools provided for

fieldwork.

Comprehensive health and retirement (p

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation Specialist to manage water resources for agricultural operations in the Vereeniging area. You will design, install, maintain and operate irrigation infrastructure, using hydraulics and soil-water expertise to optimize crop growth while conserving water.

The role requires a diploma/degree in irrigation-related field and at least 4 years of hands-on experience in irrigation design and maintenance, with strong field autonomy and knowledge of water conservation

Qualifications

• Diploma/degree in irrigation-related field.
• At least 4 years in irrigation design and maintenance.
• Knowledge of water conservation and irrigation scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and oversee installation of new irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Maintain and repair pumps, pipelines, filters, and emitters.
• Monitor soil moisture and crop water needs to set irrigation schedules.
• Implement water management strategies ensuring efficient use and regulatory compliance.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions and perform timely corrective actions.
• Evaluate new irrigation technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Skills

Irrigation design

Hydraulics

Soil-water dynamics

Field inspection

Education

B Tech Agricultural Engineering

Diploma in Irrigation

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Pumps & valves

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a knowledgeable and practical Irrigation Specialist to manage and optimize water resources for agricultural operations in the Vereeniging area. This role is critical for ensuring efficient and effective irrigation systems that support optimal crop growth while conserving water. You will be responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of irrigation infrastructure, employing advanced techniques and technologies. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of hydraulics, soil-water relationships, and water-efficient farming practices within the local context.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and oversee the installation of new irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Maintain and repair existing irrigation infrastructure, including pumps, pipelines, filters, and emitters.
• Monitor soil moisture levels and crop water requirements to determine optimal irrigation schedules.
• Implement and manage water management strategies to ensure efficient water use and compliance with regulations.
• Troubleshoot irrigation system malfunctions and implement timely corrective actions.
• Evaluate and recommend new irrigation technologies and methods to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in agricultural irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance.
• Strong understanding of soil-water dynamics, plant physiology, and crop water needs.
• Proficiency with various irrigation technologies and equipment.
• Knowledge of water conservation techniques and sustainable water management practices.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in the field around Vereeniging.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Company vehicle and tools provided for fieldwork.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Training opportunities in the latest irrigation technologies and water conservation methods.
• A vital role in promoting water security and efficient agriculture.