Irrigation Systems Designer & Technician

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 400,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Fuel allowance

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Mpumalanga is seeking an Irrigation Systems Designer & Technician to design, implement, and maintain efficient irrigation for farms. You will assess client needs, design drip, sprinkler, or center-pivot systems, select components, and oversee installation.

You will troubleshoot, optimize water use, and provide training and support to clients. A strong background in hydraulics, soil–water relationships, and crop water requirements is essential, along with willingness to travel to

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree with irrigation focus.
• Minimum 3 years designing, installing, and maintaining irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, IrriCAD).
• Strong hydraulics, pump selection and water flow knowledge.
• Understanding of drip, sprinkler and pivot irrigation methods.
• Knowledge of soil–plant–water relationships and crop water needs.
• Willingness to travel to farm sites around Nelspruit and hold a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer irrigation systems based on client needs and site conditions.
• Select components: pumps, pipes, emitters, filters, and controls.
• Prepare detailed design plans, schematics and cost estimates.
• Supervise installation and ensure adherence to design specs.
• Conduct site assessments and soil analyses to inform design.
• Troubleshoot and repair existing irrigation systems.
• Provide training and technical support on operation and maintenance.
• Ensure water conservation compliance and promote best practices.
• Stay updated on irrigation technologies and materials.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to optimize scheduling.

Skills

Problem-solving

Field troubleshooting

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's in Agricultural/Civil/Mechanical Eng (irrigation)

Tools

AutoCAD

IrriCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural services provider in the **Nelspruit** region, is seeking a skilled Irrigation Systems Designer & Technician. This role is essential for developing, implementing, and maintaining efficient and sustainable irrigation solutions for farms and agricultural operations. You will be responsible for assessing client needs, designing tailored irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot), selecting appropriate components, overseeing installation, and providing ongoing technical support and troubleshooting. A strong understanding of hydraulics, water management principles, soil science, and crop water requirements is crucial. This position requires a blend of technical design expertise and hands-on field capability to ensure optimal water use efficiency and crop health for clients in the Mpumalanga agricultural heartland.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems based on client requirements, site conditions, and crop needs.
• Select appropriate irrigation components, including pumps, pipes, emitters, filters, and control systems.
• Prepare detailed design plans, schematics, and cost estimates for irrigation projects.
• Supervise and manage the installation of irrigation systems, ensuring quality and adherence to design specifications.
• Conduct site assessments and soil analysis to inform irrigation design.
• Troubleshoot and repair existing irrigation systems, identifying and resolving technical issues.
• Provide training and technical support to clients on system operation and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with water conservation regulations and promote best practices in water management.
• Stay updated on the latest irrigation technologies, materials, and techniques.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to optimize irrigation scheduling and water application.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on irrigation.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in designing, installing, and maintaining irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in CAD software for irrigation system design (e.g., AutoCAD, IrriCAD).
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, pump selection, and water flow dynamics.
• Knowledge of different irrigation methods (drip, sprinkler, pivot) and their applications.
• Familiarity with soil-plant-water relationships and crop water requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients.
• Willingness to travel regularly to farm sites in and around Nelspruit.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting your skills and experience, along with benefits such as a company vehicle, fuel allowance, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund. You will have the opportunity to work on diverse and impactful projects that contribute to efficient water use in agriculture. Continuous training on new irrigation technologies and professional development opportunities are provided. Enjoy a dynamic work environment with regular client interaction and site visits within the beautiful Nelspruit region. Join a reputable company dedicated to supporting agricultural productivity through innovative water management solutions.