Irrigation Systems Engineer

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle and fuel allowance

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development and certs

Annual performance bonuses

Sustainable agriculture focus

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Irrigation Systems Engineer to design, implement, and manage efficient irrigation solutions for large-scale farms in Pietermaritzburg. The role focuses on drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot systems, with on-site duties across farms in the region.

You will assess water needs, prepare layouts, and oversee installation and maintenance to optimize yields and reduce costs. The ideal candidate has a strong hydraulics background, 6+ years of irrigation experience in agriculture,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with irrigation specialization.
• 6+ years designing and managing irrigation systems in agriculture.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and hydraulic modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot) for various crops and soils.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for irrigation projects.
• Prepare drawings, specs, and cost estimates for irrigation systems.
• Oversee procurement of materials and equipment.
• Supervise installation and commissioning of irrigation systems to spec.
• Troubleshoot pump, pipeline, and emitter issues and optimize performance.
• Develop maintenance schedules for irrigation infrastructure.
• Provide training and support to farm staff on operation and maintenance.
• Monitor water usage and system performance for optimization.
• Stay updated on irrigation tech, water management and regulations.

Skills

Hydraulics

Water resource management

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural/Civil/Mechanical Engineering with irrigation specialization

Tools

AutoCAD

Hydraulic modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural services provider in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a skilled Irrigation Systems Engineer to design, implement, and manage efficient and sustainable irrigation solutions for large-scale farms. This critical role requires a deep understanding of hydraulic principles, water resource management, and modern irrigation technologies, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing farm water needs, designing customized irrigation layouts, overseeing system installation, and ensuring optimal performance through ongoing monitoring and maintenance. This position is primarily on-site, requiring regular visits to farms across the Pietermaritzburg region and surrounding areas. We are looking for a technically proficient engineer with strong project management skills and a commitment to water conservation and agricultural productivity. You will play a key role in helping farmers optimize water use, improve crop yields, and reduce operational costs. The ideal candidate possesses excellent problem-solving abilities and can communicate effectively with farm managers and technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot, etc.) tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.


• Conduct site assessments, water resource evaluations, and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.


• Prepare detailed technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for irrigation systems.


• Oversee the procurement of materials and equipment for irrigation projects.


• Supervise the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.


• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to irrigation system performance, including pump, pipeline, and emitter problems.


• Develop and implement maintenance schedules to ensure the longevity and efficiency of irrigation infrastructure.


• Provide technical training and support to farm staff on system operation and maintenance.


• Monitor water usage and system performance, recommending adjustments for optimization and water conservation.


• Stay current with advancements in irrigation technology, water management techniques, and relevant regulations.

Requirements

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


• Minimum of 6 years of experience in designing, installing, and managing irrigation systems in an agricultural context.


• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, hydraulic modeling software).


• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water resource management.


• Knowledge of various irrigation system types, pumps, filtration, and control systems.


• Experience with project management methodologies and budget control.


• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for client and team interaction.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Valid driver's license is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.


• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.


• Retirement savings plan.


• Opportunities for professional development and certifications.


• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.


• Annual performance bonuses.


• Be part of a company committed to sustainable agriculture.