Irrigation Systems Engineer

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid coverage

Retirement fund

Professional development including TCP

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks an experienced Irrigation Systems Engineer to design, install, and optimize large-scale irrigation projects across Gauteng. You will apply hydraulics knowledge and modern software to improve water use and crop yields while collaborating with farmers, agronomists, and project managers.

You will evaluate site conditions, select equipment, oversee installation, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil/Mechanical with water management specialization.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in design, installation and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (AutoCAD, IrriCAD, CropManage or similar).
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, soil science, and crop water requirements.
• Knowledge of SA regulations and irrigation system components is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed plans for drip, sprinkler, pivot, and subsurface irrigation systems.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new projects.
• Specify and select appropriate irrigation equipment, materials and components.
• Oversee installation and commissioning, ensuring design compliance and quality.
• Troubleshoot existing systems and implement repairs and upgrades.
• Conduct performance testing to optimize water use and energy efficiency.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including drawings and manuals.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors and internal teams for successful delivery.
• Stay updated with advancements in irrigation technology and regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to field staff and clients.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil/Mechanical with water management specialization

Tools

AutoCAD

IrriCAD

CropManage

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural technology firm, is seeking a skilled Irrigation Systems Engineer to join their team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced irrigation systems for large-scale agricultural projects across the region. The successful candidate will leverage engineering principles and cutting-edge technology to enhance water efficiency, improve crop yields, and promote sustainable land management practices. This position requires a blend of theoretical knowledge in hydraulics and fluid dynamics, practical experience with irrigation hardware, and proficiency in relevant design software. The engineer will work closely with farmers, agronomists, and project managers to deliver tailored irrigation solutions that meet diverse agricultural needs. This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of agricultural water management innovation in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed plans for various irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, pivot, and subsurface systems, considering soil type, topography, crop water requirements, and water source availability.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Specify and select appropriate irrigation equipment, materials, and components.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues with existing irrigation systems, recommending and implementing repairs and upgrades.
• Conduct performance testing and monitoring of irrigation systems to optimize water use efficiency and energy consumption.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design drawings, specifications, operation manuals, and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay current with advancements in irrigation technology, water management practices, and relevant regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to field staff and clients on irrigation system operation and maintenance.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline with a specialization in water management or irrigation.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, IrriCAD, CropManage, or similar).
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, soil science, and crop water requirements.
• Knowledge of various irrigation system types, components, and control technologies.
• Experience with water resource assessment and management.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and interact with clients.
• Familiarity with South African agricultural conditions and water regulations is highly desirable.
• A professional engineering qualification (e.g., PrEng) is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• The benefits include comprehensive medical aid coverage, a retirement fund, and substantial opportunities for professional development, including attending international conferences and specialized training.
• This role provides exposure to innovative agricultural technologies and the chance to significantly impact water resource management in Gauteng .
• The hybrid work arrangement allows for a flexible balance between on-site project work and remote office tasks.