Irrigation Systems Engineer

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle provided for field-tri

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation Systems Engineer for hands-on field work in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design, install, and maintain advanced irrigation systems for large-scale farming operations, collaborating with farmers and agronomists.

The role requires a strong engineering background, hydraulics expertise, and a commitment to sustainable water management in arid regions. Expect extensive field presence and regional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with irrigation specialization.
• 5+ years designing, installing, and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong hydraulics/ water management knowledge.
• Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD, ReHydrator).

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) for client sites.
• Conduct site assessments and soil/water evaluations to inform design.
• Oversee installation and commissioning per specs and quality standards.
• Develop irrigation scheduling based on crop needs, weather, and soil moisture.
• Provide technical support for pumps, pipes, emitters, and controllers.
• Maintain and optimize irrigation infrastructure and maintenance programs.
• Educate clients and farm staff on operation and best practices.
• Stay updated on irrigation tech, automation, and water conservation.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate irrigation with farm management.

Skills

Hydraulics

Water management

Soil-water relations

Project design

Pumps & controllers

Site assessment

Client communication

Field work

Education

Bachelors in Agricultural/Mechanical/Civil Eng (irrigation)

Tools

AutoCAD

ReHydrator

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading provider of advanced agricultural solutions, specializing in water management and irrigation technologies designed to optimize crop yields and promote water conservation. We are seeking a highly skilled Irrigation Systems Engineer to join our team in Upington, Northern Cape . This is a hands-on role requiring significant field presence to design, install, manage, and maintain sophisticated irrigation systems for large-scale agricultural operations. You will work closely with farmers and agronomists to develop customized irrigation plans that meet specific crop needs and environmental conditions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong engineering background, a deep understanding of hydraulics, water management principles, and a passion for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring efficient water use and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and pivot systems, tailored to client needs and site-specific conditions.
• Conduct site assessments, soil analysis, and water resource evaluations to inform irrigation system design.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.
• Develop irrigation scheduling strategies based on crop water requirements, weather data, and soil moisture monitoring.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for existing irrigation systems, addressing issues related to pumps, pipes, emitters, and control systems.
• Manage maintenance programs for irrigation infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Educate clients and farm staff on the operation and best practices for utilizing their irrigation systems effectively.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in irrigation technology, automation, and water conservation techniques.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and water usage policies.
• Collaborate with agronomists and other technical experts to integrate irrigation solutions with broader farm management practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, installing, and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics, fluid dynamics, and water management principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software for irrigation system design (e.g., AutoCAD, ReHydrator).
• Experience with various irrigation methods (drip, sprinkler, pivot) and associated technologies (pumps, filters, controllers).
• Understanding of soil-plant-water relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with clients and field teams.
• Willingness to work extensively in field conditions across the Northern Cape region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work on impactful water management projects in a key agricultural region.
• Access to modern irrigation technologies and equipment.
• Company vehicle provided for field travel.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Contribution to sustainable agriculture and water conservation.