Irrigation Systems Engineer - Agricultural Focus

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Impactful projects in water-scarce env

Cutting-edge irrigation tech exposure

Flexible project-based assignments

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Irrigation Systems Engineer to support Upington-based agricultural projects. You will design, install, optimize, and maintain advanced irrigation systems including drip, pivot, and micro-sprinkler configurations.

You will lead site assessments, feasibility studies, and system commissioning while ensuring efficient water use and crop health. Travel to project sites will be required as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (water focus), or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in design, implementation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• In-depth knowledge of irrigation principles, hydraulics, soil-plant-water relationships, and water management technologies.
• Proficiency with irrigation design software (AutoCAD, Irri-Plan, Argus) and hydraulic calculations.
• Experience with sensor technology, SCADA systems, and irrigation automation is highly desirable.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work with clients and technical teams.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and Northern Cape Upington water challenges.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems tailored to crops, soil, and water availability.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new projects.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of irrigation systems to design specs.
• Optimize existing systems for water use efficiency and distribution.
• Develop irrigation scheduling strategies based on crop needs, weather, and soil moisture.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with pumps, filters, and controllers.
• Provide training and support to farm managers on system management.
• Stay updated on new irrigation tech and automation solutions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for installations and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations and environmental best practices.

Skills

Irrigation design

Hydraulics

SCADA

Project management

Client liaison

Education

BEng/CE with water focus

Tools

AutoCAD

Irri-Plan

Argus

SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural technology and water management solutions provider, is seeking an experienced Irrigation Systems Engineer to support their operations and clients in the Upington, Northern Cape region. This role focuses on the design, installation, optimization, and maintenance of advanced irrigation systems for large-scale agricultural projects, particularly in water-scarce environments. The engineer will be responsible for assessing client needs, developing efficient irrigation designs (drip, pivot, micro-sprinkler), overseeing implementation, and providing technical support to ensure optimal water use and crop health. A strong understanding of hydrology, soil science, crop water requirements, and relevant technologies (e.g., sensors, automation, SCADA) is essential. You will play a crucial role in helping farmers maximize their water resources and improve crop yields sustainably. We are looking for a technically proficient and problem-solving individual with excellent project management and client liaison skills. Your expertise will be vital in addressing the unique water management challenges faced by agriculture in the arid Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) tailored to specific crop types, soil conditions, and water availability.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.
• Optimize existing irrigation systems for improved water use efficiency, energy conservation, and uniform water distribution.
• Develop and implement irrigation scheduling strategies based on crop water requirements, weather data, and soil moisture monitoring.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to irrigation system components, pumps, filters, and controllers.
• Provide technical training and support to farm managers and operators on irrigation system management and maintenance.
• Stay abreast of new irrigation technologies, water conservation techniques, and automation solutions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for irrigation installations and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with relevant water use regulations and environmental best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with water focus), or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, implementation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• In-depth knowledge of irrigation principles, hydraulics, soil-plant-water relationships, and water management technologies.
• Proficiency with irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Irri-Plan, Argus) and hydraulic calculations.
• Experience with sensor technology, SCADA systems, and irrigation automation is highly desirable.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients and technical teams.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and water challenges in the Northern Cape region, particularly around Upington.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate commensurate with expertise and experience.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects in water-scarce agricultural environments.
• Exposure to cutting-edge irrigation technologies and sustainable water management practices.
• Flexible work arrangements and project-based assignments.
• Contribution to food security and agricultural sustainability in a critical region.
• Professional development opportunities in agricultural engineering and water resource management.