Irrigation Systems Engineer - Agricultural Infrastructure

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Provident fund

Opportunities for professional dev

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation Systems Engineer to design, implement and maintain efficient irrigation for large-scale agricultural projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role involves ensuring optimal water management and project delivery in field conditions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering with irrigation specialization and at least 6 years of relevant experience, with proficiency in AutoCAD, Irri-Maker and GIS. Pr Eng registration is an advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field with irrigation specialization.
• Minimum 6 years in design/installation/management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proven expertise in irrigation methods and water management techniques.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid dynamics and pump systems.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Irri-Maker and GIS tools.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot.
• Oversee installation and commissioning, ensuring design adherence.
• Conduct site assessments and evaluate system performance.
• Troubleshoot water pressure and distribution issues.
• Develop and implement water conservation strategies.
• Manage budgets and procurement for projects.

Skills

Irrigation design

Project management

Field supervision

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's in Eng (Irrigation)

Pr Eng registration (advantage)

Tools

AutoCAD

Irri-Maker

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural development firm, is seeking a qualified Irrigation Systems Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for the design, implementation, and maintenance of efficient and sustainable irrigation systems for large-scale agricultural projects in the region. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring optimal water management, contributing significantly to crop productivity and resource conservation. This position offers the chance to work on impactful projects in a region with significant agricultural potential. The position is based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, a growing industrial and port city with significant agricultural surrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems, considering water sources, soil types, and crop requirements.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation infrastructure, ensuring adherence to design specifications and quality standards.
• Conduct regular site assessments and performance evaluations of existing irrigation systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to irrigation system functionality, water pressure, and distribution uniformity.
• Develop and implement water conservation strategies and technologies.
• Manage budgets for irrigation projects, including procurement of materials and equipment.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm staff on the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Collaborate with agronomists, engineers, and project managers to integrate irrigation plans with overall farm management strategies.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to water usage and discharge.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in irrigation technology and best practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in the design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proven expertise in various irrigation methods and water management techniques.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid dynamics, and pump systems.
• Experience with irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Irri-Maker) and GIS tools.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Willingness to work in field conditions and travel within the KwaZulu-Natal region.
• Knowledge of local agricultural practices and water resource challenges is advantageous.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Opportunities for professional development