Irrigation Systems Engineer - Northern Cape Projects

Placements24; Vrystaat; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Health insurance & retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation Systems Engineer for a hybrid role near Upington in the Northern Cape. You will design, implement, and optimize irrigation systems for agricultural clients, focusing on water use efficiency and crop yield.

The role requires 5+ years in irrigation design/installation, hydraulics knowledge, and proficiency with AutoCAD/Irri-CAD. Travel within the Northern Cape is expected; remote design work and on-site support are included.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering with irrigation specialization.
• Minimum 5 years of design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water management principles.
• Proficient in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Irri-CAD) and hydraulic modeling tools.
• Experience with drip, micro-sprinkler, and center pivot irrigation methods.
• Knowledge of soil-plant-water relationships and irrigation scheduling.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid model with remote design and on-site operations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder liaison skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer irrigation systems, including layout, components, and hydraulic calculations.
• Oversee installation and commissioning, ensuring design specifications are met.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new projects.
• Develop irrigation schedules based on crop water needs, soil type, and environment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with irrigation systems.
• Implement and manage remote monitoring and control systems.
• Provide technical training and support to clients on operation and maintenance.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate irrigation with crop management.
• Research and recommend new irrigation technologies and water-saving techniques.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and environmental regulations.

Skills

Irrigation design

Hydraulics

Project management

Remote monitoring

Hybrid work

AutoCAD

Irri-CAD

Center pivot systems

Education

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

Tools

AutoCAD

Irri-CAD

Hydraulic modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of advanced agricultural water management solutions, is seeking a skilled Irrigation Systems Engineer . This hybrid role will involve designing, implementing, and optimizing irrigation systems for agricultural clients across the Northern Cape province, with a base near Upington . You will leverage your engineering expertise to develop efficient and sustainable water application strategies, focusing on maximizing water use efficiency and crop yield. The role requires a blend of technical design skills, project management capabilities, and the ability to provide on-site support and remote monitoring. You will work closely with farmers, agronomists, and project teams to ensure the successful deployment and operation of state-of-the-art irrigation technologies, including drip, sprinkler, and center pivot systems. The ideal candidate is passionate about water conservation and agricultural technology, with a strong understanding of hydraulics, soil-plant-water relationships, and irrigation scheduling. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to water security and agricultural productivity in a vital arid region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems, including layout, component selection, and hydraulic calculations.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Develop irrigation schedules based on crop water requirements, soil type, and environmental conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with existing irrigation systems.
• Implement and manage remote monitoring and control systems for irrigation infrastructure.
• Provide technical training and support to clients on the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate irrigation strategies with crop management practices.
• Research and recommend new irrigation technologies and water-saving techniques.
• Ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong understanding of hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and water management principles.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Irri-CAD) and hydraulic modeling tools.
• Experience with various irrigation methods (drip, micro-sprinkler, center pivot).
• Knowledge of soil-plant-water relationships and irrigation scheduling.
• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote design work with on-site field operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Northern Cape region.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with your engineering expertise and experience.
• This hybrid role provides a dynamic work environment, combining office-based design with field implementation.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan options are available.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training in water management technologies and certifications.
• Travel expenses for field operations are covered.
• Contribute to significant agricultural development projects in the Northern Cape .
• Access to advanced design tools and technologies.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Be part of a leading company dedicated to sustainable agriculture and water resource management.