Irrigation Systems Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

Tools provided

Health and safety training

Modern irrigation technologies

Sustainable agriculture focus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation Systems Specialist in Bloemfontein, Free State to manage and maintain advanced irrigation infrastructure on farms. You will design, install, operate, and maintain drip, sprinkler, and pivot systems to optimize water usage and promote sustainable agriculture.

The role requires a strong technical background in water management, hydraulics, and agricultural engineering, with 4+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology, or related field.
• 4+ years designing, installing and maintaining agricultural irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with drip, micro-sprinkler, center pivot and subsurface systems.
• Knowledge of water management, soil science and crop water needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and commission irrigation systems tailored to crop needs.
• Maintain and repair irrigation equipment to minimize downtime.
• Monitor water use and soil moisture, adjust schedules to save water.
• Evaluate upgrades to improve performance and sustainability.
• Train farm staff on operation and basic maintenance.
• Record system performance and water usage for the Free State region.

Skills

Irrigation design

Irrigation installation

Hydraulics

Water management

Reading hydraulic drawings

Education

Diploma or Bachelor's in Ag Eng / Hydrology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Irrigation Systems Specialist to manage and maintain advanced irrigation infrastructure on their farms in the Bloemfontein, Free State . This role is essential for optimizing water usage, ensuring efficient crop hydration, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. You will be responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of various irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and pivot systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in water management, hydraulics, and agricultural engineering principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, and commission new irrigation systems tailored to specific crop needs and field topography.
• Perform regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on all irrigation equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
• Monitor water usage and soil moisture levels, adjusting irrigation schedules to maximize efficiency and conserve water resources.
• Evaluate and recommend upgrades or modifications to existing irrigation systems to improve performance and sustainability.
• Train farm staff on the proper operation and basic maintenance of irrigation equipment.
• Keep accurate records of system performance, water consumption, and maintenance activities in the Free State region.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience specifically in the design, installation, and maintenance of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency with various irrigation technologies, including drip, micro-sprinkler, center pivot, and subsurface drip systems.
• Knowledge of water management principles, soil science, and crop water requirements in the Bloemfontein area.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, hydraulic schematics, and farm maps.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for overtime pay.
• Company-provided tools and equipment.
• Health and safety training programs.
• Opportunities to work with modern irrigation technologies.
• A vital role in supporting efficient and sustainable agriculture in the Free State .