Irrigation Systems Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an expert Irrigation Systems Specialist to design, install, operate and optimise irrigation infrastructure for a major agricultural producer near Nelspruit. The role focuses on water efficiency, crop yields and sustainable farming practices in Mpumalanga.

You will lead projects on drip, sprinkler and pivot systems, monitor soil moisture and weather data, and apply precision irrigation techniques to maximise resource use and farm productivity.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Horticulture, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years' experience designing, installing, and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficient with drip, micro-sprinkler, and center-pivot irrigation technologies.
• Experience with soil moisture sensors, weather stations, and water management software.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving related to irrigation equipment.
• Knowledge of water resource management and agricultural water use efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and implement new irrigation systems tailored to specific crop and soil requirements.
• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of all irrigation equipment and infrastructure.
• Monitor water usage and soil moisture levels, adjusting irrigation schedules for optimal efficiency and crop health.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions promptly to minimize water loss and crop stress.
• Utilize modern technologies, such as sensors and automation, to enhance irrigation management.
• Ensure compliance with water usage regulations and promote water conservation best practices.

Skills

Irrigation systems design

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Water resource management

Education

Agricultural Engineering

Civil Engineering

Horticulture

Tools

Drip irrigation

Micro-sprinkler

Center pivot systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major agricultural producer in the Nelspruit area, is seeking an expert Irrigation Systems Specialist to manage and optimize their extensive irrigation infrastructure. This role is critical for ensuring efficient water use, maximizing crop yields, and maintaining the sustainability of farming operations. You will be responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and operation of advanced irrigation systems, including drip, sprinkler, and pivot systems. This is a hands‑on position for an individual passionate about water management and precision agriculture in the vibrant Mpumalanga region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and implement new irrigation systems tailored to specific crop and soil requirements.
• Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of all irrigation equipment and infrastructure.
• Monitor water usage and soil moisture levels, adjusting irrigation schedules for optimal efficiency and crop health.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions promptly to minimize water loss and crop stress.
• Utilize modern technologies, such as sensors and automation, to enhance irrigation management.
• Ensure compliance with water usage regulations and promote water conservation best practices.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Horticulture, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in the design, installation, and management of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency with various irrigation technologies, including drip, micro-sprinkler, and center pivot systems.
• Experience with soil moisture sensors, weather stations, and water management software.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills related to irrigation equipment.
• Knowledge of water resource management and agricultural water use efficiency.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits and retirement plan.
• Opportunities for training on the latest irrigation technologies and practices.
• Work with advanced agricultural technology in a key farming region near Nelspruit.
• A role with significant impact on resource management and farm productivity.