Irrigation Systems Specialist

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for work-relatedTravel

Training and professional development

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Irrigation Systems Specialist in Upington to design, install and optimize irrigation systems for efficient water use and crop health. You will assess farm needs, recommend technologies and support farmers with technical guidance in arid environments.

Responsibilities include overseeing installations, ongoing maintenance, and advising on scheduling to maximize yield while conserving water. Travel to diverse farm locations will be required.

Qualifications

• Qualification in agricultural engineering, civil engineering, agronomy, or related field.
• At least 4 years’ experience designing, installing and maintaining agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of water management, hydraulics and irrigation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems tailored to crop needs and soil/topography.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of drip, sprinkler and pivot systems.
• Inspect and maintain irrigation infrastructure for optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions to minimize downtime.
• Advise farmers on efficient water use and irrigation scheduling best practices.
• Evaluate new irrigation technologies and upgrade existing systems.
• Maintain records of designs, maintenance activities and water usage.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations and conservation efforts.

Skills

Water management

Hydraulics

Reading schematics

Troubleshooting

Field communication

Education

Agricultural Engineering / Civil Engineering / Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Irrigation Systems Specialist to join their team in Upington , a region where water management is critical for agricultural success. This role is focused on the design, installation, maintenance, and optimization of irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use and maximize crop health and yield. You will be responsible for assessing farm needs, recommending appropriate irrigation technologies, and providing technical support to farmers. This position is ideal for a hands-on professional with expertise in water management and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and plan irrigation systems tailored to specific crop needs, soil types, and topographical conditions.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of various irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, pivot).
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues.
• Troubleshoot and repair irrigation system malfunctions, minimizing downtime for farmers.
• Advise farmers on efficient water use strategies and best practices for irrigation scheduling.
• Evaluate new irrigation technologies and recommend upgrades or modifications to existing systems.
• Maintain accurate records of system designs, maintenance activities, and water usage data.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations and promote water conservation efforts in Upington and surrounding areas.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agronomy, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of agricultural irrigation systems.
• Strong knowledge of water management principles, hydraulics, and different types of irrigation equipment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and system schematics.
• Experience with troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical components of irrigation systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in field conditions and communicate technical information clearly to farmers.
• A valid driver's license is required for travel to various farm locations around Upington.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for overtime pay.
• Provision of necessary tools and equipment for job duties.
• Company vehicle for work-related travel.
• Opportunities to work on diverse agricultural projects in a key farming region.
• Training and professional development in water management technologies.