Lead Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems

Placements24; Cape Town; Sur place; ZAR 1 500 000 - 2 100 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary + incentives

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Cape Town facility

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks a Lead Agricultural Engineer in Cape Town to lead the design, implementation and optimization of advanced irrigation systems for large-scale farming. The role focuses on water management, hydraulic engineering and precision irrigation technologies to improve water use efficiency.

The candidate will guide a multidisciplinary team, ensure project delivery within timelines and budgets, and engage with farmers, agronomists, and regulators in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (water resources) or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in agricultural irrigation design, project management and field implementation.
• Proven expertise in hydraulics, fluid mechanics and water resource management.

Responsabilités

• Lead the engineering team in conceptualization, design, and development of irrigation and water management solutions.
• Oversee installation, commissioning and maintenance of complex irrigation systems within timelines and budgets.
• Conduct site assessments to determine optimal irrigation strategies considering soils, crops and climate in Western Cape.
• Utilize modeling tools to predict performance and identify water efficiency improvements.
• Develop testing protocols to ensure reliability of irrigation components and systems.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers and field staff.
• Collaborate with farmers, agronomists and agencies for project outcomes and regulatory compliance.
• Research and integrate sensor networks, IoT and AI-driven controls into irrigation infrastructure.

Connaissances

Hydraulics

Fluid mechanics

Water resources

Irrigation scheduling

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Irrigation design tools

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Formation

Bachelors/Masters in Agricultural or Civil Eng (water resources)

Outils

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in agricultural technology, is actively seeking a highly skilled Lead Agricultural Engineer to spearhead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced irrigation systems. This critical role, based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape , requires a visionary leader with extensive expertise in water management, hydraulic engineering, and precision irrigation technologies. The successful candidate will play a key part in enhancing water use efficiency and ensuring optimal crop hydration for large-scale agricultural operations. This position presents an exceptional opportunity to influence sustainable farming practices and contribute to the resilience of the agricultural sector in a region facing unique environmental challenges. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team in the conceptualization, design, and development of state-of-the-art irrigation and water management solutions.
• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of complex irrigation systems, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Conduct detailed site assessments to determine optimal irrigation strategies, considering soil types, crop water requirements, and local climatic conditions in Western Cape .
• Utilize advanced modeling and simulation tools to predict system performance and identify areas for improvement in water efficiency.
• Develop and implement robust testing protocols to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of all irrigation components and systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, technicians, and field staff.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including farmers, agronomists, and government agencies, to ensure successful project outcomes and regulatory compliance.
• Research and integrate emerging technologies, such as sensor networks, IoT devices, and AI-driven control systems, into irrigation infrastructure.
• Manage project documentation, including engineering drawings, technical specifications, and operational manuals.

Requirements

• Requirements Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with a specialization in water resources), or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in agricultural irrigation system design, project management, and field implementation.
• Proven expertise in hydraulics, fluid mechanics, water resource management, and irrigation scheduling techniques.
• Strong proficiency with CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and irrigation design and simulation tools.
• Demonstrated experience in leading engineering teams and managing multi-disciplinary projects.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Familiarity with South African water regulations and environmental standards.
• A strong understanding of different crop types and their specific water needs is essential.

Benefits

• Our client is pleased to offer a highly competitive salary, supplemented by performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund.
• We are dedicated to supporting your career growth through ongoing professional development opportunities, including specialized training courses and conference attendance.
• This role is based at our advanced facility in Cape Town , providing access to cutting-edge technology and a collaborative work environment.
• Enjoy ample paid time off and the satisfaction of contributing to sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the region and beyond.