Lead Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems Design

Placements24; Upington; Hybride; ZAR 900 000 - 1 500 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Company vehicle

Résumé du poste

Placements24, based in Upington, South Africa, seeks a Lead Agricultural Engineer to spearhead the design and implementation of advanced irrigation systems in arid regions. You will drive hydraulic modeling, pump selection, and water distribution optimization for large-scale projects.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Agricultural or Civil Engineering, 8+ years in irrigation design, and strong leadership. A Master's is preferred; a company vehicle is provided and relocation support is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering, with irrigation design and management.
• Proven project management experience including budgets and team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and water resource engineering.
• Proficiency with CAD and hydraulic modeling tools (EPANET, SWMM).
• Experience with sensor technologies, automation, and SCADA for irrigation control.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with diverse stakeholders.

Responsabilités

• Lead design, development, and optimization of large-scale irrigation projects (drip, sprinkler, center-pivot).
• Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and cost-benefit analyses for new irrigation installations.
• Oversee procurement and installation of irrigation equipment, ensuring quality and timelines.
• Develop and manage project budgets, resource allocation, and engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and water resource policies.
• Provide expertise on hydraulic modeling, pump selection, and water distribution networks.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and stakeholders to tailor irrigation solutions.
• Implement and manage monitoring systems for water usage and performance.
• Stay current with emerging irrigation technologies, automation, and smart farming.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.

Connaissances

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder liaison

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Outils

CAD software

EPANET

SWMM

SCADA systems

Description du poste

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a leading innovator in agricultural infrastructure, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Agricultural Engineer to spearhead the design and implementation of advanced irrigation systems in the arid regions of the Northern Cape . This role, based in the vibrant city of Upington , demands a visionary leader with a deep understanding of water management, hydraulic principles, and sustainable agricultural practices. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing cutting-edge solutions that optimize water usage, enhance crop productivity, and address the unique challenges of farming in this environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive impactful change and shape the future of agriculture in South Africa , working within a company committed to technological excellence and environmental stewardship. The position is situated in Upington , a key agricultural hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of large-scale irrigation projects, including drip, sprinkler, and center-pivot systems.
• Conduct site assessments, feasibility studies, and cost-benefit analyses for new irrigation installations.
• Oversee the procurement and installation of irrigation equipment, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timelines.
• Develop and manage project budgets, resource allocation, and engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and water resource management policies.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on hydraulic modeling, pump selection, and water distribution networks.
• Collaborate with agronomists, farmers, and stakeholders to tailor irrigation solutions to specific crop and soil requirements.
• Implement and manage monitoring systems for water usage, system performance, and crop water stress.
• Stay current with emerging irrigation technologies, automation, and smart farming solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering, with a specialization in irrigation system design and management.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including budget and team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and water resource engineering.
• Proficiency in CAD software and hydraulic modeling tools (e.g., EPANET, SWMM).
• Experience with sensor technologies, automation, and SCADA systems for irrigation control.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in arid or semi-arid agricultural environments, particularly within South Africa.
• A valid driver's license is required for site visits.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and retirement plan contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, certifications, and conference attendance.
• Lead challenging and impactful projects in a critical industry.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to Upington.
• Company-provided vehicle for business use.