Project Manager - Agricultural Water Management

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive remuneration package

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a dedicated Project Manager with expertise in agricultural water management to oversee critical projects in Upington, Northern Cape. You will plan and execute water infrastructure, conservation efforts, and adoption of water-saving technologies to enhance agricultural productivity.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in agricultural or water resources engineering and solid PM skills, capable of coordinating engineers, technicians, and field staff in a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (Water Resources focus), Environmental Science or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of project management experience, with significant exposure to agricultural water management or irrigation projects.
• Demonstrated experience in managing water infrastructure and technology implementation.
• Strong understanding of water resource management, irrigation techniques, and conservation strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project) and relevant technical software.
• Experience working in arid or semi-arid agricultural environments.
• Familiarity with Northern Cape/Nam Upington region.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and monitoring of agricultural water management projects.
• Develop project scopes, objectives, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Oversee design and implementation of irrigation systems, water storage, and drainage infrastructure.
• Manage project teams including engineers, technicians, and field staff.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations, environmental standards, and best practices.
• Engage with farmers, water user associations, and local authorities for project buy-in.
• Monitor water usage, assess system performance, and identify efficiency improvements.
• Manage risks related to water scarcity, infrastructure development, and environmental factors.
• Prepare progress reports, financial updates, and performance analyses.
• Promote sustainable water management techniques and technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Hybrid / remote oversight

Education

Bachelors in Agricultural Engineering

Bachelors in Civil Engineering (Water Resources)

Environmental Science

Tools

MS Project

Other project mgmt software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Project Manager with expertise in agricultural water management to oversee critical projects in the Upington, Northern Cape region. This role focuses on implementing sustainable water use strategies, improving irrigation efficiency, and managing water resources for agricultural productivity. You will be responsible for planning and executing projects related to water infrastructure development, conservation efforts, and the adoption of water-saving technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in agricultural engineering or water resource management, coupled with solid project management skills and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in arid farming regions like Upington .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of agricultural water management projects.
• Develop project scopes, objectives, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Oversee the design and implementation of irrigation systems, water storage solutions, and drainage infrastructure.
• Manage project teams, including engineers, technicians, and field staff.
• Ensure compliance with water use regulations, environmental standards, and agricultural best practices.
• Engage with farmers, water user associations, and local authorities to ensure project buy-in and success.
• Monitor water usage, assess system performance, and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Manage risks associated with water scarcity, infrastructure development, and environmental factors.
• Prepare regular project progress reports, financial updates, and performance analyses.
• Promote sustainable water management techniques and technologies within the agricultural sector.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (Water Resources focus), Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of project management experience, with significant experience in agricultural water management or irrigation projects.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects involving water infrastructure and technology implementation.
• Strong understanding of water resource management principles, irrigation techniques, and water conservation strategies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project) and relevant technical software.
• Experience working in arid or semi-arid agricultural environments.
• Familiarity with the agricultural landscape and water challenges in the Northern Cape , especially around Upington .
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing site visits with remote project oversight.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

This contractor position offers a competitive remuneration package. You will have the opportunity to work on projects that are vital for the agricultural sustainability of the Upington region, contributing to food security and economic development. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility, allowing for effective management of projects across the Northern Cape .