Senior Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybride; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Generous annual and sick leave

Company vehicle and fuel allowance

Professional development opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agricultural Engineer with a focus on irrigation systems to design, implement and optimize irrigation solutions across diverse farming operations in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role emphasizes water efficiency, system performance, and collaboration with agronomists and farm managers.

The ideal candidate has extensive irrigation engineering experience, strong hydraulic knowledge, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices in a water-scarce region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering, focusing on irrigation systems design and management.

Responsabilités

• Design and engineer efficient irrigation systems tailored to crop and soil conditions.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Develop detailed drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for irrigation systems.
• Oversee installation and commissioning of irrigation systems.
• Manage project teams and contractors involved in irrigation development and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot irrigation system performance and water management issues.
• Train farm managers and operators on system usage and maintenance.

Connaissances

Hydraulic principles

Water flow analysis

Irrigation system components

Project management

Communication

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Outils

AutoCAD

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a prominent agricultural services provider in **Kimberley, Northern Cape**, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Agricultural Engineer specializing in irrigation systems. This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced irrigation solutions to enhance water efficiency and crop productivity across diverse farming operations. You will provide expert technical guidance, manage irrigation projects from conception to completion, and ensure systems meet the specific needs of the **Agriculture & Forestry** sector in the **Northern Cape** region. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in irrigation engineering, a strong understanding of water management principles, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. This is a key role for improving water resource management in a water-scarce region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer efficient and sustainable irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot, etc.) tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Develop detailed technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for irrigation systems.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring quality and adherence to design.
• Manage project teams and contractors involved in irrigation system development and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to irrigation system performance and water management.
• Provide technical training and support to farm managers and operators on irrigation system usage and maintenance.
• Stay current with advancements in irrigation technology, water-saving techniques, and related agricultural innovations.
• Ensure compliance with water usage regulations and environmental best practices.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to optimize irrigation schedules for maximum crop yield and water efficiency.
• Maintain comprehensive records of irrigation system designs, performance data, and maintenance activities.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agricultural engineering, with a specialization in irrigation systems design and management.
• Proven expertise in hydraulic principles, water flow analysis, and irrigation system components.
• Proficiency in using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and other relevant engineering design tools.
• Strong understanding of water resource management, soil science, and crop water requirements.
• Experience managing complex irrigation projects, including budgeting and scheduling.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse clients and teams.
• Familiarity with the agricultural conditions and water challenges in the **Northern Cape** is highly desirable.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to farm sites near **Kimberley**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Performance-based bonuses and project incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance benefits.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave provisions.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance for site visits and travel.
• Opportunities for professional development, certifications, and advanced training.
• Access to cutting-edge irrigation technologies and design software.
• A challenging and impactful role contributing to water security in agriculture.
• Work with a reputable company dedicated to agricultural innovation in **Kimberley**.
• Collaborative team environment and opportunities for career progression.