Senior Agricultural Engineer - Irrigation Systems Design

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Agricultural Engineer in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to lead advanced irrigation design and water management across major agricultural projects. You will guide hydraulic design, system optimization, and the integration of smart irrigation technologies to promote water efficiency and sustainable farming.

The role requires expertise in fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and water resources, with a track record in managing large irrigation schemes and travel across Mpumalanga.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural or Civil Engineering with water resources focus.
• 7+ years of experience in agricultural irrigation design and water management.
• Proficient in hydraulic modeling and CAD software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Perform hydraulic calculations and pump selection for schemes.
• Conduct water resource assessments and feasibility studies.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and quality of irrigation projects.
• Develop strategies to improve water use efficiency and soil moisture management.
• Integrate smart irrigation technologies and sensors into designs.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and project teams.
• Prepare specifications, cost estimates, and proposals.
• Stay updated on water regulations in South Africa.

Skills

Irrigation design

Project management

Team leadership

Hydraulic modeling

Effective communication

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering (water resources)

Tools

EPANET

WaterGEMS

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural development and consulting firm based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Agricultural Engineer specializing in the design and implementation of advanced irrigation systems. This critical role involves providing technical leadership for water management solutions across diverse agricultural projects, including commercial farms and large-scale irrigation schemes. The Senior Engineer will be responsible for hydraulic design, system optimization, water resource assessment, and the integration of smart irrigation technologies to promote water efficiency and sustainable agriculture in the Mpumalanga region. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to agricultural resilience and productivity in an area prone to variable rainfall. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and agricultural water management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and engineering of efficient and sustainable irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, center pivot).
• Conduct detailed hydraulic calculations, pipe network design, and pump selection for irrigation schemes.
• Perform water resource assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning of irrigation systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications and quality standards.
• Develop and implement strategies for optimizing water use efficiency and managing soil moisture.
• Integrate smart irrigation technologies, sensors, and automation systems into project designs.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and project teams on irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Prepare engineering reports, technical specifications, cost estimates, and project proposals.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in irrigation technology, water management practices, and relevant regulations in South Africa.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with a water resources focus), or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in agricultural irrigation design and water management projects.
• Proficiency in hydraulic modeling software (e.g., EPANET, WaterGEMS) and CAD software.
• Strong understanding of irrigation principles, soil-water-plant relationships, and water resource management.
• Experience with different types of irrigation systems and their application in various agricultural contexts.
• Excellent project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Willingness to travel to project sites across Mpumalanga and other regions as required.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous retirement fund.
• This role includes opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and contributing to significant infrastructure projects.
• Employees benefit from a supportive team culture and the chance to work on impactful projects promoting water security in agriculture.
• The hybrid work model allows for flexibility, combining essential site visits and design work in the Nelspruit office with remote analysis and report preparation, fostering a balanced and productive work environment.