Senior Agricultural Engineer: Irrigation & Water Management

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Health benefits

Pension plan

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an Agricultural Engineer with irrigation and water-management expertise to optimize water use across large-scale farms.

You will design, implement, and maintain drip, sprinkler, and subsurface systems, assess water resources, and develop efficient distribution networks.

This on-site, full-time role demands hydraulics know‑how, project management, and travel to multiple farm sites within the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering with an agricultural focus.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in designing and managing agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in hydraulic calculations, system design software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS), and water management principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and oversee the installation of efficient irrigation systems for various agricultural applications.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new irrigation projects.
• Analyze water availability, quality, and crop water requirements to optimize irrigation scheduling.
• Select appropriate irrigation technologies and equipment, considering factors like cost, efficiency, and maintainability.
• Develop and implement water management plans to ensure sustainable use of resources and compliance with regulations.
• Monitor the performance of irrigation systems, identify issues, and implement timely repairs and upgrades.
• Utilize hydraulic modeling software and other engineering tools for system design and analysis.
• Provide technical guidance and training to farm staff on the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Collaborate with environmental specialists to minimize water wastage and environmental impact.
• Stay updated on advancements in irrigation technology, water conservation techniques, and agricultural engineering best practices.

Skills

Hydraulic calculations

AutoCAD

GIS

Water management

Irrigation design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering or Civil Engineering with agricultural focus

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Job description

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an Agricultural Engineer with irrigation and water-management expertise to optimize water use across large-scale farms.

You will design, implement, and maintain drip, sprinkler, and subsurface systems, assess water resources, and develop efficient distribution networks.

This on-site, full-time role demands hydraulics know‑how, project management, and travel to multiple farm sites within the region.