Senior Irrigation Specialist - Water Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Irrigation Specialist for Upington, Northern Cape. Lead design, installation, and optimization of drip, sprinkler, and pivot systems across large agricultural lands, while coordinating maintenance, schedules, and staff.

You will leverage AutoCAD, IrriMaker, and GIS to improve water use and crop yield. Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in large-scale irrigation, a specialized agronomy/civil engineering degree, and strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural/Civil Eng or Agronomy with irrigation specialization.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in large-scale irrigation design and management.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, IrriMaker, and GIS tools.
• Strong knowledge of soil–plant–water relationships and crop water needs.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work with field teams in Upington.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and commission irrigation systems tailored to crops and site conditions.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure to minimize downtime.
• Develop precise irrigation schedules from soil moisture, weather data.
• Implement water conservation strategies and maximize efficiency.
• Train farm staff on system operation and maintenance.
• Maintain records of water usage and system performance.

Skills

Hydraulic calculations

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural/Civil Eng or Agronomy with irrigation specialization

Tools

AutoCAD

IrriMaker

GIS tools

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a major agricultural producer in the arid region of Upington, Northern Cape , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Irrigation Specialist. This role is crucial for optimizing water usage and ensuring efficient irrigation systems across vast agricultural lands. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of various irrigation technologies, water management principles, and agronomic practices suited for dryland farming and irrigated agriculture. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of irrigation systems, as well as advising on water conservation strategies. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture in a water-scarce environment and play a key role in the success of operations in the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, install, and commission new irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, pivot) tailored to crop requirements and site-specific conditions.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of existing irrigation infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.
• Conduct regular assessments of soil moisture, crop water needs, and weather data to develop precise irrigation schedules.
• Implement and manage water conservation strategies and technologies to maximize water use efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to irrigation system performance, including pump, pipeline, and emitter problems.
• Train and supervise irrigation technicians and farm staff on best practices for system operation and maintenance.
• Stay current with advancements in irrigation technology, water management techniques, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farm managers to integrate irrigation strategies with overall crop management plans.
• Maintain detailed records of water usage, system performance, and maintenance activities for reporting and analysis in Upington .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agronomy, or a related field with a specialization in irrigation.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in the design, installation, and management of large-scale agricultural irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in hydraulic calculations, system design software (e.g., AutoCAD, IrriMaker), and GIS tools.
• Strong understanding of soil-plant-water relationships and crop water requirements.
• Experience with various irrigation methods, including drip, micro-sprinkler, and center pivot systems.
• Knowledge of water resources management, pumping systems, and water quality assessment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with field teams and management in Upington, Northern Cape .
• A valid driver's license is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, including benefits such as medical aid and a retirement fund. Assistance with relocation to Upington may be provided. Opportunities for professional development and training in water management technologies are available. This role provides the chance to work on critical infrastructure projects supporting sustainable agriculture in a challenging yet rewarding environment.