Senior Irrigation Specialist - Water Management Systems

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Senior Irrigation Specialist to enhance water management strategies in the arid Northern Cape, focusing on Upington operations. You will design, implement, and optimize irrigation systems to improve water use efficiency and crop health.

The role combines field evaluations with remote analysis in a hybrid setup, requiring strong hydraulics knowledge, experience with irrigation software, and a drive to promote sustainable farming in water-scarce environments.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (water focus), Agronomy, or related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in irrigation design, installation, and management within agriculture.
• In-depth knowledge of irrigation systems, hydraulics, and water application technologies.
• Experience with water resource management in arid/semi-arid environments.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (AutoCAD etc.) and scheduling tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage advanced irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, centre pivot).
• Conduct site assessments to determine optimal irrigation strategies based on crops, soil, and climate.
• Monitor system performance, diagnose issues, and recommend maintenance solutions.
• Optimize water application schedules to maximize yield while minimizing use.
• Evaluate new irrigation technologies and water-saving techniques.
• Provide technical training to farm managers and irrigation staff.
• Analyze water quality data and advise on treatment/management strategies.
• Ensure compliance with water regulations and promote best water stewardship practices.
• Collaborate with agronomists to integrate irrigation with overall crop production.

Skills

Irrigation design

Hydraulics

Water resource management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (water focus)

Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Irrigation scheduling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading agricultural solutions provider, is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Senior Irrigation Specialist to enhance water management strategies within the arid and semi-arid regions of the Northern Cape , with a primary focus on operations near Upington . This role is vital for optimizing water use efficiency, ensuring crop health, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in water-scarce environments. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in irrigation systems, hydraulics, and water resource management, combined with practical experience in the agricultural sector. This hybrid role allows for both on-site assessments and remote analysis, providing a flexible work arrangement while contributing significantly to the region's agricultural productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, and managing advanced irrigation systems (e.g., drip, sprinkler, centre pivot).
• Conducting site assessments to determine optimal irrigation strategies based on crop needs, soil type, and climatic conditions.
• Monitoring system performance, diagnosing issues, and recommending efficient repair and maintenance solutions.
• Optimizing water application schedules to maximize crop yield and quality while minimizing water consumption.
• Evaluating and recommending new irrigation technologies and water-saving techniques.
• Providing technical training and support to farm managers and irrigation technicians.
• Analyzing water quality data and advising on appropriate treatment or management strategies.
• Ensuring compliance with water use regulations and promoting best practices in water stewardship.
• Collaborating with agronomists and other agricultural specialists to integrate irrigation management with overall crop production strategies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering (with a water focus), Agronomy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in irrigation design, installation, and management, preferably within an agricultural context.
• In-depth knowledge of various irrigation system types, hydraulics, and water application technologies.
• Experience with water resource management principles and practices, especially in arid/semi-arid environments.
• Proficiency in irrigation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, irrigation scheduling tools).
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret field data and performance metrics.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and training skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly to various farm sites within the Northern Cape region.
• Experience with water quality testing and management is highly desirable.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. This hybrid role provides a balance between field-based work and remote office responsibilities, offering flexibility. Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training courses and industry certifications, are available. Employees will work with cutting-edge irrigation technology and contribute to critical water conservation efforts in a key agricultural region of South Africa. This role offers significant scope for impact and career growth.