The Role
Designs, installs, maintains, and optimizes irrigation systems across agricultural operations. Oversees underground mains, pumps, filtration systems, canals, water distribution, repairs, and system troubleshooting. Coordinates projects, resources, contractors, suppliers, and irrigation personnel while enforcing safety and environmental standards. Makes technical decisions regarding equipment, maintenance priorities, hydraulic efficiency, and sustainable water management.
Summary Generated by Built In
1.Key Purpose Statement
The Irrigation Engineer serves as the technical authority for all irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance, ensuring optimal water efficiency, system reliability, and sustainable water management practices across agricultural operations through engineering expertise and effective project coordination.
2. Reporting Line
The role will report to the Banana Director.
Supervision and Other Team Leadership Activities: The role will manage, and coordinate personnel involved in irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair, providing technical leadership and ensuring task execution meets quality and safety standards.
3.Key Stakeholder interactions
Internal:
•Agricultural Operations Teams
•Project Management Office
•All areas within the company structure
•Procurement and Supply Chain Teams
•Sustainability and Environmental Compliance
External:
•Irrigation Equipment Suppliers
•Construction Contractors
•Regulatory and Water Authorities
•Technical Consultants and Engineers
•Local Community and Labor Groups
4.Key Outputs and Accountabilities
System Design & Engineering
•Design efficient irrigation systems with focus on underground mains layout, water distribution efficiency.
•Develop technical specifications and engineering drawings for all irrigation infrastructure projects.
Project Implementation & Coordination
•Oversee complete installation of irrigation systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications and project timelines.
•Coordinate all irrigation system applications including planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Maintenance & Repair Leadership
•Conduct regular maintenance and repair of irrigation systems, identification and resolution of system failures.
•Manage emergency repairs of underground mains breaks to minimize water loss and operational downtime.
Equipment & Infrastructure Management
•Oversee maintenance and performance optimization of irrigation pumps, ensuring operational efficiency.
•Manage filtration systems to maintain water quality.
•Maintain irrigation canals through regular clearing, erosion repair, and flow optimization.
Team Management & Safety
•Coordinate and supervise irrigation personnel, ensuring tasks are performed efficiently and safely.
•Implement and enforce safety protocols for all irrigation system activities.
5. Judgement and decision making
•Exercises engineering judgment in system design, troubleshooting, and repair methodologies.
•Manages human resources in the department.
•Makes technical decisions on equipment selection, maintenance priorities, and system optimization.
•Balances water efficiency requirements with operational productivity and environmental considerations.6.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications
• Minimum requirement: Degree in Agricultural Engineering or Irrigation Engineering.
• Added advantage: Professional Engineer (PE) license; master’s degree in water resources or Irrigation Engineering.
Experience
• 8 years of experience in designing, installing, and maintaining irrigation systems, with specific expertise in underground mains installation.
• Proven track record in irrigation project management and team coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in pump maintenance, filtration systems, and canal infrastructure.
Competencies
• Strong project management and coordination skills
• Proficiency in irrigation system design principles and hydraulics
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of irrigation regulations and environmental standards
• Effective team leadership and communication skills
• Attention to detail and technical accuracy
• Adaptability to outdoor and field work conditions
•Proficiency with irrigation system software and monitoring technology
Skills Required
- Degree in Agricultural Engineering or Irrigation Engineering
- Eight years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining irrigation systems
- Specific expertise in underground mains installation
- Experience in irrigation project management and team coordination
- Experience with pump maintenance, filtration systems, and canal infrastructure
- Strong project management and coordination skills
- Proficiency in irrigation system design principles and hydraulics
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
- Knowledge of irrigation regulations and environmental standards
- Effective team leadership and communication skills
- Attention to detail and technical accuracy
- Adaptability to outdoor and field work conditions
- Proficiency with irrigation system software and monitoring technology
- Professional Engineer license
- Master's degree in water resources or Irrigation Engineering
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The Company
What We Do
Shugulika Africa Limited is a quality service provider with over 12 years of industry experience, specializing in recruitment, headhunting, HR consulting, training, payroll services, and other HR services.
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