Irrigation Engineer - Malelane at RCL Foods

Job Description    

• RCL Foods is currently looking for an Irrigation Engineer to join our Sugar Business Unit. The role will be based in Malelane (Mpumalanga) and report to the Engineering Manager. 
• RCL Foods entrusts the Irrigation Engineer to improve the irrigation performance and water application efficiencies of our irrigation systems by investigating, evaluating and recommending practical and cost effective improvement strategies and plans to achieve optimum production levels at minimum operational cost, in terms of the supply of irrigation water from pump stations, the conveyance of irrigation water through pipelines, the storage in balancing and storage dams, and the effective application of irrigation water through infield irrigation systems.

Minimum Requirements    

• Eng. Degree with 10 years' operational experience or B. Tech Degree / Advanced Diploma with 15 years' operational experience within any of the following disciplines: Civil, Agricultural or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experienced in water and irrigation management, Engineering contract management, project management, financial management, strategic management and stakeholder management.
• Ability to operate within a matrix structure.
• To be considered for appointment, candidate must be a South African citizen and hold a valid driver’s license.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Develop and implement strategies to improve the hydraulic and cost performance of irrigation systems.
• Evaluate pump performance by measuring flow rates and pressures to ensure pumps function efficiently.
• A hands-on approach for root cause analysis on pumps, pumping systems and irrigation systems as well as recommend sustainable solutions.
• Assess the condition of pump stations and irrigation systems and recommend improvements.
• Investigate and drive adoption of new technologies in irrigation, including automation and energy management.
• The work typically requires a 70:30 time ratio between irrigation assessments on the farms and administrative work.
• Written and verbal reporting to senior management on the function and continuous improvement.