Agricultural Engineer II at Unitrans

Job Advert Summary

• Unitrans is looking for a dynamic and driven Agricultural Engineer to help transform agricultural operations into sustainable, efficient, and high-yield undertakings.
• The focus is on improving land use, resource management and crop production, requiring significant amount of time spend on site. The role offers an exciting opportunity for an Agricultural Engineer with specialties in plant and soil science.
• The individual will play a crucial role in enhancing crop production and soil health whilst supporting environmentally responsible practices and long-term agricultural success.
• The agricultural engineer will work closely with site teams to develop and implement solutions to enhance agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and safety by analysing operations and data, and considering new technologies.
• They will also research and implement improved farming techniques, develop systems to automate and increase overall productivity.
• The incumbent will be someone who has a high work ethic, a scientific mind and enjoy problem-solving, with a keen interest in agronomy and horticulture.

Minimum Requirements

• BSc Agricultural Engineering (Plant and Soil Sciences)
• Agronomy / Horticulture Post graduate qualification will be advantageous. Mechanical Engineering Preferred
• Minimum 4 - 5 years of practical and theoretical expirence in Agriculture related industries
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently across African countries

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research and implement solutions for irrigation, crop management, and post-harvest processing
• Analyse agricultural systems and practices to identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and cost reduction
• Research new crop varieties and contribute towards expansion of the agricultural business
• Research and implement solutions to optimise soil health, promote growth and yield mapping
• Conduct research and utilise data analytics, modelling, and precision agriculture technologies to inform decisions and enhance operations
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation and integration promoting overall productivity
• Prepare and present technical reports and provide regular updates on agricultural processes to stakeholders
• Analyse and develop strategies for effective soil conservation
• Develop alternative renewable energy solutions within agriculture agro-processing industry
• Promote environmental sustainable opportunities and resource management by developing methods to conserve water resources through efficient irrigation techniques and water management systems
• Stay informed about advancements in agricultural technology and best practices
• Support Agriculture division with current and new technical scope projects (Operations and Business Development)

Competencies:

• Deep understanding of soil properties, fertility, and nutrient management is crucial for optimizing crop health and yield
• Expertise in selecting appropriate crop varieties, managing planting schedules, and implementing effective pest and disease control strategies ensures high productivity
• Ability to analyse field data, weather patterns, and yield trends to enable decision making and drive continuous improvement
• Ability to integrate eco-friendly techniques and conservation methods to support long-term soil health and environmental sustainability
• Proficiency in designing and managing efficient irrigation systems is vital for conserving water and ensuring optimal crop growth
• Ability to conduct field trials and research methodologies to enable the development of innovative farming solutions
• Ability to evaluate potential challenges, such as climate variability, pest infestations and develop mitigation strategies to protect crop investments
• Strong communication (verbal and written) skills and can work with diverse teams
• Adept at using presentation software and presenting complex information to non-technical management personnel and other stakeholders
• Proficient in various Engineering software platforms such as ZWCad (farming implement and vehicle fleeting design drawings), GIS Platform such as QGIS, precisions farming and remote sensing platforms

Closing Date

• 2025/07/30