Irrigation Engineer / Irrigation Technician at RCL Foods

Job Description    
The RCL FOODS Talent Team is currently looking for an analytical and curious-minded Irrigation Engineer with a true spirit for adventure to join the Cane Operations Division based at Malelane in Mpumulanga.

The role reports to the Engineering Manager and is responsible for improving 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    

• B.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 and trained within the areas of Water or Irrigation Management, Engineering contract management, project management, financial management and strategic management.

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Develop and implement strategies to improve the hydraulic and cost performance of irrigation systems.
• Evaluation of pump performance by measuring flow rates and pressures to ensure pumps operate at best efficiency points.
• Root cause analysis on pumps and pumping systems to determine possible causes of mechanical failures.
• Condition assessments of pump stations and irrigation systems and recommendations of improvements required to obtain optimum performance at minimum operational cost.
• Ability to operate on-site and practically evaluate the hydraulic performance of pump stations and identify practical and cost-effective improvements. 
• Investigation of ad-hoc irrigation challenges and implementation of practical and cost-effective new or retro-fit solutions.
• A hands-on approach in performing root cause analysis on poor performing irrigation systems and recommendations for improvements
• Weekly in-field fault finding and weekly reporting on status of irrigation systems
• Evaluation of the hydraulic performance and water application efficiencies of irrigation systems according to SABI irrigation standards and norms
• Evaluation and improvement of irrigation scheduling techniques to improve crop yields in conjunction with Agronomists.
• Investigation and adoption of new technologies in irrigation, including automation and energy management.
• Ensuring all automated irrigation systems are 100% functional
• Management of information systems, including remote sensing and telemetry, to drive irrigation efficiency improvements.
• Promotion of health and safety standards in working environment.
• Must be able and willing to spend long hours in the fields.

Closing Date: 5th, May 2022