Agricultural Engineer

Water Management
Continuously improve water management for AgriZone operations
Establish and maintain sustainable sources of irrigation water for AgriZone operations
Facilitate storage of water, including for fresh water, treated water and wastewater
Follow-up and ensure that sufficient water of good quality is provided to greenhouse tenants
Monitor that water quality analysis are conducted in accordance to SANAS 17025 requirements
Supervise execution of water quality sampling and tests on daily, weekly and monthly basis as specified and required by the AgriZone management plan
Review water quality and water usage reports and send to relevant stakeholders
Monitor and ensure that all water management instruments (i.e. water meters, valves, level sensors, pumps, water quality analysers) are operational
Improve water capturing points and ponds spillways
Identify and improve water sampling points for different water streams
Develop on-going improvements on the water management plan to optimize resources and minimize risks;
Operate water harvesting and transfer pumps when necessary
Continuously improve AgriZone water balance
Conduct research, implement and operate long term electronic water management system
Water treatment plant operations
Monitor operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant
Compile monthly plant performance reports
Analyse plant operation data and recommend execution of “clean in place” process, when necessary
Develop and implement documentation for quality controls
Monitor water flows to the plant and ensure that raw water is always available for treatment
Monitor wastewater (brackish water) flows from the plant and plan for correct disposal method
Conduct research for long term sustainable disposal of brackish water
Manage documentation and records of the plant operations i.e. water volume reports, plant performance report, plant water balance, plant water quality reports, as-built drawings, operation & maintenance manuals, maintenance reports
Waste and wastewater management
Develop ongoing improvements for waste management for the AgriZone precinct in accordance to best practices and legal framework
Monitor organic waste volumes generated from AgriZone and conduct research for long term sustainable disposal / treatment of this waste stream
Develop and implement wastewater management plan and ensure compliance to AgriZone water use license
Keep records for waste and wastewater volumes generated in the precinct
Liaise with different stakeholders and share data for water, waste and wastewater generated in the precinct
Conduct research to continuously improve status core of AgriZone waste and wastewater activities Procurement and contract management
Conduct needs analysis for AgriZone water resources management
Assist in compilation of procurement plan for AgriZone Operations
Develop and review Terms of References (ToRs) for procurement of water management projects
Conduct market assessment to assist in compiling budget estimates for different projects
Participate in Supply Chain Management Processes i.e. Bid Specification and Evaluation committees
Negotiate with prospective contractors and assist in drawing agreements
Manage contracts and outsourced service providers and report on contract progress, quality of deliverables and performance when necessary
Follow-up and monitor that all water management outsourced contracts are managed within the parameters of DTPC contract management policy
Compile memos for contract management within the parameters of DTPC contract management policy
Process service provider invoices
Compile contract close-out reports
People management
Monitor staff performance and put measures in place to manage performance in line with DTPC’s Performance Management system
Procure the necessary training interventions to ensure staff have relevant training required to continuously improve performance through the employee development and learning framework
Complete and finalise all Job Descriptions, Performance Agreements and Performance Assessments for staff timeously
Assist in labour relations issues between staff and the organisation in order to create a productive working relationship
Assist in interview sessions for recruitment of subordinates
Supervise staff performance and attend to staff issues timeously
Monitor and approve leave for employees New developments and improvements
Assist in improvements to AgriZone buildings (packhouses, office, canteen, gatehouse, nursery, WTW building, tissue culture facility, etc.) and infrastructure through liaising with other support departments i.e. Property Operations and Development, Planning & Infrastructure;
Provide technical input into proposed agricultural developments and evaluate designs in line with AgriZone operational needs;
Identify and coordinate implementation of specific DTPC requirements in new developments in AgriZone;
Research and consult to ensure that most effective products/infrastructure is implemented and planned for;
Compile project briefs for new projects;
Assist in the implementation of new developments and facilitate stakeholder engagements when necessary;
Assist other divisions where Engineering input may be required, eg. CSI unit with regards to agricultural infrastructure initiatives;
Assisting with Enterprise Development projects;
Liaise with authorities on legal compliance issues regarding planned developments regarding water usage; and
Do designs for new projects when necessary.
Operational risk management and regulatory compliance
Develop and update risk register for area of operation i.e. water management
Compile risk control measures and ensure implementation
Facilitate and track execution of risk action plans
Update SoPs and risk assessments for AgriZone Operations
Compile safety file for operations
Implement measures that ensure compliance to the AgriZone’s Operational Environmental Management Programme (OEMPr) and water use license
Participate and provide information and documentation for environmental audits for AgriZone operations
Facilitate health & safety compliance for contractors in the area of responsibility
Conduct mid-year and annual asset verifications for assets in the area of responsibility and compile and review memos for movement, acquisition and disposal of assets Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Competencies Required
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Agricultural)
4 years working experience in an agricultural engineering field, in particular, operations.
1-2 years supervisory experience.
Registration as a Professional Engineer with ECSA is not mandatory but will be advantageous
Experience in the design, operation and maintenance of agricultural infrastructure and facilities, such as greenhouses, packhouses, dams, boreholes, irrigation systems and water reticulation services.
Must have knowledge of bulk irrigation water management and water quality management in accordance to applicable standards.
Experience and knowledge of different water treatment processes for crop irrigation purposes.
Knowledge in total waste and wastewater management in accordance to relevant regulations.
Must be familiar with Health and Safety standards, regulations and procedures for agricultural and industrial operations.
Must have knowledge of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Colling) systems for agricultural greenhouses and packhouse facilities.
Experience in contractor supervision and contract management
Experience in maintenance planning, scheduling execution and reporting
Experience in management of assets and inventory
Experience in reading and interpreting electrical, mechanical and civil drawings
Experience in working with greenhouse management systems for hydroponic crop production such as Priva, Netafirm, etc.
Knowledge of systems optimisation and undertaking technical research
Proficient in MS Office
Experience in CAD or similar programme
General scientific interest
Good planning and organising skills
Honest, responsible and disciplined
Professional
The ability to identify, analyse, troubleshoot and solve problems
Good oral and written communication skills
Aptitude for computing and design
Be versatile and be able to undertake physical work when required