Irrigation Bulk Water Specialist

A Farm Shaped Over Time

At Boschendal, work follows the rhythm of the farm – shaped by seasons, people, produce, and care.

Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Boschendal is a living farm where hospitality, retail, food, wine, craft, and land come together in experiences that feel warm, generous, and grounded.

Every detail matters: what we grow, make, stock, sell, and share with our guests.

Our Purpose: Regenerating our Future through People & Soil

At Boschendal, regeneration begins with the land and is carried forward by our people. We are a farm with purpose, caring for our soil, nurturing our teams, strengthening our community, and creating meaningful guest experiences through genuine hospitality – all rooted in the future we are shaping together.

Irrigation Bulk Water Specialist

The Plumbing, Irrigation & Bulk Water Infrastructure Specialist is responsible for the technical management, maintenance, repair, and optimisation of Boschendal’s plumbing, irrigation, and bulk water infrastructure systems. The role requires specialist expertise across pressurised pipe networks, irrigation delivery systems (drip, micro, and sprinkler), pump stations, reservoirs, boreholes, water meters, and associated bulk water assets.

The Specialist is accountable for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and compliance of all water infrastructure across the estate, contributing directly to water conservation, agricultural production, guest experience, and operational sustainability.

Working independently and with technical authority, the role provides specialist input into infrastructure planning, maintenance programming, fault diagnosis, and capital project support, while also guiding and supporting less experienced team members in the execution of plumbing and irrigation works.

The Plumbing, Irrigation & Bulk Water Infrastructure Specialist is expected to live Boschendal’s values — Keep the Rhythm, Take Care of Today, Build Genuine Connections, Be the Bee, and Show Up Curious — in every aspect of how they work, lead, and contribute to the estate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Irrigation Systems Management

• Own, manage, and maintain Boschendal’s irrigation infrastructure including drip, micro-jet, sprinkler, and sub-surface systems.
• Conduct regular inspections, performance assessments, and condition evaluations of all irrigation networks.
• Diagnose and repair irrigation faults including line failures, emitter blockages, pressure irregularities, and controller malfunctions.
• Programme, calibrate, and maintain irrigation controllers, timers, solenoid valves, and automation systems.
• Collaborate with the agricultural and viticulture teams to ensure irrigation scheduling meets crop water requirements.
• Identify and implement water-saving improvements and irrigation efficiency initiatives across the estate.
• Maintain accurate irrigation maps, zone records, and infrastructure documentation.

Bulk Water Infrastructure

• Manage, inspect, and maintain Boschendal’s bulk water infrastructure including reservoirs, dams, pump stations, rising mains, gravity mains, and distribution networks.
• Monitor reservoir levels, pump performance, pressure zones, and bulk water consumption.
• Conduct condition assessments of bulk infrastructure assets and recommend maintenance or capital investment interventions.
• Manage borehole infrastructure including pump servicing, yield monitoring, water quality testing liaison, and compliance records.
• Respond to bulk water failures, supply interruptions, and infrastructure emergencies with urgency and technical competence.
• Liaise with local municipalities and authorities on bulk water supply, meter readings, compliance, and infrastructure interfaces.

Plumbing Maintenance & Repairs

• Execute and oversee plumbing installations, repairs, upgrades, and modifications across estate facilities, hospitality, agricultural, and operational areas.
• Diagnose and repair complex plumbing faults including pipe failures, valve malfunctions, pump failures, and backflow incidents.
• Manage and maintain hot and cold water reticulation systems, drainage infrastructure, and sanitary installations.
• Support and guide Assistant Plumbers and other maintenance staff in the execution of plumbing works.
• Ensure all plumbing works comply with applicable regulatory standards, codes of practice, and Boschendal quality requirements.

Preventative Maintenance & Asset Management

• Develop, implement, and manage preventative maintenance plans for all plumbing, irrigation, and bulk water assets.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date asset register for all water infrastructure including condition ratings and maintenance history.
• Conduct scheduled servicing of pumps, motors, valves, pressure-reducing stations, meters, and associated equipment.
• Use maintenance management systems or records to track work orders, defects, and maintenance compliance.
• Identify ageing infrastructure, recurring failures, and deteriorating assets and recommend proactive interventions.

Water Monitoring, Metering & Conservation

• Perform and oversee water meter readings across all estate zones on schedule.
• Analyse consumption data to identify anomalies, leaks, inefficiencies, and water loss.
• Compile and report water usage data to management, supporting operational and sustainability decision-making.
• Drive water conservation initiatives, leak detection programmes, and demand management activities.
• Support Boschendal’s environmental sustainability goals through responsible water stewardship.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to and promote compliance with Boschendal Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality requirements.
• Ensure all plumbing and irrigation works are executed safely, using correct procedures and PPE.
• Participate in toolbox talks, risk assessments, method statements, and permit-to-work processes.
• Maintain compliance with applicable water use licences, bylaws, and regulatory requirements.
• Report hazards, incidents, near misses, and environmental risks promptly.
• Assist in maintaining safe working conditions for all team members, contractors, and visitors.

Standby & Emergency Response

• Participate in the plumbing and water infrastructure standby rotation.
• Respond to irrigation, plumbing, and bulk water emergencies outside normal working hours when required.
• Lead technical response to water supply failures, burst mains, pump failures, and irrigation system emergencies.
• Coordinate restoration of water supply and irrigation services to minimise operational disruption.

Team Support & Knowledge Transfer

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job coaching to Assistant Plumbers and Plumbers.
• Share specialist knowledge in irrigation programming, bulk water management, and plumbing systems.
• Support the Senior Plumber and Team Lead in planning and executing maintenance programmes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of maintenance practices, standards, and systems.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, management, and contractors.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• Qualified Plumber (Trade Test Certificate) or equivalent recognised qualification — preferred.
• Relevant qualification or certification in irrigation systems, bulk water management, or water reticulation — advantageous.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ practical experience in plumbing, irrigation, or water infrastructure maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience with agricultural or estate irrigation systems (drip, micro, sprinkler) required.
• Experience with bulk water infrastructure including reservoirs, pump stations, boreholes, and reticulation networks.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Familiarity with SANS plumbing standards, water use regulations, and relevant compliance requirements advantageous.
• Experience within wine estate, agricultural, hospitality, or facilities management environments advantageous.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong technical knowledge of plumbing, irrigation, and bulk water systems.
• Ability to diagnose complex infrastructure faults and identify effective solutions.
• Sound understanding of irrigation controllers, automation, and scheduling systems.
• Good numeracy and data interpretation skills for water consumption analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and infrastructure plans.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Organised and able to plan and prioritise maintenance activities effectively.
• Physically fit and capable of sustained outdoor and manual work.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills — able to guide and support team members.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to water conservation and sustainable infrastructure management.
• Reliable, responsible, and professional in all aspects of conduct.