Assistant Technical Designer - Greenhouse/Irrigation

Role Overview

This role sits within the technical design function of a Kenyan agribusiness solutions provider, supporting the full lifecycle of greenhouse and irrigation projects. Day to day, you will translate customer requirements and site data into workable engineering designs, detailed CAD drawings, and accurate material quantities, while also advising project teams during installation. Your work directly determines whether projects are technically sound, correctly priced, and ready for efficient on-site execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop irrigation and greenhouse designs, including system layouts, hydraulic calculations, pipe sizing, and component selection for drip, sprinkler, micro-irrigation, fertigation, pumping, and filtration systems.
• Produce and revise professional 2D technical drawings in AutoCAD or approved CAD software, covering site layouts, greenhouse structures, pipe networks, pump arrangements, schematics, and installation details.
• Conduct site surveys to verify dimensions, topography, water sources, existing infrastructure, power availability, and any constraints that affect design assumptions or project cost.
• Prepare detailed bills of quantities from approved drawings, ensuring all pipes, fittings, valves, pumps, greenhouse materials, and installation items are captured accurately and cross-checked for omissions or inconsistencies.
• Build project cost estimates and quotation inputs based on verified product pricing, technical specifications, and approved BOQs, while identifying cost optimisation opportunities without compromising quality.
• Maintain controlled documentation for drawings, surveys, BOQs, estimates, and revisions in line with internal document-control procedures.
• Support implementation teams by clarifying design intent, resolving technical queries during installation, verifying installed systems against approved designs, and assisting with commissioning and handover.
• Provide technical input to sales and business development activities, including product application guidance, proposal preparation, customer query responses, and ad-hoc training for internal teams.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, irrigation engineering, water engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or another relevant technical engineering discipline; a degree in agricultural or irrigation engineering is preferred.
• 2–3 years of professional experience in technical design, irrigation or greenhouse systems, agricultural engineering, CAD draughting, project estimation, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on familiarity with irrigation system design, AutoCAD drafting, BOQ preparation, cost estimation, technical quotations, and site survey work; exposure to greenhouse construction, pump and filtration systems, and agricultural project support is a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or equivalent CAD software, with the ability to produce accurate 2D technical drawings, interpret and revise existing drawings, and maintain version control.
• Understanding of hydraulic principles, pipe sizing, flow and pressure calculations, and irrigation equipment selection; working knowledge of fertigation systems, pumps, filtration, and water treatment is beneficial.
• Competence in quantity take-offs, material scheduling, and cross-referencing drawings against BOQs to ensure completeness.
• Familiarity with irrigation design software, hydraulic modelling tools, 3D CAD, GIS/GPS applications, or project management software is advantageous.
• Membership or eligibility for membership in a recognised professional body relevant to the discipline is an added advantage; certifications in irrigation design, CAD, greenhouse technology, or project management will be considered a plus.