Lead Hydroelectric Power Specialist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health benefits

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development opportunities

Challenging infrastructure projects

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Hydroelectric Power Specialist in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to oversee planning, design, construction and operations of hydro facilities. You will guide multidisciplinary teams and drive performance across lifecycles in a renewable energy environment.

The role demands strong hydraulic engineering knowledge, turbine technology mastery, and regulatory acumen. Hybrid work options and a robust benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering with hydropower specialization.
• 8+ years of hydroelectric power sector experience with leadership and technical expertise.
• Profound knowledge of hydraulic turbines, governors and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct lifecycle of hydroelectric projects from feasibility to decommissioning.
• Design and engineer dams, powerhouses, turbines and infrastructure.
• Oversee construction and commissioning with safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Develop operational strategies to optimize generation efficiency and reliability.
• Conduct inspections and performance analyses of hydro facilities.
• Manage budgets, resources and stakeholder communications.
• Mentor engineers and technical staff to foster excellence.
• Ensure compliance with national and international hydropower regulations.

Skills

Hydraulic engineering

Hydraulic turbines

Governors & control systems

Project leadership

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Project management software

Hydraulic modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading force in the Energy industry, is actively recruiting for a Lead Hydroelectric Power Specialist to join their esteemed team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This crucial role will involve overseeing the planning, design, construction, and operational management of hydroelectric power facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of hydraulic engineering, turbine technology, and environmental considerations pertinent to large-scale hydropower projects. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape sustainable energy infrastructure, lead high-performing engineering teams, and drive operational efficiency for our client's vital energy assets. We are seeking a seasoned professional with a strong commitment to renewable energy and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the lifecycle of hydroelectric power projects, from feasibility studies to decommissioning.
• Manage the design and engineering of dams, powerhouses, turbines, and associated infrastructure.
• Oversee the construction and commissioning phases, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and environmental standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to optimize power generation efficiency and reliability.
• Conduct regular inspections and performance analyses of existing hydroelectric facilities.
• Manage project budgets, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication effectively.
• Mentor and guide a team of engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all national and international regulations governing hydropower development and operation.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in hydropower.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in the hydroelectric power sector, with a strong emphasis on project leadership and technical expertise.
• Comprehensive knowledge of hydraulic turbines, governors, and control systems.
• Proven experience in managing large civil engineering construction projects, particularly dams and related structures.
• Proficiency in project management software and hydraulic modeling tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Experience working with regulatory bodies and environmental agencies in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal or similar jurisdictions is highly valued.

Benefits

• Our client provides an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a substantial retirement fund contribution.
• We support continuous professional development through specialized training, conference attendance, and opportunities for further academic pursuits.
• The work environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal is dynamic, offering challenges that foster innovation and growth.
• Employees benefit from a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site collaboration with remote flexibility.
• Opportunities to work on significant infrastructure projects with a positive environmental impact are abundant.