Lead Water Resources Engineer: Dam & Hydropower Design

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Retirement benefits

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Water Resource Engineer to lead water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Richards Bay,KwaZulu-Natal. You will perform hydrological assessments, develop resource plans, and deliver designs for treatment and distribution networks.

You will manage projects, mentor junior staff, and liaise with clients and authorities, ensuring regulatory compliance and successful outcomes. This role offers hybrid work in a coastal setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or Environmental Engineering with water resources specialization.
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience in water resource engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is required.
• Proficiency in hydraulic modeling software (HEC-RAS, SWMM) and GIS.
• Strong knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems, floodplains, and urban drainage.
• Develop water resource management plans and strategies.
• Prepare detailed designs, calculations, and specifications for water treatment plants and distribution networks.
• Manage project scope, budget, and schedule; ensure on-time delivery.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments related to water resource projects.
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, and stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and staff.
• Develop proposals and support business development activities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and engineering standards.

Skills

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Water resources

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

Tools

HEC-RAS

SWMM

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental and civil engineering consultancy, is seeking a Senior Water Resource Engineer to join their growing team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for managing and developing water-related infrastructure projects, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management systems. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and water resource management to deliver sustainable and efficient solutions for municipal and industrial clients. You will play a key role in project planning, design, execution, and client liaison, contributing significantly to the region’s water security and infrastructure development. This position offers a unique chance to work on impactful projects in a dynamic coastal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems, floodplains, and urban drainage.
• Develop water resource management plans and strategies.
• Prepare detailed designs, calculations, and specifications for water treatment plants and distribution networks.
• Manage project scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring successful delivery.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments related to water resource projects.
• Liaise effectively with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and technical staff.
• Develop proposals and support business development activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and engineering standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with a specialization in Water Resources.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in water resource engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is required.
• Proficiency in hydraulic modeling software such as HEC‑RAS, SWMM, or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Experience with GIS and other relevant planning and design software.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with clients and team members.
• Willingness to undertake site visits as required.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement benefits.
• We are committed to fostering a professional and collaborative work environment that encourages continuous learning and career advancement.
• This role offers a hybrid work model, balancing remote flexibility with essential in‑office collaboration, based in the vibrant coastal city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal. Be part of a team dedicated to enhancing water security and sustainability in the region.