Principal Civil Design Engineer (Water Resources)

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Civil Design Engineer with a Water Resources specialization to lead major water infrastructure projects in Pretoria. Deep hydrology and hydraulics expertise, plus strong project leadership, are essential to mentor a team and deliver high-impact works.

You will oversee design calculations for dams, pipelines and water treatment systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive client liaison and business development. Pr Eng and 12+ years' experience are required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources.
• Pr Eng designation is mandatory.
• 12+ years of progressive water resources engineering and infrastructure design experience.
• Extensive experience with modeling and design software for water infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design and execution of complex water resource projects.
• Perform hydraulic and hydrological analysis for dams, rivers, floodplains, and urban drainage.
• Develop and review design calculations, drawings and specifications for water systems.
• Oversee environmental impact assessments and documentation for water projects.
• Manage project teams, ensuring adherence to scope, budget and schedule.
• Mentor junior and intermediate engineers and liaise with clients and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Project management

Mentorship

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Education

Master's degree in Civil Engineering (Water Resources)

Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) designation

Tools

HEC-RAS

InfoWorks ICM

EPANET

Mike Urban

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier water engineering firm, is seeking an experienced Principal Civil Design Engineer with a specialization in Water Resources to join their esteemed practice in Pretoria . This is a critical leadership role, responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of major water infrastructure projects, including dams, pipelines, water treatment plants, and distribution networks. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and water resource management, coupled with strong project management capabilities. You will be pivotal in mentoring a team of engineers, driving technical innovation, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex, high-impact projects. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of water security and management in South Africa and to further your career at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment is to excellence and sustainable engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and execution of complex water resource and infrastructure projects.
• Perform detailed hydraulic and hydrological analysis for dams, rivers, floodplains, and urban drainage systems.
• Develop and review design calculations, drawings, and specifications for water treatment, storage, and distribution systems.
• Oversee the preparation of environmental impact assessments and associated documentation for water projects.
• Manage project teams, ensuring adherence to project scope, budget, and schedule.
• Provide expert technical advice and mentorship to junior and intermediate engineers.
• Liaise effectively with clients, regulatory bodies, and construction partners throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international design standards and best practices.
• Conduct feasibility studies, option evaluations, and risk assessments for water infrastructure development.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation and client relationship management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) designation is mandatory.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering and infrastructure design.
• Extensive experience with industry-standard modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, InfoWorks ICM, EPANET, Mike Urban).
• Proven track record in the design of dams, pipelines, water treatment works, and stormwater management systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and permitting processes related to water infrastructure.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in public sector and private sector projects within South Africa is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including an attractive base salary, significant performance bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• We invest heavily in our employees' professional development, providing access to advanced training, international conferences, and leadership programs.
• This role is based in Pretoria , offering a stimulating work environment and the chance to lead projects of national importance.
• You will be part of a distinguished team recognized for its technical prowess and commitment to delivering sustainable water solutions.
• Join us and make a tangible difference to water security and management.