Principal Water Resources Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive remuneration package

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Water Resources Engineer to lead its growing water sector from Port Elizabeth, guiding planning, design and implementation of water supply, wastewater, stormwater, and catchment projects. The role emphasizes leadership, client relationships, and technical excellence.

The senior position requires 12+ years in water resources engineering, a Master’s in civil/environmental engineering with a focus on water resources, and Pr Eng registration with ECSA.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with Water Resources focus.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in water resources engineering.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is essential.
• Experience with hydraulic modeling, GIS, and water quality analysis.
• Knowledge of Port Elizabeth and Eastern Cape water challenges and regulatory framework.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience in environmental impact assessments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of water resources projects (supply, sanitation, flood control).
• Conduct water resource assessments and hydrological/hydraulic modeling.
• Develop strategies for sustainable water management and wastewater optimization.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and timelines.
• Prepare reports, design docs, and tender packages.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and staff in water resources.
• Support business development and client engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client engagement

Communication

Hydraulic modeling

GIS

Water quality analysis

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering (Water Resources)

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

HEC-RAS

EPANET

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished environmental and water engineering firm based in Port Elizabeth , is seeking a Principal Water Resources Engineer to lead their expanding water sector division. This senior position is critical for advancing innovative water management strategies and infrastructure projects within the Eastern Cape and nationally. The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of water supply systems, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and catchment management projects. You will provide expert technical guidance, manage multidisciplinary teams, and foster strong client relationships. This role presents a unique opportunity to address critical water challenges, drive sustainable water solutions, and contribute significantly to the region's development and environmental sustainability. The firm prides itself on its commitment to technical excellence and impactful project delivery across South Africa . This role demands visionary leadership and a deep understanding of water resource challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of water resources projects, including supply, sanitation, and flood control.
• Conduct comprehensive water resource assessments, hydrological and hydraulic modeling.
• Develop strategies for sustainable water management, resource augmentation, and wastewater treatment optimization.
• Manage project teams, ensuring adherence to technical standards, budgets, and timelines.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, design documentation, and tender packages.
• Liaise with clients, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technical staff within the water resources discipline.
• Contribute to business development, proposal writing, and client engagement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, EPANET), GIS, and water quality analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of water infrastructure planning, design, and operation.
• Understanding of the unique water challenges and regulatory framework in Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape .
• Proven leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience in environmental impact assessments related to water projects is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive remuneration package, commensurate with the seniority and impact of this role. This includes a substantial annual salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits. The company is dedicated to employee growth, providing extensive professional development opportunities, training, and support for career advancement. You will be part of a forward-thinking team working on vital water infrastructure projects in Port Elizabeth and contributing to the water security and sustainability of South Africa .