Principal Water Resources Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

International assignments

Modern Pretoria office facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria invites a highly accomplished Principal Water Resources Engineer to lead strategic water projects across potable supply, wastewater, and flood management. This senior role requires deep expertise, regulatory know-how, and a track record of delivering complex programs with a strong client focus in a hybrid work environment.

You will mentor engineers, guide modeling work (HEC-RAS/EPANET/MIKE), manage budgets, and liaise with government agencies and communities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with a water resources focus.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering with leadership roles.
• Experience with hydrological and hydraulic modeling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of large-scale water resource projects.
• Conduct advanced hydrological and hydraulic modeling to assess water availability and flood risk.
• Develop integrated water resource management plans and strategies.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to engineers and scientists.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and resources for project delivery.
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, stakeholders, and communities.
• Ensure compliance with South African water legislation and environmental regulations.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and EIAs.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship management.
• Represent the company at conferences and technical forums.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

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

Tools

HEC-RAS

EPANET

MIKE suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Water Resources Engineer to lead strategic initiatives within their consultancy in Pretoria, Gauteng . This senior position requires extensive expertise in managing complex water-related projects, including water supply systems, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and river basin planning. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of water resource management principles, advanced modeling techniques, and regulatory compliance within South Africa. You will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable water solutions for urban and rural communities, mentoring junior engineers, and fostering strong client relationships. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence policy, drive innovation, and lead impactful projects from our Pretoria office, with the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement. We are looking for a thought leader with a passion for water stewardship and a proven ability to deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of large-scale water resource projects, including potable water supply, wastewater management, and flood control.
• Conduct advanced hydrological and hydraulic modeling to assess water availability, quality, and flood risk.
• Develop integrated water resource management plans and strategies.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of engineers and scientists.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to ensure successful project delivery.
• Liaise effectively with clients, government agencies, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Ensure all designs and plans comply with national and provincial water legislation and environmental regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, feasibility studies, and environmental impact assessments.
• Contribute to business development, including proposal writing and client relationship management.
• Represent the company at conferences and technical forums.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering, with significant project management and leadership roles.
• Extensive knowledge of hydrological and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, EPANET, MIKE suite).
• Proven track record in managing complex water infrastructure projects from inception to completion.
• Strong understanding of South African water legislation, policies, and environmental frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and in-office collaboration.
• Experience in water quality management and treatment processes is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to secure and manage significant project funding.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical aid, pension fund, and life insurance.
• Opportunities for international assignments and professional development.
• Generous performance-based bonuses.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development resources.
• Significant impact on national water security and sustainability initiatives.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
• Modern office facilities located in Pretoria .