Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist

Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental engineering consultancy in Durban is seeking a Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist to enhance the Drinking Water Safety Plan programme. The role involves preparing Catchment Action Plans, analyzing water quality data, and collaborating with stakeholders to mitigate risks. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Catchment Science and at least 5 years of relevant experience, along with strong skills in stakeholder engagement and report writing. This opportunity offers a chance to work in a company with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in catchment management or drinking water protection.
• Experience in project delivery and stakeholder engagement in regulated environments.
• Ability to undertake technical reviews and lead project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of Catchment Action Plans for drinking water sources.
• Analyse water quality monitoring data to identify hazards and trends.
• Engage with stakeholders to support delivery of actions.

Skills

Catchment management planning

Water quality monitoring data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Technical review

Report writing

Data interpretation

Presentation skills

Education

Degree in Catchment Science, Hydrogeology or related discipline

Tools

GIS

Job description

About The Company

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work.

If you are looking to advance your career in a socially responsible company, which has a proven track record over 90 years, and is committed to creating a sustainable planet, we invite you to be part of our team.

Our mission is to provide innovative and reliable solutions using cutting‑edge technology and expertise, to ensure project success and employee satisfaction.

We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy—including renewables.

With headquarters in Ireland, we also operate in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

As part of the RSK Group, an amalgamation of over companies with more than 17, employees, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

About The Role

Nicholas O'Dwyer is seeking an experienced Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist to support the delivery of the Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP) programme, in line with the requirements of the new Drinking Water Regulations.

The role will focus on the development of high‑level Catchment Action Plans for approximately Water Treatment Plant catchments, encompassing both surface water and groundwater sources.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with internal technical teams and external stakeholders to identify risks, define mitigation measures, and track actions through the DWSP system.

This is a senior, technically focused role requiring strong catchment science expertise, excellent analytical and reporting skills, and proven experience working within regulated drinking water environments.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of high‑level Catchment Action Plans for drinking water sources as part of the DWSP programme.
• Undertake desktop catchment characterisation, including review of source risk assessment outputs and available water quality data.
• Analyse and interpret water quality monitoring datasets to identify key pressures, hazards, and trends affecting drinking water sources.
• Identify, prioritise, and plan risk mitigation measures, including defining responsibilities, sequencing, and realistic implementation timelines.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including asset owners, regulators, and catchment partners, to support delivery of agreed actions.
• Track and update mitigation measures within the DWSP database, ensuring accuracy and consistency of records.
• Provide technical oversight and review of catchment and hydrogeological inputs prepared by other team members.
• Support programme and project management activities, including progress tracking, reporting, and coordination across multiple catchments.
• Prepare high‑quality technical reports, summaries, and presentations suitable for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of catchment risk management approaches within the DWSP framework.

Key Requirements

• Degree in Catchment Science, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' relevant professional experience in catchment management, hydrogeology, or drinking water protection.
• Demonstrated experience in catchment management planning, DWSPs, water quality monitoring data analysis, stakeholder engagement in regulated environments, and project or programme delivery.
• Proven ability to undertake technical reviews and provide leadership or oversight to project teams.
• Strong report writing, data interpretation, and presentation skills.

Desirable Experience

• Catchment risk assessment methodologies.
• Groundwater and catchment hydrogeological assessments.
• Experience using GIS to support catchment analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with Irish or EU drinking water regulatory frameworks.

About Us

Our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that transform communities and bring about lasting positive change.

Through a blend of expertise, innovation and global dedication, we envision a world where sustainable engineering protects growing communities.

Nicholas O'Dwyer provides professional services in engineering design, project management, environment and planning, construction supervision and technical and contract advisory.

We are one of the most respected Irish consultancies operating in local and international markets, providing professional services to public‑ and private‑sector clients.

Whether in Ireland, the UK or internationally, we understand and solve major challenges associated with delivering and adapting infrastructure for an increasing global population while maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations.

Nicholas O'Dwyer is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors.

RSK was founded in and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification.

Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals.

People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth.

We're committed to preserving RSK's people‑first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration.

At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations.

We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Do you have what it takes?