Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist

Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 450 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is looking for a Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years' experience in catchment management and hydrogeology. Responsibilities include leading Catchment Action Plans, analyzing water quality data, and engaging with stakeholders. A degree in a related field is required. This position offers a chance to impact water quality and sustainability positively while working within a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' relevant professional experience in catchment management, hydrogeology, or drinking water protection.
• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs).
• Proven ability to undertake technical reviews and provide leadership to project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of high-level Catchment Action Plans for drinking water sources.
• Analyse and interpret water quality monitoring datasets to identify key pressures and trends.
• Engage with stakeholders to support delivery of agreed actions.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports for various audiences.

Skills

Catchment management planning

Water quality monitoring data analysis

Stakeholder engagement in regulated environments

Strong report writing

Data interpretation

Presentation skills

Education

Degree in Catchment Science, Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, or related discipline

Tools

GIS for catchment analysis

Job description

About The Company

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

We are a socially responsible company with a proven track record of over 90 years, committed to creating a sustainable planet.

We deliver infrastructure projects in water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and energy—including renewables—across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As part of the RSK Group, we benefit from a global network of opportunities while retaining our brand and autonomy.

About The Role

Senior Catchment Scientist / Hydrogeologist – a senior, technically focused role requiring strong catchment science expertise, excellent analytical and reporting skills, and proven experience 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
• Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs)
• Water quality monitoring data analysis
• Stakeholder engagement in regulated environments

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, serving both public- and private-sector clients.

We prioritise inclusivity and believe that diversity strengthens our workforce.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration.