Senior Hydrogeologist

Knight Piesold Southern Africa; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-linked bonuses

Medical aid and pension fund

Hybrid working arrangements

Wellness and professional development

Job summary

Knight Piésold Southern Africa is seeking a Senior Hydrogeologist to join our Sandton-based team. The role combines fieldwork, data analysis, and numerical modelling to deliver robust groundwater solutions for diverse projects.

You will lead investigations, develop models, manage projects, and engage with clients and regulators while mentoring junior professionals. A SACNASP-registered senior with 5+ years is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrogeology or related Earth sciences.
• An Honours or Master’s degree in Hydrogeology is advantageous.
• At least five years in hydrogeology, groundwater consulting or mining hydrogeology.
• Professional SACNASP registration preferred.
• Experience leading hydrogeological investigations and field programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrogeological investigations including field programmes, drilling, aquifer testing, groundwater monitoring and data analysis.
• Provide technical support on hydrogeological assessments, dewatering and groundwater management plans.
• Develop and review conceptual and numerical groundwater models and provide practical solutions to groundwater risks.
• Manage projects and workstreams including scope, budgets and timelines.
• Prepare and sign off technical reports, specialist studies and client deliverables.
• Engage with clients, regulators and stakeholders; contribute to proposals and business development.
• Mentor junior team members and support multidisciplinary project delivery.

Skills

Hydrogeology

Groundwater modelling

Data analysis

Report writing

Project management

Client engagement

SACNASP registration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology

Honours or Master’s degree

Tools

MODFLOW

FeFlow

MineDW

Geophysical surveys

Job description

Knight Piésold is looking for an experienced Senior Hydrogeologist to join our Hydrogeology in Sandton. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong hydrogeologist who enjoys a diverse role combining fieldwork, technical analysis, numerical modelling, report writing, client engagement and project management. Working alongside experienced professionals, you will contribute to technically robust and sustainable solutions for our clients across a range of challenging projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hydrogeological investigations and studies, including field programmes, drilling, aquifer testing, groundwater monitoring, sampling and data analysis.
• Provide technical support across hydrogeological assessments, dewatering, groundwater impact assessments, water balances, contamination studies and groundwater management plans.
• Develop and review conceptual and numerical groundwater models and provide practical solutions to groundwater-related risks.
• Manage projects and workstreams, including scope, budgets, timelines, resources, contractors and technical deliverables.
• Prepare, review and sign off technical reports, specialist studies and client deliverables, ensuring high technical and quality standards.
• Engage with clients, regulators and stakeholders, while contributing to proposals, tenders, fee estimates and business development.
• Mentor and develop junior and intermediate team members, providing technical guidance, peer review and knowledge sharing.
• Support multidisciplinary project delivery and represent Knight Piésold on project sites and during client engagements across Africa and internationally.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Earth Sciences or a related discipline.
• An Honours or Master’s degree in Hydrogeology or a related field will be advantageous.
• At least five years’ relevant experience in hydrogeology, groundwater consulting, or mining hydrogeology.
• Professional registration with SACNASP.
• Proven experience managing and delivering in hydrogeological investigations within specialist studies within a consulting environment.
• Experience in planning and executing field investigations, including supervision of geophysical surveys, monitoring borehole and production dewatering borehole drilling, aquifer testing, groundwater sampling and geochemical sampling.
• Strong ability to analyse and interpret groundwater and water quality data and compile conceptual groundwater flow and contaminant migration models.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and client- facing technical roles.
• Experience in numerical groundwater flow and contaminant migration modelling (MODFLOW, FeFlow, and/or MineDW).
• Experience in preparing hydrogeological reports and specialist studies.
• Exposure to mining, environmental or civil infrastructure projects will be advantageous.
• Good understanding of relevant environmental and water legislation and standards.
• A valid driver’s licence, passport and willingness to travel.

You Will Bring

• Strong technical leadership and sound professional judgement.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to technical challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver against deadlines.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Professionalism, accountability and a strong work ethic.

Why Join Knight Piésold – Our Employee Value Proposition

At Knight Piésold, we believe that exceptional people create exceptional projects. We are passionate about developing our people and providing opportunities to build rewarding, long-term careers.

We offer:

• Competitive, market-related remuneration with eligibility for performance-linked bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, pension fund and group risk cover.
• Ongoing investment in your professional growth through leadership development programmes, including our Middle Manager Development Programme, as well as support for further studies, specialised training and continuous learning.
• Hybrid working arrangements, complemented by cell phone and data allowances.
• A comprehensive Corporate Wellness Programme, including access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your immediate family, fitness and wellbeing initiatives such as padel events and fitness challenges, as well as on-going mental health, financial wellbeing and lifestyle education.
• Opportunities to lead high-performing teams and influence major projects across Africa.
• A collaborative, inclusive and values-driven culture committed to learning, growth and long-term career development.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Background and qualification checks will be conducted. Knight Piésold is an equal opportunity employer.