Senior Hydrogeologist - Water Resource Management

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

CPD funding

Flexible working

Job summary

Placements24, a leading environmental consultancy based in Paarl, is seeking a Senior Hydrogeologist to manage groundwater projects and protect vital resources. You will lead investigations, develop models, and advise clients and regulators on groundwater strategies.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and ensure compliance with South African water legislation while delivering high-impact solutions to water security challenges in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in hydrogeology or related field.
• 8+ years of applied hydrogeology experience in groundwater resource management or contamination.
• Experience with groundwater modelling software and GIS.
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
• Knowledge of South African water legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrogeological investigations from inception to completion.
• Conduct groundwater resource assessments and yield estimation.
• Develop and apply groundwater flow and solute transport models (MODFLOW/FEFLOW).
• Assess groundwater contamination risks and remediation strategies.
• Plan, supervise drilling programs and interpret results.
• Author technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Provide expert hydrogeological advice to clients and regulators.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, and project managers.
• Mentor junior hydrogeologists and contribute to team development.
• Stay updated on hydrogeology advances and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices.

Skills

Hydrogeology

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

Report writing

Project management

Team leadership

Water legislation SA

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Hydrogeology

Tools

MODFLOW

FEFLOW

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental and water resource consultancy, is seeking an accomplished Senior Hydrogeologist to join their dedicated team in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is crucial for managing and protecting vital groundwater resources, conducting complex hydrological investigations, and developing sustainable water management strategies. The successful candidate will lead projects related to groundwater resource assessment, groundwater protection, contaminant hydrogeology, and the planning and supervision of drilling programs. This position requires extensive experience in hydrogeological modelling, data analysis, and a deep understanding of groundwater systems, particularly within the context of the Western Cape 's unique water challenges. You will be instrumental in providing expert advice to government agencies, private sector clients, and community stakeholders. This is a senior position offering significant autonomy and the opportunity to make a substantial contribution to water security.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage hydrogeological investigations and projects from inception to completion.
• Conduct groundwater resource assessments, including aquifer characterization and yield estimation.
• Develop and apply numerical groundwater flow and solute transport models (e.g., MODFLOW, FEFLOW).
• Assess groundwater contamination risks and develop remediation strategies.
• Plan, supervise, and interpret results from drilling, borehole testing, and monitoring programs.
• Author high-quality technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Provide expert hydrogeological advice to clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, engineers, and project managers.
• Mentor junior hydrogeologists and contribute to team development.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in hydrogeology and related technologies.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices in groundwater management.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Hydrogeology, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
• Professional registration with SAGC (South African Geomatics Council) or equivalent is advantageous.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in applied hydrogeology, with a focus on groundwater resource management and/or contamination.
• Proven experience in groundwater modelling software and GIS applications.
• Strong analytical skills, including statistical analysis of hydrogeological data.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Experience in managing projects and leading technical teams.
• Knowledge of South African water legislation and policy is essential.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Fieldwork experience, including borehole siting and supervision, is required.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape area.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with performance-related bonuses. A comprehensive benefits portfolio includes private medical aid, life insurance, and a contributory pension fund. Significant emphasis is placed on continuous professional development, with funding available for further training, workshops, and relevant courses. Employees benefit from a positive and collaborative work culture, focused on delivering high-impact environmental solutions. This role provides the opportunity to work on challenging and meaningful projects that address critical water resource issues in South Africa. Flexible working arrangements are also available.