Senior Hydrologist - Water Resource Management

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Hydrologist - Water Resource Management to join our Upington team. You will lead advanced hydrological analysis, develop sustainable water management plans, and guide clients across government and private sectors.

Based in Upington with a hybrid work model, the role emphasizes project leadership, mentoring junior staff, and delivering high-quality technical reports, proposals, and presentations while staying current with regulatory developments.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in hydrological analysis and water resource management.
• Proven expertise in surface water and groundwater modeling, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience with flood modeling, hydrological risk assessment, and water quality management.
• Proficiency in relevant hydrological software packages and GIS.
• Strong understanding of South African water legislation and policy frameworks.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and team collaboration skills.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat., Pr.Eng.) is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological studies including surface water and groundwater assessments.
• Develop and implement water resource management plans.
• Perform flood risk assessments and inundation mapping.
• Utilize hydrological software and modeling tools.
• Analyze water quality data and remediation strategies.
• Manage and mentor junior hydrologists and technical staff.
• Liaise with clients, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Stay current with best practices and regulatory developments in hydrology and water resource management.
• Support business development by identifying new project opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Team collaboration

Communication

Independent work

Education

Master's or PhD in Hydrology/Water Resources/Environmental Science

Tools

HEC-RAS

MODFLOW

SWAT

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Senior Hydrologist - Water Resource Management to join their expert team in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is vital for providing advanced hydrological analysis and strategic water resource management solutions to a diverse range of clients, including government agencies and private industry. The successful candidate will lead complex projects involving surface water and groundwater assessments, flood risk analysis, water quality modeling, and the development of sustainable water management plans. You will be responsible for managing project teams, ensuring technical excellence, and fostering strong client relationships. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to critical water resource challenges in a region facing unique environmental conditions, based in the growing city of Upington . The hybrid work model allows for a balance between field and office-based responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive hydrological studies, including surface water and groundwater assessments, flow modeling, and water balance calculations.
• Develop and implement water resource management plans, considering ecological, economic, and social factors.
• Perform flood risk assessments, inundation mapping, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Utilize advanced hydrological software and modeling tools (e.g., HEC-RAS, MODFLOW, SWAT).
• Analyze water quality data and develop strategies for water pollution control and remediation.
• Manage and mentor junior hydrologists and technical staff on project teams.
• Liaise effectively with clients, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Stay current with best practices, new technologies, and regulatory developments in hydrology and water resource management.
• Contribute to business development efforts, identifying new project opportunities.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in hydrological analysis and water resource management.
• Proven expertise in surface water and groundwater modeling, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience with flood modeling, hydrological risk assessment, and water quality management.
• Proficiency in relevant hydrological software packages and GIS.
• Strong understanding of South African water legislation and policy frameworks.
• Excellent project management, leadership, and team collaboration skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A professional registration (e.g., Pr.Sci.Nat., Pr.Eng.) is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a retirement fund, and ongoing professional development opportunities. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects that contribute to sustainable development in the Northern Cape . Join a respected firm that values technical expertise and provides a supportive work environment with the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement in Upington .