Senior Water Resources Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Richards Bay office-based role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead planning, design and management of water infrastructure in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role demands hydrological and hydraulic modeling expertise and strong regulatory knowledge.

You will mentor junior engineers, manage client relationships, and oversee budgets, schedules and resources to ensure timely, compliant project delivery in challenging water-supply, wastewater and stormwater systems.

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources or Environmental Engineering.
• Professional registration as a Pr.Eng with ECSA is required.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in water resources engineering and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems, floodplains, and urban drainage networks.
• Develop and optimize designs for water treatment plants, distribution networks, and sewage systems.
• Perform water quality assessments and design systems for pollution control and remediation.
• Manage environmental impact assessments related to water resource projects.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, design documents, specifications, and construction drawings.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, water quality standards, and permits.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers and technical staff, fostering their professional growth.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, and stakeholders to facilitate approvals and execution.
• Conduct site investigations and provide technical support during construction phases.

Skills

Hydrological modelling

Hydraulic modelling

Water resources engineering

Project management

Mentoring junior staff

Budgeting & scheduling

Client management

GIS

CAD

Education

BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering (Water Resources/Environmental)

Pr.Eng with ECSA

Tools

HEC-RAS

SWMM

EPANET

GIS

CAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished environmental and infrastructure consulting firm, is actively seeking a seasoned Senior Water Resources Engineer to join their esteemed team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This position is crucial for leading the planning, design, and management of water-related infrastructure projects, including water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, stormwater management, and flood control structures. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in hydrological and hydraulic modeling, water quality management, and regulatory compliance. You will be instrumental in mentoring junior engineers, managing client relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex projects that address critical water challenges in the region. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on sustainable water management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems, floodplains, and urban drainage networks.
• Develop and optimize designs for water treatment plants, distribution networks, and sewage systems.
• Perform water quality assessments and design systems for pollution control and remediation.
• Manage environmental impact assessments related to water resource projects.
• Prepare detailed engineering reports, design documents, specifications, and construction drawings.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations, water quality standards, and permits.
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers and technical staff, fostering their professional growth.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources, ensuring timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate project approvals and execution.
• Conduct site investigations and provide technical support during construction phases.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources or Environmental Engineering.
• Professional registration as a Pr.Eng with ECSA is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering and project management.
• Proven expertise in hydrological and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, SWMM, EPANET).
• Strong understanding of water treatment processes, wastewater management, and stormwater best practices.
• Knowledge of South African water legislation and environmental regulations.
• Excellent project management capabilities, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk assessment.
• Proficiency in GIS and CAD software.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and client management abilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, recognizing the expertise and experience required for this senior role, along with potential performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a robust retirement fund are included.
• The company actively supports professional development through ongoing training, further education opportunities, and attendance at key industry conferences.
• This position is based in our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office, providing a challenging and rewarding career path.
• Employees will work on vital infrastructure projects contributing to the region's water security and environmental sustainability.