Senior Water Resources Engineer - Catchment Management

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Annual leave and sick leave

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Training and conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead catchment management and water resource planning in the Paarl region of the Western Cape. You will oversee hydrological studies, water modeling, and integrated water resource management (IWRM) strategies, coordinating with government agencies and agricultural communities. The role requires a Master’s in Water Resources Engineering, Pr.

Eng. or Pr. Nat.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology or Environmental Engineering).
• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr. Eng. or Pr. Nat. Sci. is required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in water resources engineering with emphasis on catchment management and modeling.
• Proven experience in developing and applying water resource models and in assessing water legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead IWRM plans for river catchments and water resource strategies.
• Conduct hydrological analyses including rainfall-runoff modeling, flood risk, and drought assessment.
• Use WEAP/ACRU/SWAT to simulate water availability, demand, and quality under scenarios.
• Collaborate with government agencies, municipalities, and stakeholders; prepare reports and proposals.
• Mentor junior engineers and oversee project budgets and timelines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Report writing

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering

Professional registration with ECSA (Pr. Eng./Pr. Nat. Sci.)

Tools

WEAP

ACRU

SWAT

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected environmental and water engineering consultancy, is seeking an experienced Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead their initiatives in catchment management and water resource planning in the Paarl, Western Cape region. This role is crucial for addressing complex water challenges, including water scarcity, flood management, and water quality improvement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in hydrology, water resource modeling, and integrated water resource management (IWRM). You will be responsible for developing strategies, managing projects, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies and agricultural communities. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the sustainable management of water resources in a vital agricultural and economic hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated water resource management (IWRM) plans for river catchments.
• Conduct hydrological studies, including rainfall-runoff modeling, flood risk assessment, and drought analysis.
• Utilize water resource modeling software (e.g., WEAP, ACRU, SWAT) to simulate water availability, demand, and quality under various scenarios.
• Assess water resource impacts of land use changes, climate change, and infrastructure development.
• Develop strategies for sustainable water allocation, water conservation, and water demand management.
• Design and implement water quality monitoring programs and management plans.
• Provide technical expertise and leadership on projects related to dam safety, water supply schemes, and wastewater management.
• Collaborate effectively with stakeholders, including government departments (e.g., DWS), municipalities, water user associations, and environmental agencies.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff involved in water resource projects.
• Stay abreast of national and international best practices in water resource management and climate change adaptation.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to undertake site visits.

Requirements

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline. Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Nat. Sci.). A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in water resources engineering, with a strong focus on catchment management and water modeling. Proven experience in developing and applying water resource models. In-depth knowledge of South African water legislation, policies, and institutional frameworks (e.g., National Water Act). Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills. Strong project management capabilities, with experience in managing budgets and timelines. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Valid driver's license and willingness to undertake site visits.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with your expertise and experience, along with an annual performance bonus. Comprehensive medical aid and a robust retirement fund are provided. Our client is committed to fostering employee growth through continuous professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance. You will join a team of dedicated professionals working on impactful environmental and water projects. Benefits include generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and a supportive work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. The company actively promotes a healthy work-life balance through its hybrid working arrangements and flexible scheduling options.