Water Resource Management Specialist - Northern Cape

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Generous paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Water Resource Management Specialist for projects in Upington, Northern Cape. This hybrid role combines field data collection and site assessments with remote data analysis, reporting, and strategic planning to promote sustainable water use in an arid region.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in Hydrology or related field, 4–6 years of experience, and strong GIS and modeling skills, with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Environmental Engineering or a related field.
• 4–6 years in water resource assessment, management and conservation.
• Strong hydrology knowledge, water quality assessment, and management technologies.
• Experience in arid or semi-arid regions; willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field assessments of surface water and groundwater in Upington and Northern Cape.
• Analyze hydrological data to assess water availability, quality and usage.
• Develop and implement sustainable water management strategies for the local context.
• Monitor climate change impacts on water resources.
• Collaborate with communities, farmers, municipalities and stakeholders on water conservation.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and presentations on water resource issues.
• Advise on best practices for water harvesting, irrigation efficiency, and wastewater treatment.
• Contribute to development of water-related projects and proposals, including funding opportunities.
• Stay updated on water legislation and best practices.

Skills

Hydrology

Data analysis

GIS

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Hydrology or related field

Tools

Hydrological modeling software

GIS (QGIS/ArcGIS)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an environmental NGO focused on sustainable resource management, is seeking a dedicated Water Resource Management Specialist for projects in the Upington, Northern Cape region. This Hybrid role requires a combination of field-based data collection and site assessments near Upington, coupled with remote data analysis, reporting, and strategic planning. You will play a crucial role in assessing water availability, promoting efficient water usage, and developing strategies for sustainable water management in this arid region. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in hydrology and water resource management, combined with excellent analytical and communication skills, and a commitment to conservation in water-scarce environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field assessments of water resources, including surface water and groundwater, in the Upington and surrounding Northern Cape areas.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret hydrological data to assess water availability, quality, and usage patterns.
• Develop and implement sustainable water management strategies and plans tailored to the local context.
• Monitor the impact of climate change and human activities on water resources.
• Collaborate with local communities, farmers, municipalities, and other stakeholders to promote water conservation practices.
• Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and presentations on water resource management issues.
• Advise on best practices for water harvesting, irrigation efficiency, and wastewater treatment.
• Contribute to the development of water-related projects and proposals, including seeking funding opportunities.
• Stay updated on relevant water legislation, policies, and best practices in water resource management.
• Conduct training and awareness programs for stakeholders on water conservation and sustainable water use.
• Manage project components related to water resource management, both on-site and remotely.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Hydrology, Water Resource Management, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of relevant experience in water resource assessment, management, and conservation.
• Strong technical knowledge of hydrological principles, water quality assessment, and water management technologies.
• Demonstrated experience working in arid or semi-arid regions, with an understanding of the unique challenges.
• Proficiency in using hydrological modeling software and GIS for spatial analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment, balancing field-based work near Upington with remote duties.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the Northern Cape region.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local water challenges and initiatives in the Northern Cape is advantageous.

Benefits

This Full-time Hybrid position offers a competitive annual salary of R , reflecting your specialized expertise. You will have the opportunity to work dynamically between the field in the Upington area and remotely, contributing to critical water sustainability efforts. Our client provides excellent professional development opportunities, exposure to vital conservation projects, and a collaborative, mission-driven work environment. Comprehensive health benefits and generous paid leave are part of the package. Be part of crucial water management solutions in the Northern Cape.