Water Resources Engineer - Coastal Projects

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Water Resources Engineer to lead coastal and estuarine projects in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will oversee hydrological analyses, design water infrastructure, and develop integrated resource plans to ensure water security and environmental compliance.

You will work with stakeholders across government and industry, mentoring teams, and delivering high-impact solutions that enhance resilience against flooding and climate change in coastal environments.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering or related field.
• Pr Eng registration is highly desirable.
• Minimum 6 years’ progressive experience in water resources engineering with coastal/estuarine focus.
• Proficiency in water resource modeling software and GIS; solid understanding of SA water legislation and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems, catchments, and coastal areas.
• Design water infrastructure projects (dams, pipelines, treatment plants, coastal defenses).
• Develop integrated water resource management plans considering water supply, demand, and environmental flows.
• Perform environmental impact assessments (EIAs) related to water projects.
• Utilize modeling software (HEC-RAS, MIKE suite, SWAT) for water resource studies.
• Collaborate with government agencies, municipalities, and stakeholders on water-related policies.
• Provide technical guidance on water resource engineering best practices.
• Prepare detailed reports, proposals, and technical specifications.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams for project delivery.
• Advise on flood risk management and climate adaptation for coastal regions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team management

Education

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) – desirable

Tools

HEC-RAS

MIKE Suite

SWAT

GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental and engineering consultancy, is seeking an experienced Water Resources Engineer to lead critical projects focused on coastal infrastructure and water management in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is essential for developing sustainable solutions for water supply, wastewater management, stormwater drainage, and flood control, particularly in sensitive coastal environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for hydrological modeling, impact assessments, and the design of innovative water infrastructure. We are looking for a proactive and technically adept professional who is passionate about environmental stewardship and water security. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the region's resilience and sustainability, working with a company committed to pioneering solutions in water resource management. Join our team and contribute to shaping a water-secure future for Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems, catchments, and coastal areas.
• Design and oversee the implementation of water infrastructure projects, including dams, pipelines, treatment plants, and coastal defenses.
• Develop integrated water resource management plans, considering water supply, demand, and environmental flows.
• Perform environmental impact assessments (EIAs) related to water resource projects.
• Utilize advanced modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, MIKE suite, SWAT) for water resource studies.
• Collaborate with government agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders on water-related policies and projects.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on water resource engineering best practices.
• Prepare detailed reports, proposals, and technical specifications.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Advise on flood risk management strategies and climate change adaptation measures for coastal regions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering, with a focus on coastal and estuarine systems.
• Proven experience in hydrological modeling, hydraulic design, and water infrastructure planning.
• Proficiency with relevant water resource modeling software and GIS.
• Strong understanding of South African water legislation, policies, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams in the Richards Bay area.
• Experience with coastal processes and sediment transport is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package tailored to your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Involvement in high-impact, sustainability-focused projects.
• Flexible working arrangements supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.
• Access to advanced technological tools and resources.
• Contribution to vital water infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal .