Water Resources Engineer - Dam Design & Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Private health care

Retirement fund

International travel on project work

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Water Resources Engineer to join our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead planning, design, and management of water infrastructure with emphasis on dam safety, river basin management, and flood control systems. The role requires a Master’s in Water Resources Engineering or related field, Pr.

Eng. registration, and at least 9 years of relevant experience in water resource planning and design.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in water resources/civil engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA.
• Minimum 9 years of relevant experience in water resource planning, design and management.
• Demonstrated experience in dam design, dam safety, or flood management projects.
• Proficiency with hydrological and hydraulic modeling software.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations related to water resources.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and public consultation processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for water resource projects including rivers, reservoirs, and floodplains.
• Design and supervise the construction of dams, weirs, spillways, and water control structures.
• Develop water resource management plans including drought management and flood forecasting strategies.
• Perform dam safety assessments and develop risk management frameworks.
• Use advanced modeling software (HEC-RAS, MIKE, SWAT) for water resource simulations.
• Prepare technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and feasibility studies.
• Liaise with government bodies, water authorities, and stakeholders on water-related issues.
• Manage project teams and ensure adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Provide technical expertise on water resource legislation and policy.
• Contribute to sustainable development and management of water resources in Richards Bay and beyond.

Skills

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Modeling software

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering (with specialization), or a related field

Tools

HEC-RAS

MIKE Suite

SWAT

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading consultancy in the water sector, is seeking an experienced Water Resources Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role focuses on the planning, design, and management of water infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on dam safety, river basin management, and flood control systems. You will be involved in projects that are vital for regional water security and environmental sustainability. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, and water resource modeling, coupled with strong project management skills. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to contribute to impactful projects in a growing field. We seek an individual who is passionate about water resource management and possesses a proactive approach to environmental challenges in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for water resource projects, including rivers, reservoirs, and floodplains.


• Design and supervise the construction of dams, weirs, spillways, and associated water control structures.


• Develop water resource management plans, including drought management and flood forecasting strategies.


• Perform dam safety assessments and develop risk management frameworks.


• Utilize advanced modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, MIKE suite, SWAT) for water resource simulations.


• Prepare technical reports, environmental impact assessments, and feasibility studies.


• Liaise with government bodies, water authorities, and stakeholders on water-related issues.


• Manage project teams and ensure adherence to project timelines and budgets.


• Provide technical expertise on water resource legislation and policy.


• Contribute to the sustainable development and management of water resources in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering (with specialization), or a related field.


• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA.


• A minimum of 9 years of relevant experience in water resource planning, design, and management.


• Demonstrated experience in dam design, dam safety, or flood management projects.


• Proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modeling software.


• Strong understanding of environmental regulations related to water resources.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.


• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.


• Experience with stakeholder engagement and public consultation processes.


• Familiarity with the specific water resource challenges of the KwaZulu-Natal region, particularly around Richards Bay.

Benefits

We offer a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including private health care, a generous retirement fund, and opportunities for international travel on project assignments. Professional development is a priority, with support for further qualifications and participation in leading industry conferences. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing essential field work with the flexibility of remote access to project resources. Our client is committed to fostering a sustainable and innovative work environment. Employees are part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to addressing critical water challenges in South Africa. A clear pathway for career advancement and recognition for contributions are key aspects of our employee proposition in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.