Water Resources Engineer - Dam & Hydropower Specialist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid and pension benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Water Resources Engineer in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal to lead planning, design and management of water resource projects including dams and hydropower facilities.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree, Pr Eng registration, and 10+ years of experience with hydrological and hydraulic modeling and environmental impact assessments. Hybrid work model offered with opportunities for regional and international exposure.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in water resources, civil engineering, or related field.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is required.
• 10+ years progressive experience in water resources engineering focusing on dams and hydropower.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological studies including rainfall-runoff analysis and flood frequency analysis.
• Design and analyze dams, levees, canals, and water control structures.
• Perform hydraulic modeling for rivers, floodplains, and water distribution systems.
• Assess environmental impacts and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead water resource management plans including drought and flood control.

Skills

Hydrological modeling

Hydraulic modeling

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Technical reporting

Education

Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering

Tools

HEC-RAS

MIKE Suite

SWMM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished engineering firm with a strong presence in water infrastructure, is seeking a highly skilled Water Resources Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is central to the planning, design, and management of water resource projects, including dams, reservoirs, riverine systems, and associated hydropower facilities. You will be involved in crucial aspects such as hydrological analysis, hydraulic modeling, and environmental impact assessments. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical understanding of water management principles and a proven ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for complex water challenges. This is an exciting career opportunity to contribute to significant projects that impact regional water security and energy generation. We offer a supportive professional environment that encourages continuous learning and career advancement. The successful applicant will play a key role in developing infrastructure critical for economic growth and environmental sustainability within KZN .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive hydrological studies, including rainfall-runoff analysis, flood frequency analysis, and water balance modeling.
• Design and analyze dams, levees, canals, and other water control structures.
• Perform hydraulic modeling for rivers, floodplains, and water distribution systems using industry-standard software.
• Assess the environmental impacts of water resource projects and develop mitigation strategies.
• Develop water resource management plans, including allocation, drought management, and flood control strategies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, design documents, and tender specifications for water infrastructure projects in Richards Bay .
• Liaise with clients, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on water resource engineering issues.
• Oversee site investigations and construction supervision for water-related projects.
• Contribute to the development of hydropower feasibility studies and designs.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng).
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering, with a strong focus on dam and hydropower design.
• Demonstrated expertise in hydrological and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, MIKE suite, SWMM).
• Thorough understanding of dam safety regulations, flood modeling, and water management principles.
• Experience in environmental impact assessment for water projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead project teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within KwaZulu-Natal as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with expertise and experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and international exposure.
• Involvement in impactful projects critical to regional development and sustainability.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture in Richards Bay .
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.