Water Resources Engineer - Environmental Management

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Water Resources Engineer to join our client’s Richards Bay team in KwaZulu-Natal. You will specialize in sustainable water resource management, including planning, design, and implementation of water infrastructure projects while ensuring environmental compliance.

You will conduct hydrological analyses, develop management plans, and perform EIAs to support regulatory requirements. Travel to project sites in KwaZulu-Natal may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with Water Resources specialization.
• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr.Eng. or Pr. Sci. Nat is essential.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in water resources management and engineering.
• Proficiency in hydrological/hydraulic modeling software (HEC-RAS, EPANET, MIKE).
• Strong understanding of water quality, wastewater treatment and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems and floodplains.
• Design and manage water infrastructure projects (dams, canals, treatment plants, distribution).
• Develop water resource management plans balancing availability and sustainability.
• Perform EIAs for water-related developments.
• Contribute to water quality monitoring and management strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, designs, and proposals.
• Liaise with clients, authorities, and stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee site investigations and construction supervision.

Skills

Hydrological modeling

Water quality management

EIAs

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelors in Civil or Environmental Engineering (Water Resources)

Masters preferred

Tools

HEC-RAS

EPANET

MIKE Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental and engineering consultancy, is seeking a dedicated Water Resources Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role will focus on the sustainable management and development of water resources, addressing challenges related to water supply, wastewater treatment, flood control, and environmental protection. You will be involved in planning, designing, and implementing solutions for a range of water‑related infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of hydrological modeling, water quality management, and environmental impact assessments. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to significant projects in a vital sector and to develop your expertise in a growing field. We are committed to fostering professional growth in the Richards Bay area.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hydrological and hydraulic analyses for river systems, floodplains, and urban drainage networks.
• Design and manage the implementation of water infrastructure projects, including dams, canals, treatment plants, and distribution systems.
• Develop water resource management plans, considering water availability, demand, and environmental sustainability.
• Perform environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for water‑related developments.
• Contribute to water quality monitoring and management strategies.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and project proposals.
• Liaise with clients, government authorities (e.g., Department of Water and Sanitation), and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance on water resource engineering best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee site investigations and construction supervision for water infrastructure projects.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering with a specialization in Water Resources.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) as a Pr. Eng. or Pr. Sci. Nat. is essential.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in water resources management and engineering.
• Proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, EPANET, MIKE suite).
• Strong understanding of water quality, wastewater treatment processes, and environmental regulations.
• Experience with environmental impact assessments and sustainable water management practices.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage projects and work effectively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required in KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement fund.
• They offer significant opportunities for professional development, including continuous training, support for attending industry conferences, and career advancement prospects.