Water Resources Engineer - Hydrology and Hydraulics

Copper Quail; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Copper Quail is recruiting a Water Resources Engineer for its Sandton office. You will perform hydrological and hydraulic analyses, surface water impact assessments, and advanced water management modeling across mining and industrial projects.

The role requires 5–7 years of related experience, strong English communication, and proven project leadership within hydrology. Join a reputable consultancy focused on sustainable water solutions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management skills with strong interpersonal capabilities to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong technical report-writing skills.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant experience aligned with hydrology and hydraulics responsibilities.
• Mandatory experience in developing and assessing water balances using GoldSim.

Responsibilities

• Hydrological analyses & modeling: data acquisition, processing, and hydrological parameter calculation.
• Hydraulic analyses & design: water surface profiling, flood routing, and dam break assessment.
• Lead and collaborate on projects in mining and industrial sectors, ensuring quality and timely delivery.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Team leadership

Education

BSc Eng (Civil)

BEng (Civil)

MSc/MEng in Hydrology & Hydraulics

Tools

GoldSim

PCSWMM

HEC-RAS

UPFLOOD

WRSM2005

Flo-2D

QGIS/ArcGIS

ModelMaker

Job description

Water Resources Engineer - Hydrology and Hydraulics

Rivonia, South Africa | Posted on 09/05/2026

• Work Experience Experience: 5 to 7 years of relevant experience aligned with the responsibilities above.
• State/Province Gauteng
• Country South Africa

Job Description

Reporting To: Head of Department

Remuneration: Market-related salary including company benefits (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Closing Date:25/09/2026

Position Overview

A reputable engineering consultancy is seeking a Civil Engineer – Water Resources to join their Engineering Hydrology division at their Sandton office. The candidate will carry out hydrological and hydraulic analyses, surface water impact assessments, and specialised water management modeling, primarily within the mining and industrial sectors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Hydrological Analyses & Modeling

Acquisition and processing of hydrological data (rainfall, runoff, evaporation).

Calculation of hydrological parameters (MAP, MAE, MAR).

Catchment delineation and surface water runoff calculations (MAR, seasonal, and dry weather flows).

Flood peak runoff calculations using industry-standard deterministic, statistical, empirical, and dynamic modeling methods.

Development and assessment of water balance analysis and modeling (conservation of mass principles, including dam sizing) using GoldSim.

Reservoir and canal routing (dynamic water level analysis).

Floodline determinations, flood risk, and flood hazard assessments.

Surface water impact assessments.

2. Hydraulic Analyses & Design

Water surface backwater profiling for floodline modeling.

Flood attenuation calculations for reservoirs and culverts (attenuated volumes, reduced release peak flows).

Open channel/canal flow design using free surface hydraulic theory.

Hydraulic design and optimization of spillways integrated with flood routing.

Energy dissipation and erosion control structure design.

Dam break analysis.

Requirements

Role Requirements & Qualifications

Education: BSc Eng (Civil) or BEng (Civil). An MSc or MEng in Hydrology and Hydraulics is preferred.

Experience: 5 to 7 years of relevant experience aligned with the responsibilities above.

Specialized Capability: Mandatory experience in developing and assessing water balances using GoldSim.

Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of surface water management, along with relevant legislation, regulations, and guidelines, particularly in a mining and industrial context.

Software Proficiency:

Specialized: GoldSim, PCSWMM, HEC-RAS, UPFLOOD, WRSM2005, Flo-2D, QGIS/ArcGIS, ModelMaker.

Project & Team Leadership: Demonstrated project management skills with strong interpersonal capabilities to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Communication: Excellent written and spoken English, with exceptional technical report-writing skills.