Water Resources Modeller (GoldSim Specialist)

Piteau Associates Engineering; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 980 000 - 1 308 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent engineering consulting firm in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced professional to enhance its geotechnical group. The role involves the development of water balance models, conducting technical analyses, and collaborating with teams for mining projects. Candidates should have a BSc (Hons) and a minimum of 5 years in hydrogeology and water balance modelling. The firm offers excellent career development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Innovative corporate culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in hydrogeology and water balance modelling.
• Proficiency in GoldSim and experience with regulatory frameworks.
• Strong team skills and effective communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop water balance models using GoldSim for mining life cycle.
• Conduct technical analyses related to surface water.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on project integration.

Skills

Technical Knowledge

Software Proficiency (GoldSim)

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

GoldSim

HEC-HMS

HEC-RAS

ArcGIS

PHREEQC

Job description

Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Start Date

Immediately

Company Description

Piteau Associates, a Tetra Tech company, is a world-renowned consulting firm that offers a full range of geotechnical, hydrogeological, and mine water management investigation and design services to the resource industry. With more than 45 years of service, the company currently has over 150 employees in 11 offices in Canada, USA, Peru, Chile, UK, and South Africa. With a strong dedication to quality and maintaining long‑term relationships with our clients, we are one of the top mining geotechnical and hydrogeology consulting firms specializing in the design of deep open‑pit mines worldwide.

Available Opportunity

Piteau Associates is going through an exciting phase of growth with the addition of more than 50 employees in our Geotechnical and Water Management groups in the last few years. To keep up with this growth, we are expanding our geotechnical group capabilities with highly respected industry leaders in our operations.

Skills and Responsibilities

• Technical Knowledge: Well‑developed understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and geochemical modelling principles.
• Software Proficiency: Expertise in GoldSim, with knowledge of other relevant software such as HEC‑HMS, HEC‑RAS, FLO‑2D, ArcGIS, or PHREEQC considered a plus.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze and model complex systems, manage and interpret large datasets, and perform risk analyses using probabilistic methods (e.g., Monte Carlo simulation).
• Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills for technical report writing, developing presentations, and explaining complex models to non‑technical stakeholders and clients.
• Project Management: Ability to manage time and resources effectively to meet project schedules and budgets, including guiding and mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain site‑wide and catchment‑scale water balance models using GoldSim for various stages of the mining life cycle (permitting, operations, and closure).
• Conduct surface water‑related technical analyses and modelling, including climatic, hydrologic, and hydraulic evaluations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (geochemists, geologists, process engineers) to integrate data and ensure comprehensive and accurate models.
• Predict future mine behaviour (e.g., water surplus/deficit, freeboard in tailings facilities) to support strategic planning, operational optimization, and decision‑making.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for internal use, clients, and regulatory submissions.
• Direct, oversee, and review technical analyses and calculations performed by less experienced staff.
• Occasional travel to mine sites for fieldwork, data collection, and client meetings may be required.

Experience

• Surface water and site‑wide water balance investigations to support mining project EIA’s or scoping, PFS and FS level studies.
• Design and construction of analytical water balance models, preferably using GoldSim, for open‑pit and underground mines and associated mine facilities.
• Coupled physical water balance and chemical mass balance modelling.
• Demonstrated experience with industry‑standard water balance and mass balance modelling software, with proficiency in GoldSim required.
• Experience in the application of geospatial databases, statistical analysis, and advanced programming is an asset.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks and environmental assessments in the mining industry required.

Required Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) (MSc level preferred) in Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Hydrology, Hydrogeology or a closely related field.
• Practical experience in minerals sector consulting in hydrogeology, mine hydrology and water balance modelling (minimum 5 years for Intermediate candidates; minimum 10 years for Senior candidates).
• Professional registration would be beneficial.
• Strong organizational and team skills and project management experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with ability to prepare, review and edit reports and other client deliverables. Fluency in Spanish and/or French would be highly advantageous.
• Mobility and willingness to undertake international assignments, prospectively across all continents.

Why Join Piteau?

• Exciting career development opportunities, including mentoring by world‑class practice leaders
• Cutting edge resources
• Ability to see projects from cradle to grave
• Engaging corporate culture based on innovation, collaboration, and integrity
• Excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits package

Applications

If you are interested in exploring the potential for a challenging and rewarding career with Piteau, please submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document to [e-mail].

Additional Information

To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre‑placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion‑dollar company with local, client‑focused delivery in more than 400 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees — 21,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity, inclusion, and equity are among Tetra Tech’s core values. Throughout our history, the company has prioritized equitable inclusion of all people. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties, including women; First Nations persons; members of visible minority groups; and persons with disabilities. Please visit our website at www.tetratech.com to see the array of diverse services and exciting projects we are currently working on.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.