Water Resources Modeller

Tych Business Solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm specializing in environmental assessments is looking for an experienced hydrologist to develop and apply water balance models using GoldSim. The successful candidate will conduct surface water-related analyses and predict future mine water behavior. A BSc (Hons) in a related discipline and at least 5 years of experience are required. Excellent communication skills in English, as well as proficiency in Spanish and/or French, are advantageous. The position involves project management and client interaction with possible travel requirements.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or a related discipline (MSc preferred).
• Minimum 5 years experience in a similar capacity.
• Professional registration (or eligibility) is advantageous.
• Strong organisational, project management, and teamwork capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or French is highly advantageous.
• Willingness to travel and undertake international assignments as required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and apply water balance models using GoldSim.
• Perform surface water-related technical analyses.
• Predict future mine water behaviour.
• Integrate datasets with multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure quality.
• Participate in client meetings and site visits.
• Manage time and resources to meet project schedules.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and apply site-wide and catchment-scale water balance models using GoldSim.
• Perform surface water-related technical analyses, including climatic, hydrologic, and hydraulic assessments.
• Predict future mine water behaviour, including water surplus/deficit scenarios and freeboard assessments for tailings storage facilities.
• Integrate hydrological, geochemical, geological, and operational datasets in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Review, direct, and mentor junior staff, ensuring technical quality and consistency.
• Participate in client meetings, project reviews, and occasional site visits for field investigations and data collection.
• Manage time, resources, and deliverables to meet project schedules and budgets.

Technical Skills & Expertise

• Strong foundation in hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, and geochemical modelling principles.
• Advanced proficiency in GoldSim (mandatory).
• Experience with additional modelling tools such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, FLO-2D, ArcGIS, or PHREEQC is advantageous.
• Proven ability to analyse complex systems and large datasets using probabilistic and risk-based approaches (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations).
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to communicate complex modelling outputs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven experience in surface water and site-wide water balance investigations supporting:
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
• Scoping studies
• Pre-Feasibility (PFS) and Feasibility Studies (FS)
• Demonstrated experience designing and applying analytical water balance models for open-pit and underground mining operations.
• Experience with coupled physical water balance and chemical mass balance modelling.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and environmental assessment processes in the mining industry.
• Experience with geospatial databases, statistical analysis, and advanced programming is considered an asset.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or a related discipline (MSc preferred).

Minimum experience

Professional registration (or eligibility) is advantageous.

• Minimum 5 years experience in a similar capacity.

Strong organisational, project management, and teamwork capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Fluency in Spanish and/or French is highly advantageous.
Willingness to travel and undertake international assignments as required.