Senior Civil Engineer

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Senior Civil Engineer in the Water Centre Area, within the Smart Places cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and conducting research and implementation projects in the field of civil engineering in Smart Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. This position is based in Pretoria.

For more info about the impact area or cluster, please visit

• Conceptualise, guide and manage R&D projects within the water value-chain infrastructure. Provide strategic direction to R&D activities, understand and analyse real world problems and user requirements, select from a range of proposed conceptual solutions, formulate key research questions and appropriate R&D approaches.
• Development of operations and maintenance plans for water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Develop Asset Care management documentation.
• Development of strategic water infrastructure planning documentation.
• Design of water distribution network, water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Undertake research in the development and application of hydraulic models for water distribution networks.
• Utilise standard software for design, assessment, optimization, re-engineering of water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Develop and design stormwater management systems and plans;
• Undertake field investigations, site inspections, surveys, and condition assessments to support project delivery and research activities.
• Design of roads and related infrastructure, which includes all aspects of the design process and costing.
• Manage project life cycle, technical resources, scheduling of activities to meet client expectations, balancing competing demands on scope, time, cost and quality.
• Develop proposals for different institutions in order to generate funding to pursue the strategic objectives of the CSIR.
• Engage with research programs and researchers to identify and grow opportunities to expand research endeavours and strengthen science at national and international level.
• Network with peers in the field expertise within and outside of the CSIR.
• Engage with clients and industry partners to develop long term relationships.
• Generate research papers, reports, reviews and summaries.
• Manage and ensure the development of self and interns through coaching, mentoring, work assignment, structured training and appropriate supervision in order to maximise human potential in line with the needs of the organisation and the national system of innovation.

• A Master's degree or equivalent in Civil engineering with a minimum of ten years
  ¿ experience in the field of water engineering;
• At least ten years' experience in design of water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in working with public sector clients (e.g., municipalities, water boards, government departments);
• Experience in developing and/or updating operations and maintenance plans for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Experience in water conservation and water demand management (non-revenue water programs) in the municipal space;
• Experience in water resources planning and design;
• Experience with road engineering and associated civil works.
• Experience in construction project management for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• Demonstrated ability to align municipal water infrastructure projects with regional strategic frameworks, including compliance with the National Water Act;
• Professional registration with ECSA;
• Practical knowledge and application of hydraulic modelling is essential;
• Proven track record in project management and research project leadership;
• Excellent English communication, presentation and writing skills, including the publication of technical outputs;
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams;
• Computer (MS software), programming and IT skills;
• Problem-solving, solution-seeking orientation;
• Ability to network and proactively establish and maintain links with internal and external stakeholders and clients as well as the research community;
• Must have a valid driver's licence.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on  or email us at

The CSIR is an equal opportunity…