Chief Hydrologist Job Vacancy in Keetmanshoop, Namibia – Environmental Engineering

Job Description

Position: Chief Hydrologist

Company: Veolia

Location: Keetmanshoop, Namibia

Experience: 10+ Years

Education: PhD in Hydrology or Water Resources Management

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Environmental Engineering

Department: Water Management

Vacancies: 1

Company Overview

Veolia is a global leader in optimized resource management, specializing in water, waste, and energy management. With a presence in over 50 countries, we are dedicated to ecological transformation, ensuring that the world’s most precious resources are preserved for future generations. Our operations in Southern Africa focus on implementing cutting-edge technological solutions to combat water scarcity and improve sanitation infrastructure. By integrating innovative engineering with sustainable practices, Veolia helps municipalities and industrial clients reduce their environmental footprint while increasing operational efficiency. We are committed to the circular economy, transforming waste into energy and wastewater into potable resources. As we expand our footprint in the region, we are seeking top-tier talent to lead our strategic initiatives in water security and aquifer management, contributing to the overall growth of employment in Namibia through high-impact environmental projects.

Job Overview

The Chief Hydrologist will serve as the primary technical authority for all water resource assessments and groundwater management projects in the southern region. This role is critical for ensuring the sustainability of water extraction and the protection of fragile aquifer systems in arid environments. The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians to develop comprehensive hydrological models that inform government policy and industrial water usage. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned expert looking for career opportunities in Namibia to drive systemic change in how water is managed in drought-prone areas. You will be responsible for overseeing the lifecycle of water projects, from initial site investigation and borehole drilling supervision to the implementation of advanced monitoring systems. For more information on current openings, visit https://namibiajobsearch.com to explore how you can contribute to our mission. This job vacancy in Namibia requires a blend of academic rigor and practical field experience to navigate the complex geological landscape of the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive groundwater exploration and mapping programs.
• Develop and calibrate complex numerical models to predict aquifer depletion and recharge rates.
• Provide expert technical guidance on the installation and maintenance of piezometers and monitoring wells.
• Collaborate with regional government bodies to ensure compliance with national water laws and environmental regulations.
• Analyze isotopic and chemical data to determine the age and origin of groundwater sources.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed technical reports and feasibility studies for large-scale water infrastructure.
• Mentor junior hydrologists and engineers to enhance the technical capacity of the local workforce.
• Manage project budgets and timelines for water resource assessments across the southern provinces.

Required Skills

• Expert proficiency in MODFLOW, FEFLOW, or similar groundwater modeling software.
• Advanced knowledge of hydrogeology, geochemistry, and fluid dynamics.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing technical teams in remote locations.
• Exceptional analytical skills for interpreting complex spatial data and GIS mapping.
• Ability to communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders and policymakers.
• Deep understanding of arid-zone hydrology and sustainable yield calculations.

Education

The candidate must possess a PhD in Hydrology, Hydrogeology, or Water Resources Management from an accredited international university. A Master’s degree with significant postdoctoral experience may be considered for candidates with exceptional field records.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in hydrology is required, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or principal consultant role. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or similar arid climates is highly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a history of successful project delivery in water security and aquifer restoration.

Benefits

• Competitive international salary package with comprehensive health and life insurance.
• Relocation assistance and housing allowance for the Keetmanshoop region.
• Performance-based annual bonuses and long-term incentive plans.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements for field-based rotations.
• Access to global professional networks and internal mobility opportunities within Veolia.

Training

• Ongoing certification in advanced geospatial analysis and remote sensing.
• Leadership development programs focused on sustainable resource management.
• Specialized training in the latest water-saving technologies and desalination processes.
• Health and safety training specific to remote field operations in Namibia.

Working Environment

This position involves a hybrid working environment. The candidate will spend approximately 40% of their time in the office conducting analysis and reporting, and 60% in the field visiting drilling sites, monitoring stations, and community water points. The role requires resilience and adaptability to work in hot, arid conditions and travel to remote areas of the southern region. This is a high-visibility role that interacts with both corporate executives and local community leaders, making it one of the most dynamic Namibia jobs available today.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter detailing their most significant hydrological achievement, and copies of academic certifications. Applications will be screened for technical competency, followed by a series of technical interviews and a final leadership assessment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview phase. We encourage all qualified professionals seeking hiring in Namibia to apply promptly.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Veolia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or disability. We actively encourage applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups to ensure a diverse perspective in our environmental engineering efforts.