Water/Wastewater Engineers

Consulting Engineer

County Engineer

Engineer

Project Development Engineer

What is a Water/Wastewater Engineer?

Water/Wastewater Engineers are specialized professionals who focus on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of systems and facilities that manage water resources and wastewater treatment processes. Their work is crucial in ensuring the availability of clean, safe drinking water and the proper treatment of wastewater before it is released back into the environment. These engineers apply principles of civil, environmental, and chemical engineering to develop sustainable solutions for water supply, waste management, and pollution control. They engage in a variety of projects, including the development of water distribution systems, wastewater treatment plants, stormwater management systems, and infrastructure improvement initiatives. Through their expertise, Water/Wastewater Engineers contribute to public health, environmental protection, and compliance with regulatory standards, playing a vital role in community health and the sustainability of water resources.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$63220.0 - $150640.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Provide technical direction or supervision to junior engineers, engineering or computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, or other technical personnel.
Review and critique proposals, plans, or designs related to water or wastewater treatment systems.
Design domestic or industrial water or wastewater treatment plants, including advanced facilities with sequencing batch reactors (SBR), membranes, lift stations, headworks, surge overflow basins, ultraviolet disinfection systems, aerobic digesters, sludge lagoons, or control buildings.
Evaluate the operation and maintenance of water or wastewater systems to identify ways to improve their efficiency.
Design or select equipment for use in wastewater processing to ensure compliance with government standards.

Technology Skills

Computer aided design CAD software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Analytical or scientific software
Geographic information system
Internet browser software

Tools Used

Scanners
- Computer data input scanners
- Digitizers
Notebook computers
- Laptop computers
Laser printers
- Computer laser printers
Plotter printers
- Large-format plotters
Desktop computers

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

36 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R55,089pm

Navigating the Flow: How to Know if You’re Ready for a Career as a Water/Wastewater Engineer in South Africa

As South Africa faces unique challenges regarding water scarcity and aging infrastructure, the role of a Water and Wastewater Engineer has never been more critical. Currently, the market is buoyant with 32 active jobs, reflecting a high demand for skilled professionals. The financial outlook is equally promising; with an average salary of R55,089pm, the industry has seen a steady upward trajectory throughout 2024, with average monthly earnings rising from approximately R48,479 in January to R60,598 by December.

Is Water/Wastewater Engineering Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before diving into this career path, it is essential to determine if your natural temperament aligns with the rigours of the field. Consider the following traits:

Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy breaking down complex systems to find efficient solutions?
Environmental Stewardship: Are you passionate about South Africa’s natural resources and sustainable development?
Resilience: Can you remain calm and focused when dealing with critical infrastructure emergencies?
Attention to Detail: Do you have the precision required to monitor chemical balances and flow rates where a minor error can have major public health implications?
Ethical Integrity: Are you committed to upholding the health and safety standards mandated by South African legislation?
Collaborative Spirit: Are you comfortable working alongside diverse teams, from municipal officials to on-site technicians?

A Day in the Life of a South African Water Engineer

In the South African context, your day is rarely confined to a single desk. You might begin your morning in a consulting office, using advanced modelling software to design a new reticulation system for a growing township. By midday, you could be on-site at a Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), troubleshooting a pump failure or overseeing the commissioning of a new anaerobic digester.

The role involves a balance of technical design, project management, and environmental compliance. You will often liaise with local municipalities or catchment management agencies to ensure that water discharge meets the stringent requirements of the Department of Water and Sanitation. It is a career that offers the unique satisfaction of seeing your projects directly improve the quality of life for your fellow citizens.

Education & Upskilling

To enter this profession, a solid academic foundation is non-negotiable. Most practitioners hold a BEng or BSc in Civil or Chemical Engineering from a recognised South African university. Alternatively, a National Diploma or BTech in Engineering from a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college or University of Technology provides a valuable practical pathway into the sector.

However, a degree is only the starting point. To truly excel, you must pursue Professional Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Furthermore, the industry evolves rapidly; you should look to augment your profile with short courses in:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for water mapping.
BIM (Building Information Modelling) for infrastructure design.
Specialised Water Treatment Programme certifications.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is the hallmark of a successful engineer. In a country where water technology is constantly advancing to meet climate challenges, those who commit to lifelong learning are the ones who will lead the industry.

Next Steps

If you find yourself nodding along to the requirements above, you may be standing on the threshold of a rewarding and stable career that serves the public good. The rising salary trends and high job availability indicate that now is the perfect time to commit. Are you truly prepared to take on the responsibility of South Africa’s water future? Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive professional assessment and start your journey toward becoming a leader in the field.

Skills

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

70 %
Master's degree

26 %
Professional degree

4 %

Awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Detailed Work Activities

Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
Design civil structures or systems.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.