Hydrologist

Hydrologist Jobs in Lusaka – Join CDM Smith

CDM Smith is seeking a dedicated Hydrologist for a full-time position based in Lusaka, Zambia. If you are looking for hydrologist jobs in Lusaka that offer the opportunity to work on impactful infrastructure projects while advancing your career in a supportive and inclusive environment, this role is ideal for you.

About CDM Smith and the Opportunity

At CDM Smith, we are committed to providing an unmatched employee experience where your work is meaningful, and your career growth is encouraged. Our teams collaborate on projects that make a difference globally, supported by a culture that values innovation, diversity, and personal leadership. Join us and be part of a company that cares deeply about its employees and their families.

Position Overview – Hydrologist Jobs in Lusaka

This position supports the Millennium Challenge Account-Zambia II (MCA-Z II) project, funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The project involves consulting services for selected sections of the T5 road and the R185a/D274 loop road, including feasibility studies, design, environmental assessments, procurement support, and construction monitoring. The Hydrologist will lead critical hydrological and meteorological data collection, climate change assessments, and hydrological modeling to support the design of bridges, culverts, and drainage infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze rainfall, river flow, flood levels, catchment, and land-use data related to project roads.
• Develop hydrological models and estimate design flows using approved methodologies such as HEC-HMS.
• Evaluate climate-change impacts by assessing multiple climate scenarios, including high-emission projections.
• Calibrate and validate hydrological models with historical data and observed flood markers.
• Recommend design parameters including return periods, rainfall intensities, runoff coefficients, and freeboard values.
• Coordinate river-channel surveys and provide inputs for hydraulic modeling with tools like HEC-RAS and HY-8.
• Prepare comprehensive catchment plans, hydrological analyses, and climate resilience recommendations.
• Review contractor hydrological and hydraulic analyses and advise on drainage sizing and extreme weather adaptations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Expertise in hydrological data analysis, rainfall-runoff modeling, flood-frequency analysis, and design-flow estimation.
• Proficiency in climate-change assessments for infrastructure design and hydrological model calibration and validation.
• Working knowledge of HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HY-8, GIS, and survey data integration.
• Strong analytical and report-writing abilities with excellent multidisciplinary coordination skills.
• Fluency in English with clear communication of technical assumptions and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related discipline.
• Membership in the Engineering Institution of Zambia, Engineers Registration Board of Zambia, or a comparable international professional body.
• At least 10 years of post-qualification experience in hydrological data collection, analysis, and modeling.
• Proven experience modeling climate-change impacts on hydrological design for multiple projects.
• Experience in hydraulic modeling for road infrastructure projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with tropical catchments and road drainage in Zambia or the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region.
• Ability to integrate hydrology with bridge, culvert, scour, geotechnical, environmental, and economic analyses.
• Experience developing climate-resilient drainage requirements for Design-Build procurement projects.

Additional Information

• Travel requirements: Approximately 20% to 40% travel within the region.
• Background checks and drug testing may be required in accordance with CDM Smith policies and local laws.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online through the CDM Smith careers portal:

Submit your application here.

How to Apply

Apply using the following link: https://careers.cdmsmith.com/jobs/4850?lang=en-us&iis=LinkedIn&iisn=LinkedIn&mode=apply