Principal Hydrogeology and Land Quality Specialist - KAUST Beacon Development Position Summary The Principal Hydrogeology Specialist provides strategic leadership in groundwater resource management, waste, and contamination studies. The role emphasizes client engagement, business development, and leading multi-disciplinary consulting projects. The hydrogeology lead will work across water resources, land quality, and mining sectors.
Major Responsibilities Lead hydrogeological assessments for complex projects including resource evaluations and land quality assessment. Act as technical advisor to clients on sustainable groundwater management, recharge, and construction support. Oversee and review groundwater models, risk assessments, and hydrogeological deliverables. Knowledge of mining related hydrogeology and waste management advantageous. Develop proposals, scopes, and budgets; contribute to business development and client relationship growth. Represent the department with clients, regulators, and in industry forums. Mentor and supervise hydrogeologists and other technical staff. Ensure QA/QC of hydrogeological deliverables and manage multi-disciplinary project teams. Develop and approve hydrogeological CSMs; translate to 2D/3D numerical models and uncertainty analyses. Direct complex contamination investigations, remedial strategy evaluations, and monitored natural attenuation studies. Lead stakeholder engagement, including regulator negotiations, community meetings, and client steering committees. Oversee wellfield design, managed aquifer recharge (MAR) studies, and dewatering programs for major projects. Provide expert witness/testimony or senior technical advisory for regulatory hearings and disputes. Own technical QA/QC frameworks; conduct senior peer reviews and sign‑offs on deliverables. Shape proposals, write winning methodologies, level of effort, and budgets for multi‑year programs. Grow the groundwater services portfolio; build client relationships and identify cross‑selling opportunities. Guide adoption of digital tools (model GUIs, GIS, databases) and champion data governance standards. Coach and develop teams; establish training plans and succession for hydrogeology capability.
Requirements Competencies Advanced hydrogeological expertise and leadership in consulting. Proficiency in modeling software (MODFLOW, FEFLOW) and GIS tools. Strong business development, proposal writing, and client management skills. Excellent communication and presentation abilities. Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and deliver complex projects.
Qualifications Master’s in Hydrogeology, Geology, or Environmental Science (PhD strongly preferred). Professional registration (CGeol, PG, or equivalent) desirable. HSE/fieldwork certifications an advantage.
Experience10+ years of hydrogeological consulting experience. Extensive experience in groundwater modeling, contamination assessment, and resource projects. Demonstrated leadership in business development and client management.