Senior Technical Advisor – Hydraulic Engineering & Water Quality Projects

South Holland, Netherlands
Hybrid

About the Role

A leading public-sector infrastructure organization is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Advisor—Hydraulic Engineering to support the delivery of large-scale water quality and ecological restoration projects across South Holland.

This role focuses on the implementation of projects linked to the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), aimed at improving chemical and ecological water quality within the Rhine-Meuse estuary. The program includes the development of tidal channels, nature-friendly riverbanks, fish passages, and ecological restoration measures that contribute to a more sustainable water system.

As a technical expert, you will provide specialist hydraulic engineering advice throughout the design, planning, and realization phases of complex multidisciplinary projects.

About the Program

The Water Framework Directive program runs through 2027 and includes multiple ecological and hydraulic engineering projects designed to improve water quality and biodiversity in the region.

Current projects include:

• Tidal Nature Development Projects
• Nature-Friendly Riverbank Construction
• Creek Restoration and Optimization Initiatives
• Floodplain and Intertidal Area Development
• Ecological Waterway Improvement Programs

These projects play a critical role in meeting national and European environmental objectives while enhancing ecological resilience throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Advisory

• Provide specialist advice on hydraulic engineering matters, including seepage assessments and water permit requirements.
• Develop technical principles documents and engineering guidance.
• Prepare and review system specifications and technical requirements.
• Conduct qualitative design assessments and technical reviews.
• Verify that project execution complies with agreed technical standards and requirements.

Project Support & Risk Management

• Identify technical risks, deviations, and opportunities within project delivery.
• Develop mitigation measures and provide recommendations to project teams.
• Support quality assurance activities throughout project lifecycles.
• Ensure compliance with technical frameworks, standards, and governance requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project execution and technical processes.

Reporting & Quality Assurance

• Prepare technical reports, assessments, and advisory documents.
• Review delivery and completion documentation.
• Share knowledge within multidisciplinary teams and contribute to organizational learning.
• Support technical quality management across multiple projects.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Management, or a comparable technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of demonstrable experience in hydraulic engineering projects, including both design and execution phases.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Hydraulic engineering systems
  • River morphology
  • Waterway design and dimensioning
  • Hydraulic boundary conditions and load calculations
  • Hydraulic modelling and calculation tools
• Experience working in complex multidisciplinary project environments with defined responsibilities.
• Knowledge of quality systems, integrated design methodologies, and risk management processes.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its practical application.
• VOL-VCA certification (Safety for Operational Supervisors) or willingness to obtain certification within three months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with System-Oriented Contract Management (SCB).
• Knowledge of customer requirements management methodologies.
• Experience using Relatics or comparable systems engineering and requirements management tools.
• Experience within public-sector infrastructure, water management, environmental, or river restoration projects.

Key Competencies

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
• Networking & Relationship Building
• Environmental Awareness
• Planning & Organization
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Technical Leadership
• Quality Focus
• Results Orientation

What You'll Bring

You are a technically strong hydraulic engineering professional who combines analytical expertise with practical project delivery experience. You can effectively operate within complex stakeholder environments, provide sound technical guidance, and ensure that engineering solutions contribute to both environmental objectives and project success.

This opportunity offers the chance to contribute directly to major water quality and ecological restoration projects that will have a lasting impact on the Netherlands' natural environment and water systems.