The Project Inspector – Upper Basin Engineer is responsible for on-site inspection, supervision, and coordination of upper basin works associated with dam and hydropower projects. This includes reservoirs, intakes, waterways, access roads, slope protection, and ancillary civil works. The role ensures that construction activities are carried out safely, in compliance with approved designs, specifications, contractual requirements, and applicable standards, while supporting effective HSE implementation, quality control, and timely project delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Implement project-specific HSE plans for upper basin construction works

• Identify hazards related to earthworks, slopes, water bodies, blasting, and heavy equipment

• Review and ensure implementation of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)

• Coordinate with HSE officers and contractors on site-specific safety controls

• Enforce permit-to-work systems and environmental protection measures

• Inspect upper basin works including intakes, canals, tunnels/portals, access roads, and slope protection

• Verify compliance with approved drawings, technical specifications, and standards

• Monitor contractor workmanship, construction methods, and materials

• Identify non-conformances and recommend corrective actions

• Witness inspections, testing, and surveys related to civil works

• Participate in site safety inductions and toolbox meetings

• Provide technical safety input specific to upper basin and civil works

• Support contractors in improving safe work practices

• Promote awareness of slope safety, working near water, and heavy equipment risks

• Reinforce emergency response and evacuation procedures

• Coordinate daily with resident engineers, HSE staff, contractors, and client representatives

• Communicate inspection findings, safety concerns, and technical issues clearly

• Support resolution of construction, technical, and safety-related issues

• Participate in coordination and progress meetings

• Act as the Engineer’s on-site representative for upper basin works

• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly inspection and site reports

• Record safety observations, NCRs, and corrective actions

• Maintain inspection checklists, test results, and photographic records

• Support preparation of completion, as-built, and handover documentation

• Ensure proper filing, traceability, and control of inspection records.

• Prepare technical reports

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, or a related discipline

• 7–10 years of relevant experience in hydropower, dam, or water resources projects

• At least 3–5 years of direct experience in the construction phase, with responsibility for inspection of the upper basin structures such as intake works, spillways, diversion works, canals, tunnels, and reservoir-related facilities

• Proven experience in supervising or inspecting earthworks, concrete works, and slope protection, hydraulic structures, and water conveyance components

• Experience working closely with Contractors’ site teams, Resident Engineers, and Design Engineers

• Experience under EPC, Design–Build, or FIDIC-based contracts is an advantage

• Strong ability to inspect and monitor construction works to ensure compliance with approved drawings, specifications, and method statements verify workmanship quality and material compliance.

• Skilled in identifying construction defects, deviations, and potential safety risks

• Ability to maintain accurate inspection records, site diaries, and photo documentation and assist in preparation of inspection reports and non-conformance reports (NCRs)

• Capable of checking setting-out, levels, dimensions, and quantities on site

• Good coordination and communication skills with site personnel and supervision staff

About SMEC

For 75 years, SMEC has built a reputation as a trusted partner on major transport and energy infrastructure projects around the world. Our design leaders and specialist teams draw on deep expertise and experience delivering projects across a range of diverse environments, from some of the world’s most remote locations to some of the densest urban surroundings.

We understand the value of relationships to ensure that we comprehensively address all requirements at each stage in a project’s development. By closely collaborating with our clients, contractors, subcontractors and asset operators, we deliver commercially informed design thinking through local specialists who understand on-the-ground context and industry expectations.

We stand apart through our historically diverse, globally connected workforce, operating out of more than 40 countries with strong local relationships.

Our diverse workforce of professionals are highly respected experts who bring talent, experience and passion to their fields. Challenging boundaries, we look beyond the project scope to ensure we leave a positive impact in the communities we live and work in and allow present and future generations to thrive.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!