Principal Contamination Advisor

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Job reference: 689724
Location: Adelaide CBD
Job status: Ongoing appointment
Eligibility: Open to Everyone
PO4 $110,696 to $120, 470 pa + superannuation

At the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, we are connecting South Australia to keep our State moving. We are responsible for delivering a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of transformative transport and social infrastructure projects, operating and maintaining thousands of kilometres of roads and managing our city's public transport network.

Our work encompasses every part of our State; from our cities to our regions, connecting and strengthening community.

We value diversity and inclusion and foster an environment of collaboration, flexibility, and support for our people.

The Opportunity
As the Principal Contamination Advisor, you will lead the Department's response to complex contamination and pollution issues, helping to safeguard South Australia's environment for future generations. Reporting to the Manager, Environment, you will provide expert, science-based advice to inform policy, guide sustainable land use, and manage legacy contamination across government assets.

Your work will directly shape strategic planning and operational decisions, ensuring environmental risks are effectively identified, assessed and addressed. This is a rare opportunity to influence high-impact outcomes that align with South Australia's environmental, social and economic priorities.

Your impact will be felt through

Delivering expert guidance on air and water quality, pollution control, and waste and noise management.

Contributing to whole-of-government strategies for sustainable land use and environmental performance.

Translating complex environmental data into clear, practical advice that supports informed decision-making.

Leading the development of environmental management plans to address legacy and emerging contamination risks.

Acting as a trusted advisor across the Department, driving evidence-based solutions that promote long-term environmental sustainability.

About You
You are a strategic thinker and environmental leader with deep expertise in contamination investigation and management. Your ability to interpret complex data and deliver clear, actionable advice sets you apart.

You'll bring:

Proven experience leading large-scale environmental programs and navigating regulatory frameworks.

A talent for stakeholder engagement, with the credibility to influence at senior levels.

Strong analytical skills and the confidence to translate science into practical solutions.

A commitment to innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Exceptional communication skills and a passion for contributing to a cleaner, healthier South Australia.

Qualifications/Experience
A relevant degree or post graduate qualification in the discipline of science or engineering, specialising in one of the following areas: Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Engineering (environmental) or a related discipline to satisfy the requirements for prescribed qualifications.

The following Capabilities and Skills are highly desirable:

A high level of discipline knowledge in site contamination or directly related field.

Experience in critically reviewing expert professional and technical reports and providing high level recommendations

High level capability to identify strategic and operational issues and apply analytical and qualitative skills to develop solutions.

Experience, judgement and political awareness to make informed, balanced and timely decisions.

Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation (State and Federal) combined with experience working within a legislative framework and interpreting and advising on legislative requirements.

Special Conditions

A National Police Check (NPC) is required prior to employment in the Department for Infrastructure and Transport which must be renewed every three years.

Some out of hours and weekend work, along with some intra/interstate travel requiring overnight stays, may be required.

Application Instructions
Applications can be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply' button.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a Cover Letter of no more than two pages addressing the selection criteria in the attached role statement.

Our Commitment
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture across the department, planning for and promoting diversity and culturally safe workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse community groups and ages including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities and other diversity groups. The Department recognises the benefits that such an approach brings for our staff and customers in delivering the future of South Australia.

As a WE'RE EQUAL organisation we are committed to treating everyone equally, proudly promoting our department, and all its spaces as safe places for everybody.

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is connecting South Australians to keep our state moving – now and for the future.

Every South Australian benefits from the work we do. Our work encompasses every part of our state; from our cities to our regions, connecting and strengthening community.

For us, it's personal. We feel it because we live it. We know the projects and services we work on today must deliver for South Australia's future.

We value diversity and inclusion and foster an environment of collaboration, flexibility, and support for our people.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is connecting South Australians to keep our state moving – now and for the future.

Every South Australian benefits from the work we do. Our work encompasses every part of our state; from our cities to our regions, connecting and strengthening community.

For us, it's personal. We feel it because we live it. We know the projects and services we work on today must deliver for South Australia's future.

We value diversity and inclusion and foster an environment of collaboration, flexibility, and support for our people.

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