Principal Hydrogeologist

**Department for Environment and Water**
**Job reference**: 634339
**Location**: 5000 - ADELAIDE
**Job status**: Long Term Contract
**Eligibility**: Open to Everyone

**About the Department**:
We are the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), an organisation that leads the way in conserving, sustaining, and creating prosperity for South Australia. We influence government decisions and deliver high-quality policy, programs, and assets that significantly affect the state's social, environmental, and economic well-being. We're passionate about inclusion, diversity, customer service, and achieving results, all through the means of innovative technology and strategic partnerships.

**About the Projects**:
The Water and River Murray Division have successfully secured funding from the National Water Grid Authority to undertake a number of research projects including the rainfall-recharge/ rainfall-run off project and the Bramfield ground water project. We're looking for a number of dedicated individuals, passionate about conserving the environment and ready to 'dive in' to commence work for these projects.

The **rainfall-recharge/rainfall-runoff project **is a Commonwealth funded project designed to measure the recharge or runoff which can be expected for a groundwater system or surface water catchment for a given amount of rainfall on an annual basis.

The rainfall-recharge/ rainfall-runoff relationships are simple yet effective and fundamental tools used in describing the hydrological behaviour of groundwater systems and surface water catchments. The project is designed to update or develop new relationships that account for the impacts of climate change across the state and will be used to inform water management policies across the water sector in South Australia.

A small coastal town on the western Eyre Peninsula by the name of Elliston is dependent upon the **Bramfield** fresh underground water lens. Groundwater levels continue to decline due to decreasing rainfall and natural groundwater discharge. This project will investigate the long-term sustainability of the groundwater resource in light of a changing climate and its ability to meet the competing demands of cultural water outflows, water-dependent ecosystems, and non-licensed users. The results will determine if a long-term climate independent water source is required to meet the potable water supply demand.

**About the Role**:
The Principal Hydrogeologist is responsible for leading the provision of professional hydrogeological assessments, advice and services. This role works both individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary team to lead the successful delivery of project management and hydrogeological modelling assessment and advice. The role also provides technical direction, advice and guidance to support addressing the State's strategic priorities in relation to the sustainable management of South Australia's water resources. The incumbent is required to provide expert scientific advice and analysis and analysis to other government agencies and landscape boards on matters relating to the planning and management of South Australia's water resources. The Principal Hydrogeologist will also mentor staff to build their technical capacity.

**Qualification**:
Tertiary or post-graduate qualification in the engineering, science or NRM disciplines.

**Special Conditions**:

- May be required to participate in fire management and associated duties.
- Some out of hours work may be required.
- Occasional intra and interstate travel may be required including overnight absences.
- A current Class C drivers licence is desirable.

**Contract**:
Contract to 30 June 2027.

**Remuneration**:
PO4 $110,696 min - $120,470 max per annum

**Enquiries to**:
Darren Alcoe
Manager, Groundwater Assessment and Reporting
0412 615 537

**Application Instructions**:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

**Applications close**: 11/12/2024 11:00 PM