Principal Water Officer

2 days ago

Brisbane, Australia Queensland Government Full time

**About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Principal Water Officer (Hydrogeologist) to join our Statewide Groundwater team. This senior-level position offers a unique opportunity to lead and influence groundwater management strategies that support Queensland's long-term water resource management. You will provide advanced technical advice, lead groundwater assessments and modelling, contribute to strategic water planning, and support complex regulatory processes. Your work will play a key role in informing decisions that impact groundwater resource sustainability across the state.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

- Deliver expert hydrogeological advice and peer review for major infrastructure, mining, and resource development projects.
- Undertake detailed groundwater assessments and contribute to the development and review of conceptual and numerical groundwater models.
- Provide scientific input into policy development and support the regulatory framework that governs groundwater use and protection in Queensland.
- Support and guide complex groundwater licensing decisions in line with water legislation and resource objectives.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align groundwater science with broader strategic planning objectives.
- Lead, supervise, and mentor a small team of hydrogeologists and technical officers, promoting a culture of scientific integrity, continuous learning, and innovation.
- Drive technical capability development within the team and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the department.

About You

You are a highly skilled and passionate hydrogeologist with 7-10+ years of experience in groundwater science, modelling, and resource management. You bring a deep understanding of groundwater systems, strong analytical and communication skills, and proven leadership capability. You are committed to using science to inform water resource management and are ready to take on strategic leadership role.

To succeed in this role, you will:

- Be confident in delivering expert advice on complex groundwater and regulatory matters.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous learning, technical excellence, and collaboration.
- Bring strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide a team and foster a positive, innovative, and inclusive culture focused on scientific excellence.
- Be an effective communicator, capable of engaging a wide range of technical and non-technical stakeholders.

DLGWV is committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights in our decision-making and actions. We value the diversity of our workforce and are guided by the Queensland Public Sector Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. We strive to create a respectful and rewarding workplace culture that encourages, recognises and embraces every individual's contribution within a collaborative environment that allows all employees to thrive.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter (1-2 pages) demonstrating your suitability for the position.

Applications will remain current for a period of 12 months.

Please also let us know if there is any assistance we can provide that would help you to participate in the recruitment process.

Brisbane preferred - Flexible location at DLGWV offices will be considered.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/656057/25

Closing Date: Friday, 5 September 2025
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.

  • Principal Urban Water Security Officer

    2 days ago

    Brisbane, Australia Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Full time

    The Department The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (DRMDW) drives growth for Queensland by managing sustainable water resources, leading innovation in manufacturing, and developing our regions. From our offices in Brisbane and a network of regional offices and manufacturing hubs, more than 580 DRDMW staff work to create a...

  • Water Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Brisbane, Australia Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Full time

    **Key Duties and Accountabilities**: - Undertake investigations and make recommendations on water entitlement dealings made under the Water Act 2000 and the Planning Act 2016. - Undertake regulatory activities associated with the management and use of water, associated works and riverine protection including site inspections, drilling log entry, metering,...

  • Principal Project Officer

    1 week ago

    Brisbane, Australia Queensland Government Full time

    **The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV), previously known as the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, is at the forefront of driving sustainable growth across Queensland. Our mission is to manage water resources responsibly and empower councils to support and grow Queensland communities. With over 700...

  • Principal Project Officer

    3 days ago

    Brisbane, Australia Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Full time

    The Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (DRDMW) drives growth for Queensland by managing sustainable water resources, leading innovation in manufacturing, and developing our regions. From our offices in Brisbane and a network of regional offices and manufacturing hubs, more than 700 DRDMW staff work to create a Queensland where...

  • Principal Policy Officer

    2 days ago

    Brisbane, Australia Queensland Government Full time

    **Operating within the Strategic Coordination and Economics area of the Regional Economic Development division, the Principal Policy Officer is an important part of a team providing governance oversight of the four State-owned bulk water entities: Sunwater, Seqwater, Gladstone Area Water Board and Mount Isa Water Board. Duties of this role include the...

  • Principal Project Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Brisbane, Australia Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Full time

    Working within the Rural Water Futures program, you will be using your skills across a range of disciplines including measurement, policy, management, industry and stakeholder engagement to produce a high-quality water measurement framework, with particular focus on the Murray-Darling Basin and other areas with large scale irrigation...

  • Principal Policy Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Brisbane, Australia Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Full time

    Key Duties and Accountabilities - Identify emerging issues, policy and planning needs in water resource management and provide expert strategic advice to senior management relevant to the delivery of outcomes for the sustainable management and use of Queensland's natural resources. - Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of complex reports, policy...

  • Principal Economic Analyst

    2 weeks ago

    Brisbane, Australia Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Full time

    **Key Duties and Accountabilities**: - Work within a team of policy officers and economists undertaking analysis and providing specialist economic and commercial advice on water regulation, pricing, policy development, infrastructure projects and governance. - Undertake detailed economic research and analysis, and provide specialist technical and policy...

  • Principal Engineer

    3 days ago

    Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Concentis Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

    Principal Engineer (Owner's Engineer) – 12 Month ContractShort DescriptionLead technical reviews as an Owner's Engineer on major water infrastructure projects.• 12-month fixed-term contract• Lead technical assurance and oversight• Water and utilities infrastructure focusWe are partnering with a boutique consultancy supporting a tier-1 utilities...

  • A07/A08 Principal Project Officer

    1 day ago

    Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Davidson Full time $94,340 - $194,680 per year

    About the Company:We are partnering with a Queensland state government client who is seeking a Principal Project Officer to contribute to a high-profile, whole-of-government strategic initiative focused on water security and economic growth.About the Role:As Principal Project Officer, you will play a pivotal role in the development and launch of Queensland's...