Water Quality Scientist

• Get the balance right - flexible working options available
• Ongoing career development opportunities
• Support the sustainable delivery of an essential service to the Lower Hunter community

We are seeking a Water Quality Scientist to join our Water Resilience & Science team within our Strategy & Engagement Division.

Our Company

At Hunter Water our Values define who we are as an organisation and how we behave. We strive to live these Values and it is shown in the work we do and the way in which we interact with each other.

We fundamentally believe in and commit to diversity and inclusion. We value an individual's unique capabilities, backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. We rely on these diverse perspectives to drive innovation and collaboration, to deliver the best outcome for our customers and communities.

It is this diversity of perspectives that will enable Hunter Water to meet the challenges of the future. We strive to create an inclusive environment where there is genuine equality of opportunity regardless of people's gender, age, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and/or family status. We encourage you to apply and welcome all applications.

We are embarking on a new strategic direction to build a more innovative, collaborative and resilient organisation that is a thought leader in developing a sustainable water and wastewater future.

At Hunter Water we offer a range of employee benefits. For this position, these will include, but are not limited to:

Excellent flexible working and additional leave benefits including:

• Additional Public Holidays, RDOs
• 5 days additional paid Carers Leave per annum
• Paid Community Service Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave for both parents
• Access to hybrid work and other flexible options

Health & Wellbeing benefits including:

• Fitness passport
• Access to discounted health fund and health services
• Access to the Employee Assistance program

Remuneration & Hours:

• 35 hour working week
• Reward and Recognition Program
• Base salary range of $102,000 - $118,000 (pending experience) plus Superannuation

The Opportunity

As the Water Quality Scientist you will be responsible for developing, scoping and project managing the science and research aspects of strategic planning and environmental investigations to address the needs of a growing customer base.

What you'll do:

• Develop, scope and manage science and research projects, including water quality, catchment studies, environmental and public health investigations, and regulatory issues.
• Provide scientific expertise and high-quality technical advice across water, wastewater, recycled water and biosolids, with a focus on protecting public health and the environment.
• Deliver timely advice and support in response to operational incidents, investment planning projects and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and manage projects within timeframes and budgets, including data review, analysis, visualisation and modelling to reduce risks.
• Engage and manage research service providers, foster relationships with universities, and represent Hunter Water on external committees.
• Stay abreast of scientific developments, share knowledge across the business, and build capability in data analysis and science.

What you'll need to be successful:

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in Science, Environmental Science, Aquatic Ecology, or equivalent professional qualifications and experience.
• Strong understanding of drinking water quality, wastewater management, catchment processes, and aquatic system health (including treatment, recycling, ecological monitoring, and assessment).
• Knowledge of water quality and wastewater impacts on human health, and on freshwater and marine ecological processes.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, planning, and managing environmental or scientific studies and projects, including research design and sampling methods and applying the outcomes to real world settings.
• Well-developed analytical, problem-solving, and innovation skills, with the ability to initiate and deliver business improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively.

Desirable Criteria:

• Postgraduate qualifications (PhD or equivalent) in science, environmental science or aquatic ecology, with postdoctoral experience or an established research network.
• Strong skills in data analysis, statistical methods, and communicating uncertainty, with experience managing and visualising large datasets using tools such as R, Python, or PowerBI (or willingness to develop in this area).
• Demonstrated expertise in planning and managing environmental and biological investigations, particularly in water, catchment, and wastewater systems.
• Sound knowledge of hydrodynamic, physical, biogeochemical, and catchment processes affecting water quality, and ability to apply or work with models of these systems.
• Experience in health-based targets, ecological and habitat assessments, study design and analysis, and environmental microbiology.
• Good understanding of NSW environmental legislation and planning approval requirements.

Application Steps:

To be considered for this position applicants must submit a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria above and provide a current resume.

Please click to view the Position Description.

Application closing date:16 September 2025.

Contact: Donna Stephen Phone:

We are proud to be an Inclusive Employer committed to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity. People with disability, women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process by getting in contact with the recruiter.

Employment with Hunter Water Corporation may be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to criminal background checks, functional assessment, drug and alcohol testing and psychometric assessment for preferred external applicants.