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Principal Water Officer (Hydrogeologist)
Water Systems and Hydrometric Operations; Program Knowledge and Systems Initiatives; Water Resource Management; Brisbane preferred - Flexible location at DLGWV offices will be considered.
Join the Statewide Groundwater team as a Principal Water Officer (Hydrogeologist), leading sustainable groundwater management across Queensland. In this senior role, you will provide expert advice on groundwater systems and modelling, contribute to policy development, and support regulatory frameworks. Through monitoring, scientific research, and data-driven insights, you’ll help ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources. Your leadership will inform evidence-based decisions for the use, protection, and long-term planning of Queensland’s vital groundwater systems.
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Full-time |
| Occupational group | Sciences |
| Classification | PO5 |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City,Flexible,Wide Bay,Townsville region,South West Qld |
| Job ad reference | QLD/656057/25 |
| Closing date | 05-Sep-2025 |
| Job duration | Until 27/02/2026 |
| Contact person | Emma Osborne |
| Contact details | Phone: 0457 198 342 Access the National Relay Service |
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.
This position is available at the following locations: Brisbane, Toowoomba, Townsville, Ayr, Bundaberg. Please advise your preference with your application
Job Ad Reference: QLD/656057/25
Closing Date: Friday, 5 September 2025
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
