Join OGIA and lead innovative projects shaping Queensland's groundwater future!

This role focuses on regional-scale groundwater assessments, connectivity studies, and advanced modelling. You'll champion the integration of hydrochemistry into multidisciplinary assessments, enhancing the understanding of key systems like the Great Artesian Basin. Take charge of analysing and managing large-scale spatiotemporal groundwater and hydrochemistry datasets to drive impactful outcomes.

Job details

The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) drives sustainable growth across Qld. Our mission is to manage water resources responsibly and empower councils to support and grow Queensland communities. With over 700 professionals across Brisbane and regional offices, we work to ensure Qld's communities, businesses and water resources thrive.

The Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment (OGIA) assesses and manages cumulative groundwater impacts from resource development in the Surat and southern Bowen basins. This includes conducting scientific studies and reporting on groundwater flow conceptualisation, modelling, monitoring network design, groundwater-dependent ecosystems and maintaining large spatial and temporal datasets.

As a Senior Scientist, you will lead projects and investigations supporting regional-scale groundwater assessments, connectivity studies and modelling. A key focus is integrating hydrochemistry into multidisciplinary assessments to enhance understanding of groundwater systems in Qld, including the Great Artesian Basin.

You will also manage and analyse large-scale spatiotemporal groundwater and hydrochemistry datasets.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead regional and sub-regional projects to inform groundwater connectivity and conceptualisation using hydrochemical and hydrogeological evidence.
Apply innovative data analysis techniques to large-scale spatial and attribute datasets.
Integrate hydrochemistry into multidisciplinary assessments to identify impacts, validate numerical models and investigate connectivity.
Support leadership in managing groundwater impacts from resource industry water extraction.
Prepare high-quality technical reports, workflows, and documentation.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
Perform other duties as required.

Competencies:

As an individual contributor, the following Leadership Competencies for Qld are essential:
Vision: Stimulates ideas and innovation; makes insightful decisions through critical analysis.
Results: Welcomes challenges and demonstrates persistence in overcoming obstacles.
Accountability: Pursues continuous growth and evaluates solutions while mitigating risks.

Role Requirements:

Mandatory:
A degree in hydrogeology, hydrochemistry, groundwater modelling, geology, hydrology, engineering, geoscience, science, or applied science.

Desirable:
Knowledge of hydrochemistry processes and principles (including isotope geochemistry).
Experience in multidisciplinary project teams.
Familiarity with analytical and numerical modelling techniques.
Proficiency in Python (e.g. pandas, numpy, scipy, scikit-learn, matplotlib).
Experience with data analysis techniques.

DLGWV is committed to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights in our decision-making and actions. We value workforce diversity 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 1-2 page cover letter via SmartJobs outlining your skills, experience, and alignment with the key duties and requirements.

Pre-employment checks may include:
Referee checks.
Proof of eligibility for appointment (e.g. residency/citizenship).
Criminal history/serious discipline checks.
Verification of mandatory qualifications.
A probationary period may apply.
Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process are encouraged to inform the panel.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/679224/26

Closing Date: Monday, 02 March 2026

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.

• DLGWV Applicant Information (December 2025) (PDF, 1.07MB)
  
  
  679224 26 Role Description v1 (Word, 1.73MB)