Job search
Principal Officer
Dam Safety; Regulation and Operational Support; Water Resource Management; Flexible work locations will be considered
Looking for your next leadership opportunity where you can genuinely influence outcomes and grow a capable, motivated team? Join our high-performing Dam Safety team as Principal Officer, Emergency Action Plans (AO7), where you will lead a small, collaborative team delivering important regulatory and emergency reparedness outcomes that help protect Queensland communities.
Job details
| Position status | Fixed Term Temporary |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Policy & Planning |
| Classification | AO7 |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City,Flexible |
| Job ad reference | QLD/683823/26 |
| Closing date | 13-Apr-2026 |
| Job duration | 11/05/2026 to 07/05/2027 with possible extension |
| Contact person | Donna Dunn |
| Contact details | Ph: 0427 597 762 Access the National Relay Service |
The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV) 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 dedicated professionals across Brisbane and regional offices, we work tirelessly to ensure that Queensland's communities, businesses and water resources thrive.
The Role:
As Principal Officer, Emergency Action Plans, you will lead a capable and established team within the Dam Safety program, providing regulatory oversight of Emergency Action Plans for Queensland's referable dams. You will play an important role in shaping compliance approaches and strengthening emergency preparedness.
This role offers the opportunity to operate with a high degree of professional autonomy while being supported by an experienced and collaborative senior leadership group. You will influence regulatory practice, lead meaningful work and further develop your leadership capability in a complex and high-impact environment.
Key Accountabilities:
• Lead and empower a small, experienced team delivering Emergency Action Plan compliance and regulatory oversight.
• Provide strategic and operational advice on dam safety emergency planning and legislative obligations.
• Build trusted working relationships with dam owners, disaster management stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Coordinate wet season preparedness reviews and contribute to emergency readiness activities.
• Lead complex work requiring sound judgement, risk awareness and practical decision-making.
• Drive improvements to compliance practices, systems and data integrity.
• Represent Dam Safety in cross-agency forums and contribute to whole-of government outcomes.
• Contribute to a positive, accountable and high-trust team culture.
About You:
• Calm, credible and decisive in complex or high-pressure environments.
• Invested in developing people and building team capability.
• Able to build respectful and productive professional relationships.
• Comfortable navigating regulatory complexity and ambiguity.
• Focused on outcomes, not just process.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
Experience in regulation, compliance, disaster management, water management or related operational environments will be highly regarded, but most importantly we are looking for leadership capability, sound judgement and the ability to work constructively with others.
The Benefits:
• A supportive and experienced leadership team.
• A respectful, collaborative and solutions-focused culture.
• Opportunities to influence how work is done, not just deliver it.
• Flexibility and trust in how you manage your responsibilities.
• Work that has clear public value and purpose.
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 cover letter (1 to 2 page) demonstrating your suitability for the position.
This position is available at the following locations:
Flexible
Pease advise your preference with your application.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/683823/26
Closing Date: Monday, 13 April 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.
