Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Full-time role - 35 hours per week + FlexTime
• Any NSW office location - regional location encouraged/hybrid working supported
• Temporary opportunity to 31 December 2027
• Salary ranges from $151,509.00 to $154,840.00 + super

The Water Group is currently seeking to appoint a Principal Water Scientist in a temporary full-time capacity to 31 December 2027.

The Water Group leads the NSW Government in providing confidence to communities and stakeholders with the transparent stewardship of water resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies across NSW.

About Yo

Lead the Surface Water Science monitoring and research activities to deliver sound scientific information. The role leads scientific studies, including research collaborations and long-term environmental monitoring programs, to improve scientific understanding and knowledge, for the effective management of water resources.

Scope, develop and implement applied science programs to integrate sound water science into program development and implementation.

Prepare and review high quality scientific information for publication in journals, books or other resources; present findings at a range of forums to disseminate scientific data and information to scientific, industry and community groups, ensuring scientific rigor.

Collaborate to identify and define water resource management and hydrological research priorities, programs and projects, track and anticipate emerging issues and contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of water science.

Provide research leadership to scientists ensuring high quality water research is undertaken to provide knowledge to support the effective management of water resources across the state.

Develop and maintain networks with government and non-government research organisations, Universities and other partners to promote collaboration and information sharing, identifying opportunities for pure scientific research to be translated and integrated into applied water science programs.

Contribute scientific information to water sharing plans, including the protection of the health of surface water dependent ecosystems, providing greater water security for industries and communities and more valuable and tradable rights to water.

Essential Requirements

• Appropriate degree and/or post graduate qualifications in water sciences, applied sciences or environmental engineering and/or equivalent experience in leading research projects.

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

The Water Group leads the NSW Government in providing confidence to communities and stakeholders with the transparent stewardship of water resources, provision of services and reforms that support sustainable and healthy environments, economies and societies across NSW.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.