About the Department:

We are the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), an organisation that leads the way in conserving, sustaining, and creating prosperity for South Australia. We influence government decisions and deliver high-quality policy, programs, and assets that significantly affect the state's social, environmental, and economic well-being. We're passionate about inclusion, diversity, customer service, and achieving results, all through the means of innovative technology and strategic partnerships.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Meaningful and rewarding career

About the Role:

The Principal Hydrogeologist provides technical direction, advice and guidance to support addressing the state's strategic priorities in relation to the sustainable management of South Australia's water resources. The role works both individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary team to lead the successful delivery of project management and hydrogeological assessment advice and services. The incumbent is required to provide expert scientific advice and analysis and analysis to other government agencies and landscape boards on matters relating to the planning and management of South Australia's water resources. The Principal Hydrogeologist will also mentor staff to build their technical capacity.

National Water Grid Projects:

The Water and River Murray Division has successfully secured Commonwealth funding from the National Water Grid Authority to undertake a number of research projects. The Principal Hydrogeologist will take a lead technical role in the execution and delivery of these projects. Two of these projects are currently underway.

1. The Rainfall-Recharge/Rainfall-Runoff project will examine the groundwater recharge and surface water runoff occurring in groundwater system or surface water catchments under variable rainfall in historic, current and future climates. The project is designed to update or develop new relationships that account for the impacts of climate change across the state and will be used to inform water management policies across the water sector in South Australia.
2. The Elliston Water Security project will investigate the long-term sustainability of the main local groundwater resource in light of a changing climate and its ability to meet the competing demands of community water supply, cultural water, water-dependent ecosystems, and livestock watering. The results will determine if a long-term, climate-independent water source is required to meet future demand for potable water.

Contract: up to 30 June 2027

Essential Qualifications:

• Tertiary or post-graduate qualification in the engineering, science or NRM disciplines.

Special Conditions:

• May be required to participate in fire management and associated duties.
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Occasional intra and interstate travel may be required including overnight absences.
• A current Class C drivers licence is desirable.

Remuneration: PO4 $110,696 min - $120,470 max p.a.