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

The NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has two vacant roles in the Groundwater Modelling team with the Water Group:

• Principal Groundwater Modeller (534837) Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $157,569 to $161,034 + super
• Lead Groundwater Modeller (534467) Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $149,906 to $152,845 + super
• Work in a friendly and collaborative team
• Permanent full-time opportunities with NSW office location negotiable and with hybrid/working from home support

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.

Both the Principal and Lead Groundwater Modellers provide specialist technical expertise, knowledge and guidance to build team capability and ensure high quality outcomes towards the fulfilment of the groundwater modelling programme of work. Both roles perform investigation and analysis in the area of groundwater and surface water hydrology, and hydraulics to provide data information to inform water management policy and planning in NSW.

The Principal Groundwater Modeller works with the Groundwater Modelling Manager to design the groundwater modelling programme of work, support project management and help provide the technical direction that guides the team.

The Lead Groundwater Modeller works with the Principal Groundwater Modeller and the Groundwater Modelling Manager to perform technical work, project management and leads a team of technical staff.

About You

Our Principal and Lead Groundwater Modeller specialists will provide high level modelling analysis and interpretation expertise using statistical and model simulation techniques. You will also support water management policy development, evaluate the suitability of water management and planning proposals, and provide insight towards future water sharing and resourcing. You will seek opportunities for, collaboration and knowledge exchange with internal and external stakeholders to remain abreast of the evolution in groundwater science and applied groundwater modelling. Your ability to provide innovative solutions will allow you to lead the design and production of groundwater and surface water interaction modelling work focussed upon very high-quality deliverables.

Key accountabilities include:

• Guides and reviews the design, development and production of high quality hydrologic and hydraulic modelling analysis and preparation of quality evidence-based written reports and correspondence for industry, government and community use
• Provides expert technical support to project teams including coordinating project resources and project operations, performing quality audits, build team capabilities, and share knowledge and expertise to deliver modelling and multi-discipline outputs
• Performs specific project tasks to support modelling
• Provide expert groundwater modelling and hydrogeology advice regarding surface water, river and catchment modelling to support water resource management and planning including NSW Water Sharing Plans and the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience in several of the following hydrologic disciplines: mathematical groundwater hydrology and hydraulics, groundwater modelling with surface water interaction, water resources management modelling, catchment process modelling, statistics, computer programming, application of spatial modelling
• Proven ability to evaluate complex scientific and hydrological investigations, data and research to determine validity and rigor in the context of water resource management
• Strong communication, report writing, stakeholder management and project management skills
• Experienced in managing and mentoring groundwater modellers

Essential Requirements

• Degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, hydraulic engineering, natural resources, relevant applied sciences or related discipline.
• Post-graduate qualifications in groundwater modelling, hydrogeology or related disciplines is preferred.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to express interest for both roles to provide the hiring manager the opportunity and flexibility to offer an optimal role following the competitive recruitment process.

You will be asked upon application which role you are applying for.

For more information read the full Role Descriptions:

Principal Groundwater Modeller

Lead Groundwater Modeller

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.

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.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 16 March 2025 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Andrew Druzynski, via [email protected].

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

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.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [email protected] or contacting Ty Brennock on 0409 231 515 (please mention reference number 541436).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.