Principal Technical Specialist (Hydrogeologist) - PO6
Join our team and use your expertise in hydrogeology to support environmental regulation in Queensland.

About the Role
The Principal Technical Specialist (Hydrogeologist) plays a key role in supporting the Environmental Services and Regulation (ESR) division within the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI). The role provides high-level technical advice on groundwater models, dewatering impacts, and contaminant fate and transport processes to ensure robust environmental regulation under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
Located within the Operational Support branch, this role provides specialist guidance to regulatory officers, ensuring high standards of environmental assessment and compliance. The position requires expertise in hydrogeological aspects of dewatering associated with mining and coal seam gas, as well as experience in multiphase contaminant fate and transport modelling.

Key Responsibilities
• Assess and evaluate complex hydrogeological models, technical reports, and datasets, ensuring high-quality regulatory decision-making.
• Provide expert advice on groundwater modelling, contaminant transport, and hydrogeological risks in mining and resource activities.
• Review and verify modelling inputs, assumptions, calibration methods, and sensitivity analyses to assess accuracy and reliability.
• Prepare high-level technical advice, briefings, reports, and correspondence on hydrogeology and groundwater regulation.
• Communicate technical findings clearly and effectively to both expert and non-technical audiences, including regulatory staff and stakeholders.
• Represent ESR in complex negotiations, providing sound technical input to regulatory decisions and policy discussions.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including legal teams, industry representatives, and research institutions.
• Support a positive team culture, mentoring staff and promoting continuous improvement in technical capabilities.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness, particularly in relation to First Nations engagement.

What We Are Looking For
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
• Technical Expertise - Proven ability to apply and critically assess conceptual, analytical, and numerical groundwater models. Experience with transient and steady-state modelling, dewatering impacts, and contaminant transport modelling is essential.
• Analytical Skills - High-level capability in reviewing groundwater assessments, verifying data integrity, and assessing environmental risk.
• Communication & Influence - Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience conveying technical findings in clear, practical language. Ability to consult and negotiate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Leadership - Experience working within multidisciplinary teams and mentoring colleagues. Ability to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Commitment to Equity & Inclusion - Demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and promotes ethical decision-making.

Mandatory Requirements
• A degree in geology, hydrogeology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in hydrogeological modelling and contaminant fate and transport.
• Strong understanding of Queensland's environmental regulatory framework.

If you are an experienced hydrogeologist looking to apply your technical expertise to environmental regulation, we encourage you to apply

Applications to remain current for 12 months.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/625160/25

Closing Date: Friday, 21 March 2025