DWQ Desalination Planning - Senior Technical Advisor

Job Description

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About the role

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As a Senior Technical Advisor - DWQ Desalination Planning, you will provide strategic technical expertise across new source and desalination projects, with a focus on water quality risk assessment, source protection, treatment requirements and DWQ governance. You will be a trusted technical advisor, supporting key project decisions from concept development through to implementation by ensuring water quality risks, treatment requirements and regulatory obligations are appropriately considered and managed.

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Working within the Water Quality Business Unit's DWQ Strategy & Risk team, you will collaborate with planners, engineers, project teams, regulators and operational stakeholders to deliver, assess and recommend robust solutions that protect public health and support sustainable water supply outcomes.

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Key skills and experience

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• Provide specialist technical advice on DWQ risks, source protection, treatment requirements and risk mitigation strategies for major new source and desalination projects.
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• Support the planning and assessment of source and treatment options, ensuring alignment with DWQ principles and regulatory requirements.
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• Lead water quality investigations, monitoring programs, risk assessments and technical reviews.
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• Develop water quality management requirements and third-party DWQ management plans for proposed water sources and treatment systems.
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• Ensure project scope, option evaluations, operating strategies, risk management approaches and business case activities appropriately address water quality risks and obligations.
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• Support engagement with the Department of Health and contribute to strategic stakeholder discussions relating to DWQ outcomes.
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• Lead the implementation of water quality risk management plans for preferred source and treatment options.
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• Contribute to the development of business cases through identification of water quality risks, regulatory requirements, mitigation measures and associated cost impacts.
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• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance water quality outcomes, operational performance and value for money.
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About you

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• A degree qualification in engineering, science, environmental science or a related discipline.
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• Significant experience in drinking water quality management and risk assessment.
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• Strong experience in water treatment processes and/or catchment management.
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• Experience in strategic planning, policy development and technical review.
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• Detailed knowledge of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, source protection requirements and associated legislation.
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• Strong understanding of surface water and groundwater treatment requirements and their application to water source risks.
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• Excellent analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills.
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• Strong report writing, technical documentation and communication skills.
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• Proven ability to build productive relationships across a diverse stakeholder network and work collaboratively to deliver outcomes.
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• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.
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Sound like a match? Apply today

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If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role.

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Please note: By applying for this role, you are consenting to your current and previous line managers being contacted as references. It is strongly recommended that all internal applicants advise their line manager of any applications for acting or permanent positions prior to applying.

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As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which commonly includes - but is not limited to - a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check. If you would like the full list of pre-employment screening checks prior to applying, please contact

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Applications close 29 September 2026.

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Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:

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Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community.

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We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment.

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Applicants with disability who require adjustments during the recruitment process including an alternative format of the application form, can contact a Recruitment Officer at or .

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To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website

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