Local recruitment: Water Officer

Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (Organisation site)
North Water Management and Use; North Region; Water Resource Management; Ayr, Cairns, Longreach, Mackay, Mareeba, Rockhampton, South Johnstone, and Townsville

This is an exciting opportunity to join the department and support the delivery of key work within water resource management, gaining skills and experience addressing Queensland’s greatest challenge of a reliable and sustainable future for our State’s water resources. Operating from within North Region, you will be part of the Water Projects and Unallocated Water team. This team undertakes the following key duties:
• Water management – client advice and decisions on water entitlements for surface and groundwater for unallocated water released under water plans.
• Projects – water approvals that support large industrial developments for agriculture, mining and pumped hydro.
• Support water planning processes – input into water plan reviews on matters of unallocated water, water trading and resource operations licence dealings.

Job details

The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV), previously known as the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, is at the forefront of driving sustainable growth across Queensland. Our mission is to manage water resources responsibly and empower councils to support and grow Queensland communities. With over 700 dedicated professionals across Brisbane and regional offices, we work tirelessly to ensure that Queensland’s communities, businesses, and water resources thrive.

Key Duties and Accountabilities
• Undertake investigations and make recommendations on applications for unallocated water made under the Water Act 2000. 
• Undertake sound decision making and provision of advice based on a good technical knowledge of water including relevant legislation, physical characteristics and factors that will affect impacts on water sources, users and dependent ecosystems. 
• Prepare technical and investigation reports, correspondence and briefings on water entitlements and management of surface and groundwater under water plans. 
• Engage clients in the resolution of issues associated with competing demands for water and associated resources. 
• Consult, liaise and provide advice to user groups, the public, employees and Government agencies on water and resource management matters to achieve sustainable and compliant water use practices. 
• Support water planning processes including the development and implementation of water plans and water management protocols if required. 
• Other duties as directed and required. 

Role requirements 
• To be considered for appointment you must have a degree or higher qualification, from a recognised Tertiary Institution in Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or agreed equivalent as determined by the Director-General. (Where applicants are applying based on an agreed equivalent, please seek advice from the nominated contact before applying). 
• If your qualification is from an overseas institution, you will need to attach a certified copy of the official recognition to your application (email:
skillsrecognition@deta.qld.gov.au for more information about obtaining official recognition of your overseas qualification). 
• A current “C” class driver’s licence and be willing to obtain a manual licence if necessary. 
• This position will require overnight travel (including travel to remote locations) and may include undertaking field work for the collection of samples and other data, as required. 
• If successful, be located at a North Region office (as stated on Page 1) where existing staff are currently based within the relevant teams

This position is available at the following locations: Ayr, Cairns, Longreach, Mackay, Mareeba, Rockhampton, South Johnstone, and Townsville. Please advise your preference with your application

Applications to remain current for 12 months.             

Job Ad Reference: QLD/655910/25

Closing Date: Thursday, 04 September 2025

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Information Pack v8.1 (PDF, 3.42MB)
  
  
  655910 25 Role Description (Word, 1.97MB)