Local recruitment: Principal Water Officer

Queensland Government

Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺

Local Government, Water and Volunteers
South Monitoring Compliance and Projects; South Region; Water Resource Management; Bundaberg

This position is responsible for delivery of compliance and enforcement activities relating to the State’s water resources and to provide support and advice on the sustainable management and use of water through implementation of relevant legislation and policy. Operating from within South Region, this position provides water management support, including response to customer complaints and enquiries, catchment auditing and compliance response activities within the regional area, to a diverse range of internal and external clients.

Job details

Position statusFixed Term Temporary
Position typeFlexible full-time
Occupational groupAuditing & Compliance
ClassificationAO7
Workplace LocationBrisbane Inner City,Brisbane – North,Brisbane – South,Brisbane – East,Brisbane – West,Flexible,Toowoomba region,Wide Bay,Far North Qld,South West Qld
Job ad referenceQLD/672587/25
Closing date19-Dec-2025
Yearly salary$133603 – $143125
Fortnightly salary$5121.00 – $5486.00
Job durationuntil 30 July 2026 with possibility of extension
Contact personSarah McCarthy
Contact detailsPh: 07 4131 2364
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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
• Provide direction, guidance and leadership to others to ensure effective delivery of the department’s regulatory strategy and regulatory responsibilities.
• Apply the provisions of the Water Act 2000 and Planning Act 2016 to achieve consistent and effective regulatory outcomes.
• Provide high level advice to the Manager, Compliance and the Regional Management Team on regulatory policy application and regional implementation, including compliance requirements from the Inspector General of Water Compliance in South Region.
• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of state-wide regulatory and compliance related policies and priorities.
• Lead, manage and implement regional compliance activities including planning and implementing programmes to monitor compliance in the regulated water community.
• Prepare submissions, briefing notes and contribute to the development of legislation and associated policy, work practices and guidelines, on complex compliance issues.
• Manage regulatory service delivery and associated change in expectations.
• Represent the department and region in a wide range of forums.
• Manage finances and human resources to ensure equity, ethical conduct and a high standard of Work, Health & Safety for all staff. 
• Other duties as directed and required.

Role requirements
• Previous experience as an authorised officer under the Water Act 2000 or other legislative framework/s would be highly regarded.
• Previous experience communicating regulatory requirements and engaging with affected parties, of varying demographics and industry backgrounds, would be highly regarded.
• Travel away from the centre may be required. This may involve travel outside of normal office hours and/or overnight accommodation for extended periods.

Queensland Public Sector Inclusion and Diversity Strategy
DLGWV is committed to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights in our decision-making and actions. We value the diversity of our workforce and are guided
by the Queensland Public Sector Inclusion and Diversity Strategy. Please refer to our: Equity and Diversity Plan, Cultural capability action plan, disability service plan and multicultural action plan. We strive to create a respectful and rewarding workplace culture that encourages, recognises and embraces every individual’s contribution within a collaborative environment that allows all employees to thrive. We believe our workforce should represent the community we serve. We strongly encourage enquiries and applications from people with diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (https://www.dlgwv.qld.gov.au)

Flexible location within Bundaberg, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Gatton or Goondiwindi. Please advise your preference with your application.

Applications to remain current for 12 months

Further information

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

Two positions available
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.

10 days remaining

Apply by 19 December, 2025

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development