Catchment Technical Officer

City of Gold Coast; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness Passport access

Counselling sessions

Job security

Modern equipment

Free parking

Uniform & PPE

Job summary

The Catchment Management Unit within the City of Gold Coast oversees monitoring of aquatic and marine environments to protect waterway health and local ecosystems. As a Catchment Technical Officer, you will investigate incidents, conduct scientific monitoring, analyse data and provide technical advice to stakeholders.

Based at Bundall Precinct, you will use modern equipment, support QA, safety and continuous improvement of monitoring programs, and participate in 24/7 on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Experience in environmental monitoring or related scientific field.
• Knowledge of environmental sampling methods and QA processes.
• Ability to collect, analyse and interpret scientific data and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and undertake environmental monitoring and evaluation programs (water quality, biological, sediment sampling).
• Conduct field-based scientific assessments across aquatic, estuarine and marine environments.
• Investigate pollution events and environmental incidents through sampling, data interpretation and technical advice.
• Analyse scientific data using statistical methods to identify trends and issues.
• Prepare clear scientific reports for audiences with varying technical levels.
• Provide responsive customer service for internal and external enquiries on waterway health.
• Maintain, calibrate and service scientific monitoring equipment.
• Use laboratory and environmental information systems.
• Contribute to SOPs, risk assessments and safe work practices.
• Support maintenance of vehicles, boats, trailers and field equipment.
• Apply legislation and sampling methodologies in monitoring activities.
• Participate in 24/7 on-call roster.

Skills

Environmental monitoring

Water quality

Data analysis

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Field work

Safety procedures

Legislation knowledge

Education

Diploma in Environmental Monitoring

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

• Full Time | 9-day fortnight | 36 hours per week

About the team

The Catchment Management Unit sits within the Environment and Heritage Branch and supports the monitoring and management of the Gold Coast’s aquatic, estuarine and marine environments. The team delivers environmental monitoring and evaluation programs to help protect waterway health, recreational safety and local ecosystems.

About the role

As a Catchment Technical Officer, you will help investigate and respond to environmental incidents, including pollution events, fish kills and algal blooms. You will conduct scientific monitoring and sampling, analyse environmental data and provide timely technical advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Based at the Bundall Precinct, this hands‑on role uses contemporary scientific equipment and methodologies to monitor local government aquatic assets. You will also contribute to quality assurance, safe work practices and the continuous improvement of environmental monitoring programs.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will:

• Design and undertake environmental monitoring and evaluation programs, including water quality, biological and sediment sampling.
• Conduct field-based scientific assessments across aquatic, estuarine and marine environments.
• Investigate pollution events and other environmental incidents through sampling, data interpretation and technical advice.
• Analyse scientific data using statistical methods to identify trends, relationships and emerging environmental issues.
• Prepare clear scientific reports for audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Provide responsive customer service for internal and external enquiries relating to waterway health.
• Maintain, calibrate and arrange servicing for scientific monitoring equipment.
• Use laboratory and environmental information systems.
• Contribute to standard operating procedures, risk assessments and safe work practices.
• Support the maintenance of vehicles, boats, trailers and other field equipment.
• Apply relevant legislation, guidelines and sampling methodologies when completing monitoring activities.
• Participate in the 24/7 on-call roster

We’re looking for people who have:

• Practical experience in environmental monitoring, water quality assessment or a related scientific field.
• Knowledge of contemporary environmental sampling methods, scientific equipment and quality assurance processes.
• The ability to collect, analyse and interpret scientific data and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise scientific and technical reports.
• Sound customer service and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work safely in field environments and prepare risk assessments for small teams.
• Effective project planning, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively while also using initiative in field-based situations.
• An understanding of relevant environmental legislation, water quality guidelines and monitoring standards.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology, or equivalent knowledge.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:

• Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport for you and your family
• 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or your immediate family
• A stable working environment with job security
• A professional, and inclusive work environment working with modern equipment
• Free parking
• Uniform, tools and PPE provided
• A work environment committed to safety as our number 1 priority
• Opportunities to work overtime to increase your take home pay
• Clear paths for career progression and advancement - whether you are interested in moving into a leadership position or upskilling with specialised training, we have plenty of opportunities for you to reach your personal and professional goals

We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.

Closing DateFriday 30 October 2026/11:59pm AEDT

Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.

We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.