Principal Advisor Flooding

Planning; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) NSW is seeking a Principal Advisor Flooding to lead the review of Flood Impact and Risk Assessments and hydraulic modelling for State Significant Development and Infrastructure projects.

You will translate complex flood findings into practical recommendations, provide expert advice to planners and decision-makers, and lead a team of up to 8 while shaping governance frameworks and processes across NSW.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in civil or environmental engineering, environmental science or related discipline.
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence required for travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review of Flood Impact and Risk Assessments and hydraulic modelling for State Significant Development and Infrastructure projects.
• Ensure hydraulic modelling outputs are clear, defensible and delivered within governance and quality assurance frameworks.
• Translate complex flood findings into practical recommendations for planners and decision-makers.
• Lead workshops and site visits to resolve flood-related issues and provide expert advice to stakeholders.

Skills

Flood risk assessment

Hydraulic modelling clarity

Translating flood findings

Workload management

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Education

Degree in civil/environmental engineering or related field

Job description

Shape your world, in the team that shapes NSW communities, spaces and economies

• Join the Development Co-Ordination Authority (DCA) Technical Advisory team and help make a difference on some of NSW's most significant development projects
• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Parramatta or Newcastle office preferred, though other NSW DPHI Office location will be considered
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super

Be part of the Development Co-ordination Authority (DCA), a newly formed authority created to drive efficient, coordinated outcomes for major development projects across NSW. As a founding member of the team, you'll have the rare opportunity to help build a high-performing organisation while contributing to projects that leave a lasting legacy for communities across the state.

As our Principal Advisor Flooding, you'll lead the review of complex flood assessments for State Significant Development and Infrastructure projects, planning proposals and, where needed, local development applications. You'll make sure our advice is sound and practical, and that it's applied consistently from one project to the next. That means leading the review of Flood Impact and Risk Assessments and the hydraulic modelling behind them, and looking beyond the single site to cumulative risk, drawing on flood studies, floodplain management plans and evacuation capacity so decisions suit the place they affect.

An opportunity to set the standard for technical governance through peer review, quality gates and sign-off, and help shape the frameworks, policies and processes that support sector reform and better service. You'll be the trusted flood risk advisor for colleagues and external stakeholders, turning complex flood information into clear, decision-ready recommendations and leading workshops and site visits to resolve flood-related issues.

For more information about this position, read the full Role Description: Principal Advisor Flooding

What you will bring to the role

• Deep knowledge of floodplain risk assessment methods and floodplain management strategies.
• The ability to ensure hydraulic modelling outputs are clear, defensible and delivered within complex governance and quality assurance frameworks.
• Skill in translating technical flood findings into practical recommendations that planners and decision-makers can act on.
• Proven capacity to balance high workloads, complex data sets, shifting priorities and tight deadlines while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Experience building partnerships and delivering expert advice to multiple stakeholders and communities.
• The leadership to guide, coach and develop a team of up to 8, and to work with the wider DCA to drive team performance and consistent outcomes.

What is an essential requirement

• Appropriate degree level tertiary qualifications in civil or environmental engineering, environmental science, or related discipline and/or relevant demonstrated experience in this field.
• Current NSW Driver’s Licence as the role requires travel.

About Us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

Join us

Applications close Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 11:55PM.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via [e-mail] or [phone] - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.